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[EIC] Stage 1: EIC Accelerator Challenge
- Single SMEs or startups based in EU Member States or Associated Countries (including the UK) under Horizon Europe. -UK companies can only apply for the grant - Other eligible countries eligible for blended finance - Companies must own the intellectual property of the innovation they are developing. - The innovation should be market-ready or close to commercialisation and require significant funding to scale. (TRL6+) - Applicants must be willing to co-finance the remaining 30% of project costs if receiving a grant.
Next deadline
Closes: 7 October 2026 (expected)
Strong applications take weeks to build. Start now.
What it funds
- Single SMEs or startups based in EU Member States or Associated Countries (including the UK) under Horizon Europe. -UK companies can only apply for the grant - Other eligible countries eligible for blended finance - Companies must own the intellectual property of the innovation they are developing. - The innovation should be market-ready or close to commercialisation and require significant funding to scale. (TRL6+) - Applicants must be willing to co-finance the remaining 30% of project costs if receiving a grant.
Who it suits
- Single SMEs or startups based in EU Member States or Associated Countries (including the UK) under Horizon Europe. -UK companies can only apply for the grant - Other eligible countries eligible for blended finance - Companies must own the intellectual property of the innovation they are developin…
- Life sciences & health
- Clean energy & net zero
- Manufacturing & materials
- Feasibility
- Late stage & scale-up
Programme specifications
Considering [EIC] Stage 1: EIC Accelerator Challenge?
Talk through your project with a specialist and find out whether this is the right competition before you invest time in an application.