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European Innovation Council

[EIC] Stage 1: EIC Accelerator Open

Included in Unlimited Plan*

- 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 not equity funding - Non-UK companies that are eligible will be able to apply for the grant and equity funding - 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.

Award
€2.5 million
Single applicants welcomeClosing soon

Next deadline

Closes: 7 October 2026 (expected)

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Official programme page

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 not equity funding - Non-UK companies that are eligible will be able to apply for the grant and equity funding - 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 not equity funding - Non-UK companies that are eligible will be able to apply for the grant and equity funding - Companies must own the in…

  • Any sector
  • Feasibility
  • Late stage & scale-up

Programme specifications

Award band£1m+
FunderEuropean Innovation Council
RegionUK-wide
Partners requiredNo
Next deadline7 October 2026
Key sectors
Any sector

Considering [EIC] Stage 1: EIC Accelerator Open?

Talk through your project with a specialist and find out whether this is the right competition before you invest time in an application.