EIC Accelerator
European Innovation Council (Horizon Europe) funding instrument, not a cohort accelerator. It gives single startups and SMEs in EU and associated countries grants below EUR 2.5M and/or direct equity investment of EUR 1-10M for high-risk deep tech innovation. Applications pass through a short proposal, a full proposal and a jury interview.
At a glance
EIC Accelerator key facts
- Deal terms
- Grant below EUR 2.5M and/or EUR 1-10M equity or quasi-equity via the EIC Fund (blended finance)
- Format
- Remote
- Headquarters
- Brussels, Belgium
- Cohort locations
- European Union
- Stage
- seed, series a, series b
- Sectors
- deep tech, climate, health, hardware
- Application cycle
- short proposals any time; full proposals at roughly bimonthly cut-offs
Verified November 3, 2026 against the sources below. Terms change; confirm on the official site before applying.
Timing
2026 full-proposal cut-offs: 7 Jan, 4 Mar, 6 May, 8 Jul, 2 Sep, 4 Nov 2026 (5pm Brussels). 2027 dates not yet published.
FAQ
Applying to EIC Accelerator
- How much does EIC Accelerator invest?
- EIC Accelerator's standard deal: Grant below EUR 2.5M and/or EUR 1-10M equity or quasi-equity via the EIC Fund (blended finance).
- When is the EIC Accelerator application deadline?
- Application cycle: short proposals any time; full proposals at roughly bimonthly cut-offs. 2026 full-proposal cut-offs: 7 Jan, 4 Mar, 6 May, 8 Jul, 2 Sep, 4 Nov 2026 (5pm Brussels). 2027 dates not yet published.
- Where is EIC Accelerator based?
- EIC Accelerator is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The program runs remote.
Preparing answers? Our accelerator application tips cover what reviewers look for.
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