634 million EU grant for start-ups

If the figures seem significant, however, one has to compare Europe's research and innovation expenditure with that of its main competitors (US and China).

To keep up, the European Union should increase its next research and innovation budget to EUR 220 billion, more than double the current amount invested in Horizon. Considerations shared by Michiel Scheffer, chairman of the board of the European Innovation Council: "The EIC," he says, "is concerned about the low success rates of funding applications that are caused by budget limitations rather than by the quality of proposals. It would be necessary to double the budget to reach an adequate number of beneficiaries'.

The Eic Accelerator programme for 2025 is designed as a tool close to the operational logic of the market, with a highly competitive process, aimed at supporting companies in developing disruptive business models. Fundable activities include experimentation, prototyping, validation, demonstrations, testing under real-life conditions and market replication. A technology maturity level (Trl) of 5/6 or higher is required for technological innovations. The focus of the programme is on innovations based on scientific discoveries or revolutionary technologies, with the aim of accelerating the growth of companies and facilitating their access to strategic investments. The presence of women founders and in the management of companies guarantees higher scores. For example, in the event of a tie between two proposals, companies with more women at the helm are favoured.

Applications for the programme can be submitted through two main channels: Eic Accelerator Open, open to proposals from any technology or application area, and Eic Accelerator Challenges, focused on emerging and strategic technology areas. The Open Call mode offers a maximum grant of EUR 2.5 million and an equity investment ranging between EUR 0.5 and 10 million. In total, a budget of EUR 384 million has been earmarked for the Open Call.

The selection of proposals consists of three stages. Applicants must initially submit a three-minute pitch in video format and a summary of the innovative concept. These short proposals can be submitted at any time. After a preliminary evaluation, the most promising projects will be invited to submit a full dossier, to be submitted by 12 March or 1 October 2025. Subsequently, the selected projects will participate in an interview with an independent jury of experts, which will take place approximately 8-9 weeks after the deadline dates.

In addition to the Open Call, 2025 will see the implementation of five specific challenges under the Eic accelerator challenges, with a total budget of EUR 250 million. These challenges address crucial topics, including the development and scale-up of advanced materials, low-emission food systems driven by biotechnology, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI4EU), innovations for resilient space infrastructures and disruptive technologies for the mobility of the future.

In total, the Eic Accelerator 2025 programme has a budget of EUR 634 million, plus the new Step Scale-up scheme, with an initial funding of EUR 300 million for 2025, which will grow over the following two years. The Step scheme aims to support more significant investments in strategic technologies, strengthening the European Union's technological autonomy.

To be successful in the application, companies must demonstrate innovation capable of creating new markets or revolutionising existing ones, a clear ambition for international growth and in-depth knowledge of the target market. A detailed business and financial plan is essential to convince the jury.

Winners of the programme will benefit not only from direct funding, but also from coaching, mentoring and acceleration services, as well as the opportunity to access European and international markets through increased visibility and strategic connections with investors and other entrepreneurs. The selection will conclude with a presentation and Q&A session in front of a jury in Brussels, offering the selected companies a unique opportunity to establish themselves globally.

On 3 October, the European Innovation Council received 1,211 complete applications from start-ups and SMEs for the Eic Accelerator, marking the highest number of applications since the programme was launched. In total, companies applied for EUR 8.875 billion in funding. Interest in mixed financing (grant and equity) continues to be high, with 74% of participants (898 companies) requesting a combination of grant and equity investment.

An important development is the increasing participation of women: 32% of the proposals were submitted by companies led by women, with female figures in the roles of CEO, CTO or Cso.

Not only innovation. The European Innovation Council has just published its recommendations on environmental, social and governance (ESG) policy. The aim is to foster the integration of ESG principles in the European deep tech sector. The board emphasises the leading role of the EIC in promoting responsible innovation in deep tech and supporting start-ups and SMEs in aligning to the reporting principles of the new European standards. The board announces the development of an Eic-specific ESG policy and the full inclusion of the principles in investment decisions. At the same time, the EIC will deploy specific technical assistance and training tools.

The author is an entrepreneur, innovation manager and selected jury member of the Eic Accelerator.