European Innovation Council (EIC)

Identifying and supporting breakthrough technologies and game changing innovations

The European Innovation Council (EIC) aims at identifying and supporting breakthrough technologies and game changing innovations with the potential to scale up internationally and become market leaders. EIC is organised into three main grant schemes: Pathfinder, Transition and Accelerator.

All of them provide for ‘Open’ funding which can support technologies and innovations in any field without any predefined priority areas. In the case of Pathfinder and Accelerator, this Open funding is complemented by a set of “Challenges” which focus on specific technologies and innovations of strategic interest for the European Union, including to support initiatives such as Net Zero Industry and Critical Raw Materials.

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EIC in short

Intended audience Intended audience

Organisations (primarily SMEs) based in an EU Member State or Associated Country.

Type of funding Type of funding

Public funding.

Total budget Total budget

10.1 billion euro (2021-2027).

European Innovation Council grant schemes

The EIC offers three main grant schemes:

  • Supports early-stage development of future technologies (Technology Readiness Levels 1-4), based on high-risk, high-gain research leading to technological breakthroughs (including deep tech).
  • Covers 100% of project costs, with funding of up to €3 million or €4 million, depending on the project type.
  • Focuses on demonstrating a proof of concept and validating the scientific basis of breakthrough technology.

    • Supports the transformation of research results into innovation opportunities, both technologically and commercially.
    • Proposals must be based on previous EU-funded projects.
    • Covers 100% of project costs, with funding of up to €2.5 million for validating and demonstrating technology in application-relevant environments and preparing for market entry.

 

  • Supports companies in scaling up high-impact innovations with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones.
  • Offers two funding options:
    • Grant only: For projects with a mainly technological focus, requiring a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6-8. Grants range from €0.5 million to €2.5 million.
    • Blended finance: Combines grant funding for activities up to TRL 8 with an optional equity investment. Equity investments are available for activities above TRL 8, with a maximum investment of €15 million.

Is your project eligible for funding?

To qualify for EIC funding, the following criteria apply:

  • Pathfinder:
    • Open to consortia of at least three independent legal entities (e.g. research organisations, universities, SMEs, industry).
    • Entities must be established in at least three different eligible countries, with at least one based in an EU Member State.
  • Transition:
    • Open to single applicants (SMEs, spin-offs, start-ups, research organisations, universities) or small consortia of two to five partners.
    • Application options:
      • Single legal entity: must be based in an EU Member State or Associated Country.
      • Small consortium (two entities): partners must be from two different Member States or Associated Countries.
      • Multi-beneficiary consortium (three to five entities): must include at least one organisation from an EU Member State and two other independent entities from different Member States or Associated Countries.
  • Accelerator:
    • Open to individual start-ups, SMEs (including spin-outs), and individuals intending to launch a start-up/SME.
    • Small mid-caps (up to 500 employees) can apply for rapid scale-up funding (TRL 9), but only for the investment component.
    • Applicants must be established in an EU Member State or Associated Country.

35+
SMEs supported for EIC funding yearly

+50
innovation business plans developed

How can we help you with your European Innovation Council application?

Our experts can review and shape your innovation project, ensuring it aligns with EIC requirements. We also provide comprehensive support in preparing a strong application for EIC funding.

A few of our EIC funding experts

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