EIC funding support 2025: Expert guidance for deep-tech innovators

These opportunities are powerful, but they are also highly selective. Success depends not only on the quality of your idea, but also on how well it’s positioned, structured, and communicated. We help ambitious organisations navigate the complexity of EIC funding and maximise their chances of success. Our team provides strategic advice, expert proposal development, and tailored guidance throughout the entire application process.

What is EIC funding?

The European Innovation Council supports breakthrough innovations with the potential to shape new markets and solve global challenges. Its programmes offer a unique mix of grant funding, equity investment, and business acceleration services, designed to support the entire innovation journey, from early-stage research to market scale-up. More information can be found on our EIC overview page. Here’s a breakdown of the EIC’s four key funding programs:

EIC Pathfinder: Supporting early-stage research with disruptive potential

Pathfinder funds high-risk, high-gain research projects that aim to develop radically new technologies. It’s designed for ideas in the very earliest stages, often with no proof of concept yet.

• Up to €4 million in grant funding
• Technology readiness levels (TRL) 1–4
• Open to research institutions, universities, companies, and consortia

EIC Transition: Bridging the gap between research and demonstration

Transition helps bring early discoveries closer to market by funding prototype development and proof-of-concept activities.

• Up to €2.5 million in grants
• For projects progressing from TRL 3 to 6
• Open to single applicants or small consortia (up to 5 partners)

EIC Accelerator: Funding and equity for market-ready startups and SMEs

Accelerator is the EIC’s flagship instrument for startups and SMEs with disruptive innovations and global ambitions. It combines grant and equity funding with tailored business support.

• Grants of up to €2.5 million
• Equity investments up to €10 million
• Support for TRL 6–9 technologies
• Includes mentoring, investor matchmaking, and business coaching

EIC Scale-Up (STEP): Large investments for high-growth companies

The EIC Scale-Up initiative is designed for deep-tech scale-ups ready to raise significant capital and expand internationally.

• Equity investment of up to €30 million
• Designed for TRL 8–9 innovations
• Access to top-tier investors and corporate partners

How PNO Innovation supports your EIC journey

PNO Innovation offers tailored, end-to-end support for organisations applying to any of the EIC programmes. Whether you’re developing a disruptive idea in a lab or preparing to scale globally, our team is here to help you:

• Identify the right funding track and assess eligibility
• Develop high-quality proposals, aligned with EIC priorities
• Structure complex work plans and budgets
• Build strong, compliant consortia
• Navigate equity structuring (for Accelerator applicants)
• Prepare for the EIC interview with coaching and feedback
• Connect with strategic partners, investors, and innovation networks

Our track record spans dozens of successful EIC submissions, particularly in deep-tech and science-driven sectors. With a multidisciplinary team combining technical expertise and EU funding experience, we help position your innovation for success.

Ready to apply for EIC 2025?

EIC calls are among the most competitive in Europe, but with the right support, your innovation could be next to make the leap. If you’re preparing a proposal or exploring whether the EIC is the right fit, we’d be happy to advise.

Get in touch to discuss your project and take the first step toward securing EIC support.