🧬 In-depth Presentation of EIC Accelerator 2025
The EIC Accelerator 2025 is a highly competitive European programme that supports innovative SMEs and startups developing high-impact technologies, particularly those based on scientific or technological breakthroughs (deep tech).
The programme aims to fund and accelerate innovations with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones.
💶 What is funded:
The programme offers a combination of grant and equity financing, along with access to business acceleration services. Specifically:
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Grant only funding up to €2,500,000, provided as a lump-sum contribution through a grant agreement.
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Equity only financing, typically in the form of direct equity investments or quasi-equity such as convertible loans, under an investment agreement.
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Blended finance (grant + equity) for projects that require both types of support.
📌 30% of the co-financed eligible costs covered by the grant must be funded through the beneficiary’s own resources.
🏢 Who can apply:
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Innovative SMEs and startups based in EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries
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Companies with technologies at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) ≥ 5, meaning tested in a laboratory or relevant environment
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Organisations with scaling potential and the ability to attract additional private investment
🧭 Two application streams:
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EIC Accelerator Open – non-thematic, open to proposals in any field of technology or application
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EIC Accelerator Challenges – focused on predefined strategic and emerging technologies
📅 Submission Deadlines:
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Opening date: 29 October 2024
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Closing date: 18 December 2025
💰 The total indicative budget for this call is €634 million, including:
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€384 million for the EIC Accelerator Open
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€250 million for the EIC Accelerator Challenges Additionally, €348 million are allocated for equity financing through the EIC Fund, with the possibility of further increases from unspent amounts from previous work programmes.
⚙️ Additional benefits:
All successful proposals gain access to a wide range of customised business acceleration services, such as: Coaching, mentoring, investor matchmaking, and partnership development Integration into the EU innovation ecosystem
🤝 How AFS can support you
AFS fully manages the entire application process for the EIC Accelerator — from initial eligibility assessment, to proposal drafting and submission, ensuring a high-quality and strategic application.
👉 Contact us today to begin the preparation process. A grant under this programme is available only once per company — don’t miss the opportunity.
