EIC Accelerator 2025 – What is It?

The EIC Accelerator, a flagship funding program under Horizon Europe, is a golden opportunity for innovative UK startups and SMEs developing deep-tech, high-risk, high-potential solutions. With grants of up to €2.5 million, this program provides non-dilutive funding to help businesses bring groundbreaking technologies to market.

For UK applicants, the 2025 program remains accessible under a grant-only model, as UK businesses are not eligible for the blended finance (grant + equity) option. If you’re a startup looking to scale your innovation and secure funding, here’s what you need to know about eligibility, the application process, and key deadlines.

Who Can Apply?

The EIC Accelerator is designed for startups and SMEs that meet specific criteria. To qualify, an applicant must be:

• A single SME or startup registered in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country, which includes the UK.
• A single small mid-cap (up to 499 employees) (but only for investment, which UK companies cannot access).
• An individual entrepreneur or founder who intends to establish an SME before signing the grant agreement.

Sole traders are not eligible—a company must be formally registered before funding is awarded.

For UK applicants, there are some limitations:

• Only grant funding (up to €2.5 million) is available.
• The blended finance option (grant + equity investment) is not accessible.
• UK applicants must co-fund 30% of the total project costs.

Despite the restriction on equity funding, securing non-dilutive capital through the EIC Accelerator can significantly de-risk early-stage innovation and open doors to additional private investment.

What Kind of Projects Get Funded?

The EIC Accelerator is designed to support breakthrough innovations that have the potential to transform industries. Eligible projects should:

• Address a significant problem or unmet market need with a deep-tech solution.
• Be at least at TRL 6, meaning the technology has been tested in a relevant environment and is progressing toward commercialization.
• Have strong potential for global scalability and contribute to economic, societal, or environmental impact.

Projects in fields such as AI, biotechnology, clean energy, health tech, quantum computing, and advanced materials are often highly competitive for funding.

Key Deadlines and Application Timeline for 2025

The EIC Accelerator follows a two-stage application process. The short proposal can be submitted at any time, while the full proposal is subject to specific cut-off dates.

All applications must be submitted through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

How to Apply?

Step 1: Short Proposal Submission (Rolling Deadline)

The first stage is a concise application that allows evaluators to assess the project’s potential. It requires:

• A 3-minute video pitch featuring the CEO or founder explaining the business and its innovation.
• A 10-slide pitch deck (PDF) outlining the technology, market opportunity, and growth strategy.
• An online application form providing an overview of the company and solution.

The evaluation process takes four to six weeks, after which successful applicants are invited to submit a full proposal.

Step 2: Full Proposal Submission (March 12 & October 1, 2025)

If the short proposal is approved, the next step involves submitting a detailed business plan covering:

• A comprehensive explanation of the innovation and its competitive advantage.
• A market and competition analysis demonstrating commercial viability.
• A financial plan, justifying the need for grant funding.
• An updated pitch deck, further refining the proposal.

Following this, shortlisted applicants must present their case in a live jury interview before final funding decisions are made.

How Much Funding Can You Receive?

The EIC Accelerator grant covers 70% of eligible project costs, with a maximum award of €2.5 million. This means that:

• If your project costs £500,000, the grant will cover £350,000, and your company must contribute £150,000.
• If your project costs €1 million (~£860,000), the grant will provide €700,000 (~£600,000), and your company funds the remainder.

For larger projects, companies may need to seek additional private investment alongside the EIC grant.

What Makes a Strong Application?

The EIC Accelerator is highly competitive, with thousands of applicants across Europe. To stand out, successful applications typically:

• Present a radical innovation with deep-tech potential, rather than an incremental improvement.
• Clearly demonstrate a strong market need, backed by customer insights and validation.
• Show a credible route to market, detailing a go-to-market strategy and revenue model.
• Highlight a strong, experienced team with the technical and business expertise to execute the plan.
• Provide realistic financial projections, proving the company’s ability to co-fund the project and scale beyond the grant.

For UK applicants, securing additional private investment can further strengthen the application and enhance credibility with evaluators.

Why Should UK Startups Apply?

Even without access to the EIC’s equity funding, the EIC Accelerator grant is one of the most prestigious and competitive funding opportunities for deep-tech startups. The program provides:

• Non-dilutive grant funding, allowing startups to scale without giving away equity.
• Business Acceleration Services, including mentoring, networking, and investor introductions.
• Global credibility, boosting a startup’s reputation and attracting further investment.

For startups working on cutting-edge innovations with global potential, securing an EIC Accelerator grant can be a game-changer, providing critical funding to accelerate growth, de-risk commercialization, and establish market leadership.

How to Get Started?

Applying for EIC Accelerator funding is a strategic process that requires careful planning. To improve your chances of success:

1. Check your eligibility—ensure your company meets the SME definition and technology readiness requirements.
2. Prepare a compelling short proposal—develop a concise, persuasive pitch deck and video that capture the essence of your innovation.
3. Start preparing your full proposal early—if invited, having a strong business plan, market strategy, and financial case is crucial.
4. Seek expert guidance—working with specialists who understand the EIC evaluation criteria can improve your application’s strength.

For UK startups with high-impact, high-risk innovations, the EIC Accelerator grant remains a rare and valuable funding opportunity. If you’re considering applying and need guidance, reach out today for expert support in crafting a winning proposal.

📩 Contact us to start your application journey.