The EIC Accelerator focuses in particular on innovations building on scientific discovery or technological breakthroughs (“deep tech”) and where significant funding is needed over a long timeframe before returns can be generated (“patient capital”). 

DATE FOR SUBMISSION 

• Short application: any time
• Full application upon invitation after approval of the short application in 2022: 23 March, 15 June, 05 October

ABOUT THE CALL

The EIC Accelerator focuses in particular on innovations building on scientific discovery or technological breakthroughs *(“deep tech”) and where significant funding is needed over a long timeframe before returns can be generated (“patient capital”).

The EIC Accelerator is for innovators with ground-breaking concepts that could shape new markets or disrupt existing ones in Europe and worldwide.

EIC Accelerator helps you develop your business concept further into a market-ready product, service or process aligned with your company's growth strategy. Activities could, for example, include product/service development, trials, prototyping, validation, demonstration and testing in real-world conditions and market replication.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5/6 or above is required.

Project duration for grant component: up to 24 months (TRL 5/6 – TRL 8).

Project duration for investment component: tbd during investment agreement negotiations (TRL 9 and beyond).

WHO - ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

The EIC Accelerator is a mono-beneficiary scheme. Single SMEs (Small and Medium sized Enterprises), including young companies and start-ups, from any sector. You must be established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country.

In exceptional cases and for rapid scaleup purpose only (TRL 9) small mid-cap companies with up to 500 employees may apply for investment component only.

CO-FUNDING BUDGET

The EIC Accelerator provides a unique combination of funding from €0.5 to €17.5 million and Business Acceleration services (BAS).

Types of funding:

• Maximum €2.5 million for grant (70% co-financing)
• From €0.5 to €15 million for equity investment only
• From €0.5 to €17.5 million for grant and investment funding (blended finance)

ELIGIBLE COSTS

• Personnel Costs
• Other Direct Costs
  • Travel (travel + accommodation)
  • Equipment depreciation
  • Other goods and services (material costs, external services)
• Subcontracting Costs (may be an essential part of the project implementation activities, but should not be a disproportionate part of the total estimated eligible costs)
• Indirect Costs – 25 % of direct costs (subcontracting excluded)

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process consists of 5 steps

• Step 0: Discovery / Diagnostic modules
• Step 01: Short application (5-page form, pitch deck, video presentation)
• Step 02: Preparation of full application
• Step 03: Submission and remote evaluation
• Step 04: Face-to-face interviews

Novelty in 2022:

Broadened definition of female-led companies beyond the CEO position (extended with CSO, CTO).

The Challenges in 2022:

• Technologies for Open Strategic Autonomy
  • Components, technologies and systems for the pharmaceutical industry
  • Strategic healthcare technologies
  • Sustainable and innovative approaches, including circular approaches to critical raw materials (CRM)
  • New applications of quantum technologies
  • Edge computing applications
  • Innovative applications making use of data and signals from EU space infrastructures
  • Development of space technologies
  • Critical security technologies
  • Technologies for innovative financial and payment infrastructures and services
• Technologies for ‘Fit for 55’:
  • Higher clean energy conversion and use
  • Decarbonisation of hard-to-abate industries
  • Energy efficiency and safety in the built environment
  • Zero emission mobility solutions
  • Climate neutrality in the land use
  • Water, gas and indoor air management/monitoring systems
  • Green digital technologies.