EIC Pre-Accelerator

The EIC Pre-Accelerator is a pilot funding initiative launched by the European Innovation Council (EIC) in collaboration with the Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area (WIDERA) programme. Its mission is to prepare early-stage, high-potential deep-tech startups—specifically those established in “widening countries” (regions in the EU with historically lower innovation investment and capacity)—for market success and later-stage funding such as the EIC Accelerator or private investment.

Objectives

• Advance startups from laboratory stage (TRL 4: technology validated in the lab) to market readiness and demonstration in relevant environments (TRL 5–6).

• Boost innovation competitiveness and close funding/support gaps for deep-tech companies in less-represented EU regions.

• Build capacity for successful applications to EIC Accelerator, Seal of Excellence mechanisms, or other public and private investment sources.

Key Features and Benefits

• Grant Amount: €300,000–€500,000 per project (lump sum).

• Funding Rate: Covers up to 70% of eligible project costs; the company must co-finance the remaining 30%.

• Project Duration: Up to 24 months.

• Total Call Budget: €20 million.

• What’s Funded: Technology maturation, investor/market readiness actions (e.g., business modelling, IP protection, regulatory paths), real-world validation, and growth planning.

• Free Business Acceleration Services (BAS): Access to expert coaching, mentoring, bootcamps, investor matchmaking, and market-readiness events.

• Fast Track to EIC Accelerator: Mid-project review can fast-track successful startups to the EIC Accelerator.

• Seal of Excellence: Strong but unfunded projects get official recognition and BAS access.

Eligibility

• Applicant Type: Single legal entities only (monobeneficiaries; no consortia).

• Entity status: Deep-tech SME or small mid-cap.

• Location: Must be established in a Horizon Europe widening country.

• Technology Readiness: Must have innovation at least validated in the lab (minimum TRL 4).

• Other Requirements: Must hold or have the right to relevant intellectual property, and a credible, milestone-based market entry plan with measurable KPIs.

• Sector: Any deep-tech field (biotech, AI, robotics, materials, etc.).

Timelines & Application

• Opening Date: 12 June 2025

• Submission Deadline: 18 November 2025, 17:00 Brussels time.

• Application Process: Single-stage proposal submitted via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, evaluated by three independent experts.

• Supporting Documents: Technology validation, IP status proof, pathway to market plan with milestones/KPIs.

Expected Outcomes

• Technology advancements: Progress your technology from TRL 4 to TRL 5 or 6 via real-world validation.

• Investor and market readiness: Refine your business model, secure IP, fulfill regulatory requirements, and position for investment or scaling.

• Strategic connections: Gain privileged access to EIC’s networks, partners, and next-stage funding opportunities.