Does your startup or SME have a disruptive innovation with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones? The EIC Accelerator, the flagship programme of the European Innovation Council under Horizon Europe, funds high-risk technology projects (TRL 6-8) that private investors alone are unwilling to back.

Who can apply?

• Single start-ups and SMEs (including spin-outs), from EU Member States or countries associated to Horizon Europe.
• Small mid-caps (up to 499 employees) in need of rapid scale-up, for the investment component only.
• Natural persons or legal entities willing to set up an SME or mid-cap.

What can you get?

• Grant: a lump sum of up to €2.5 million, to be completed within 24 months (awarded only once during the 2021-2027 period).
• Investment: between €1 and €10 million, either blended (grant + direct equity or quasi-equity such as convertible loans) or investment-only if your company doesn't need the grant.
• Access to coaching, mentoring, global partners and Business Acceleration Services (BAS).

Two application routes:

• EIC Accelerator Challenges: for projects matching the predefined 2026 topics (total budget: €220 million).
• EIC Accelerator Open: for projects in any field of technology (total budget: €414 million).

Upcoming full proposal batching dates in 2026: 8 July, 2 September and 4 November.

The process, in 3 steps: short proposal (12-page form + pitch deck + 3-min video) → full proposal (20 pages + interview with a technology expert) → final interview with the EIC Jury.

Need help preparing your application?
At DIGIS3, we support companies in Castilla y León with high-potential technology projects to assess whether the EIC Accelerator fits their development stage, and to prepare the technical and financial documentation needed to apply with confidence.