Maximise Your Innovation Potential with EIC Accelerator Grant Funding
If you're a startup or SME with a breakthrough idea that could reshape your industry or disrupt global markets, the EIC Accelerator Grant could be the catalyst you need to turn innovation into commercial success.
This funding scheme supports businesses with:
- High-impact, game-changing products, services, or business models
- Clear potential to scale across Europe and globally
- Ambitious teams seeking significant investment to de-risk innovation
Whether you're developing next-gen cleantech, biotech, AI, or advanced manufacturing solutions, the EIC Accelerator grant fund offers tailored support.
What is the EIC Accelerator Grant?
The EIC Accelerator is a flagship funding programme under Horizon Europe, designed to support startups and SMEs with the potential to scale globally across Europe including the UK to develop cutting-edge innovations
Struggling to Secure EIC Funding? We Can Help.
You’ve got an innovative idea, cutting-edge technology, or a groundbreaking business but securing funding to bring it to life is a different challenge altogether. The EIC Accelerator Grant is designed to support ambitious startups and SMEs, yet many businesses struggle to access it due to:
- Complex Application Requirements – The process is rigorous, highly competitive, and demands exceptional proposals.
- Time-Consuming & Resource-Intensive – Preparing a successful application requires market research, technical documentation, and financial projections.
- Low Success Rates – With thousands of applicants, only the strongest proposals secure funding.
This is where we come in. We make the process seamless, improving your chances of success with expert-led strategy and support.
Why Partner with Us for Your EIC Grant Application?
Our team of academic experts has helped innovative businesses secure over £125M in non-dilutive funding.
Here’s how we set you up for success:
Expert-Led Strategy & Proposal Development
- We guide you through every stage, from eligibility assessment to submission.
- Our grant specialists craft a persuasive, high-quality proposal tailored to EIC’s funding criteria.
Higher Approval Rates, Greater Funding Success
- Our strategic approach ensures your application meets key evaluation benchmarks.
- We increase your likelihood of success by 20X.
Access to Exclusive Funding Opportunities
- Beyond the EIC Accelerator, we identify additional funding sources to maximise your growth potential.
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Success Stories: Innovators Who Secured Funding with Us
“I never realised how much money we could reclaim. Their guidance made our R&D claim simple and transparent. We now have extra funds to invest in our new product line.”
“The process seemed daunting at first, but the expert help we received ensured that our claim was accurate and maximised our benefits. It’s been a game-changer for our cash flow.”
“With the extra cash from our R&D tax relief claim, we were able to upgrade our lab equipment. The entire process was explained in simple terms, making it easy for us to understand and act upon.”
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the EIC Accelerator, it’s essential to confirm whether you meet the eligibility requirements. This fund is designed for bold, innovative businesses with strong potential to scale.
Who Can Apply?
You can apply for EIC Accelerator funding if you are:
- A single startup or SME established in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country (UK)
- An individual or team intending to establish an eligible company by the time of the grant agreement
This includes businesses that are:
- Developing a high-risk, high-impact innovation
- Able to demonstrate a clear route to market
- Ambitious and committed to scaling at pace
Additional Requirements
- Your innovation should be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 or above at the time of application
- You must show the market potential and societal impact of your solution
Not Eligible?
If your project is still in early-stage research (TRL 1–4), you may be more suited to other Horizon Europe programmes such as the EIC Pathfinder.
Why GrantUp?
Securing funding through the EIC Accelerator is highly competitive with rigorous evaluation processes, detailed application requirements, and intense scrutiny from both technical and financial experts. That’s where Grant Up comes in.
We specialise in helping startups and SMEs prepare standout applications that increase funding success.
Results That Speak for Themselves
We specialise in helping startups and SMEs prepare standout applications that increase funding success.
Why Should You Apply?
Securing an EIC Accelerator grant can be a turning point for your business. It’s not just about the funding it’s about credibility, growth potential, and access to a powerful network of support.
Key Advantages | Industry-Specific Benefits |
|---|---|
 Non-dilutive grant funding – up to €2.5 million without giving away equity | Artificial intelligence and deep tech |
De-risked innovation – secure funding for high-risk ideas private investors avoid | Clean energy and climate tech |
Global scaling potential – supports international expansion and market entry | Life sciences and medtech |
Improved credibility – EIC selection adds major validation, even if unsuccessful | Advanced manufacturing and robotics |
Access to expert coaching – benefit from tailored support to refine your strategy | Aerospace, agri-tech, and mobility |
How Long Does the EIC Accelerator Grant Process Take?
