The EIC Accelerator funds deep-tech startups and SMEs developing breakthrough innovations with high risk and high potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones, providing up to €2.5M in non-dilutive grant (plus equity option) to bridge the gap to commercial scale-up. It exists to de-risk transformative technologies that struggle to attract private investment alone, supporting them from TRL 5/6 through to market readiness.

- Eligibility: Single SME/start-up or individual intending to establish one; must be based in EU Member State or associated country (UK grant-only). - Technology Readiness Level: TRL 5/6 or above envisaged; project must demonstrate a clear path to market. - Innovation: Game-changing, science-based, breakthrough; must create new markets or disrupt existing ones. - Risk: High technological, market, or regulatory risk that deters private investors. - Team: Ambition, commitment, and capability to scale. - Impact: Potential for European and global market creation, societal benefit, and job growth. - Scalability: Clear business model and growth strategy. - Evaluation stages: Step 1 (short proposal) – remote evaluation; Step 2 (full proposal) – expert panel; Step 3 (interview) – jury of investors and entrepreneurs.

Past winners include deep-tech startups in biotech, AI, clean energy, and advanced materials. Archetypes: spin-outs from EU research institutes, early-stage companies with strong IP and validated prototypes, often with a scientific founder and a clear commercial plan. Named examples not on page, but typical winners have raised follow-on funding and demonstrate traction (e.g., clinical trials, pilot partnerships).

A deep-tech startup with a breakthrough innovation at TRL 5-7, backed by strong scientific evidence and IP, targeting a large market with high societal impact. The team combines technical expertise with business acumen, has a clear scale-up plan, and can articulate how the innovation creates a new market or disrupts an existing one. The applicant should be an EU-registered SME or committed to relocating.