Apply for EIC Accelerator (Former SME Instrument)

This scheme supports European innovators! This means startups and high-risk and high-potential SMEs which are willing to develop and commercialise new products, services and business models that drive economic growth and shape new markets or disrupt existing ones in Europe and worldwide.

Moreover, the programme is open to innovations in any field of technology and supports the later stages of technology development (>TRL5) as well as scale up. 

Selected companies receive funding and optional equity. In addition, they are offered business coaching and mentoring to scale up their innovation idea and get extra acceleration services to connect with investors, corporates and likeminded entrepreneurs.

All proposals are evaluated based on three award criteria:

• Excellence: The project must have high innovation potential and be beyond the state of the art. It has a strong added-value, it is viable and better than existing solutions.
• Impact: The innovation meets a pressing need on the European and global markets. It can generate revenue and create jobs as well as it has an international dimension.
• Implementation: The work plan is efficient and coherent with a realistic time-frame. Your team has the technical and commercial competence to deliver.

The applicants with the highest overall assessments will be invited to pitch to a panel of experienced investors and entrepreneurs who will decide whether or not a grant will be awarded.