One of the most common questions we get is: "How long does it take to secure EIC funding?" While timelines vary, here’s a general breakdown:
Step 1: Crafting Your Short Proposal
- A strong summary answering key EIC questions
- A professional 10-slide pitch deck (PDF)
- A high-impact 3-minute team video
Once submitted, EIC expert evaluators assess it on a rolling basis. You’ll receive feedback in 4–6 weeks. If successful, you’ll be invited to submit a full proposal.
Step 2: Building Your Full Proposal
When you get a GO, we support you in preparing a full business plan and submitting through the Funding & Tenders Portal. This includes:
- A detailed business plan
- A refined pitch deck
- A new or updated 3-minute video
Your full proposal will be evaluated by three EIC experts, with results expected in 8–9 weeks.
Step 3: Preparing You to PitchBuilding Your Full Proposal
If your full proposal is approved, we’ll coach your team for the final jury interview. This includes:
- Pitch training and Q&A preparation
- Interview strategy and presentation refinement
The jury interview happens within 4–5 weeks of approval, with results in 2–3 weeks
Step 4: Navigating Grant and Investment Negotiations
We’ll guide you through the final steps:
For grant-only awards: Support through Grant Agreement signing and pre-financing.
Why Work With Us?
We don’t just help you apply – we become your strategic partner across the entire EIC Accelerator journey. From storytelling and financial modelling to pitch training and investor prep, we increase your chances of success at every stage.
What Can It Be Used For?
One of the biggest advantages of the EIC Accelerator is its flexibility. The grant and equity funding can be used to cover a wide range of activities that help you develop and scale your innovation.
Eligible Costs for Grant Funding
All costs must be directly related to your innovation’s development and must be justified in your proposal.
The EIC Accelerator is one of the most competitive innovation funding schemes in Europe but with the right strategy and support, your chances can significantly improve.
At GrantUp, we’ve helped ambitious teams craft successful applications by focusing on what evaluators truly care about
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EIC Accelerator Grant?
The EIC Accelerator is a funding programme under Horizon Europe that supports startups and SMEs with breakthrough innovations. It offers up to €2.5 million in grant funding.
What is the funding rate for the EIC Accelerator?
The EIC Accelerator provides up to 70% of eligible project costs as a grant, with the remaining 30% expected to come from private investment or company funds.
What is an accelerator grant?
An accelerator grant is financial support designed to help startups and SMEs develop and scale high-impact innovations. Unlike traditional business grants, accelerator grants focus on market-driven innovations with strong commercial potential. Not sure if the EIC Accelerator is right for you? Speak to our experts at Grant Up for tailored advice.
How to apply successfully to the EIC Accelerator?
The application process is highly competitive, and success depends on strategic positioning, clear commercial potential, and a strong innovation case. GrantUp has helped clients secure millions in EIC funding book a consultation to improve your chances.
What is the success rate of the EIC Accelerator?
The EIC Accelerator is highly competitive, with success rates typically below 10%. However, well-prepared applications have a much higher chance of success. Our team at GrantUp helps applicants refine their proposals, increasing their likelihood of securing funding.
What are the evaluation criteria for the EIC Accelerator?
Applications are assessed based on three key criteria:
- Excellence – Is the innovation groundbreaking and technically feasible?
- Impact – Is there strong market potential and societal value?
- Implementation – Does the team have the capability and plan to execute successfully?
Aligning your application with these criteria is essential. Grant Up’s experts can guide you through this process to maximise your score.
What level of technology readiness is needed for the EIC Accelerator?
Applicants should have a technology at TRL 5 or higher, meaning the innovation must have been validated in a relevant environment. Unsure if your project qualifies? Contact GrantUp for an eligibility review.
What are the key supplier evaluation criteria?
The EIC assesses suppliers and partners based on:
- Technical expertise and innovation capability
- Financial and operational stability
- Regulatory compliance and risk management
- Capacity to support project scalability
Your choice of suppliers and partners can impact your application. GrantUp can help ensure your consortium meets EIC requirements.
Your time is better spent building your business.
We make the process seamless, improving your chances of success with expert-led strategy and support.
Turn Disruptive Ideas into Market Leaders with the EIC Accelerator Grant
Our team of experts is ready to help you navigate the complex world of EIC Accelerator Grant. We will:
- Review your current projects
- Identify all eligible costs
- Prepare a robust research and development claim
- Ensure you receive the maximum benefit from the scheme