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EIC Accelerator (grant-only)

EIC Accelerator

Grant-only: lump sum below EUR 2.5m for TRL 6-8 work up to 24 months; blended option adds EUR 1-10m equity. Provided by European Innovation Council (European Commission).

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Key facts

Amount
Grant-only: lump sum below EUR 2.5m for TRL 6-8 work up to 24 months; blended option adds EUR 1-10m equity
Duration
up to 24 months
Type
Grant
Who receives it
Company
Equity
Equity-free
Repayable
No
Stages
Prototype, Pre-revenue, Incorporated
Solo founders
Yes
Full-time required
Unclear
Company required
No
University link required
No
Application languages
EN
Location
Company in EU/associated country (or natural person setting one up there)

Who can apply

  • Single start-up or SME; natural persons setting up an SME may also apply
  • TRL 6-8 innovation with scale-up potential
  • Grant-only available once during Horizon Europe (2021-2027)
  • Short proposal first (any time): 12-page form, 10-slide pitch deck, 3-min video; full proposal only after passing it
  • Company must be set up before signing the grant agreement; max 3 unsuccessful submissions under Horizon Europe

What usually blocks applicants

  • Too early (below TRL 6)
  • No prior proof of market
  • Non-EU entity
  • Weak impact/scale case

What the official documents say

  • Grant-only: max EUR 2,499,999; innovation activities must finish within 24 months (p. 44)
  • Technology must have completed all of TRL 5; grant cannot fund work above TRL 8 (p. 45)
  • Short proposal: 12-page form, pitch deck max 10 slides, video max 3 minutes (p. 38)
  • Short proposal needs GO from 3 of 4 experts; results in about 4-6 weeks (p. 36)
  • Natural persons may apply, but the company must exist before the contract is signed (p. 11)
  • After 3 unsuccessful submissions you cannot reapply under Horizon Europe (p. 50)
Official PDF (EN): EIC Accelerator guide for applicants (Work Programme 2026), version 2025-11-19

Deadline and timing

Next deadline: 4 November 2026

Last 2026 full-proposal cut-off 4 Nov 2026, 17:00 Brussels (only after passing the short stage); short proposals any time, batched first Tuesday monthly. 2027 cut-offs not yet published.

Frequently asked

How much does EIC Accelerator (grant-only) pay?

Grant-only: lump sum below EUR 2.5m for TRL 6-8 work up to 24 months; blended option adds EUR 1-10m equity

Who can apply for EIC Accelerator (grant-only)?

Single start-up or SME; natural persons setting up an SME may also apply TRL 6-8 innovation with scale-up potential Grant-only available once during Horizon Europe (2021-2027) Short proposal first (any time): 12-page form, 10-slide pitch deck, 3-min video; full proposal only after passing it Company must be set up before signing the grant agreement; max 3 unsuccessful submissions under Horizon Europe

When is the EIC Accelerator (grant-only) deadline?

Last 2026 full-proposal cut-off 4 Nov 2026, 17:00 Brussels (only after passing the short stage); short proposals any time, batched first Tuesday monthly. 2027 cut-offs not yet published.

Where do I apply for EIC Accelerator (grant-only)?

On the official page: https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-funding-opportunities/eic-accelerator_en. Applications are accepted in EN.

Do I have to pay back EIC Accelerator (grant-only) or give up equity?

No, it does not have to be paid back. It takes no equity.

Can solo founders apply for EIC Accelerator (grant-only)?

Yes, solo founders can apply.

Sources and verification

Checked on 8 October 2026. Facts read directly from the official source. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.

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