The EIC Accelerator is the European Innovation Council's main funding programme, part of Horizon Europe, specifically designed for start-ups and SMEs developing innovations with major European and global impact. Through this instrument, companies can turn innovative ideas and technological breakthroughs into a product, service or process ready to be brought to market in the shortest possible time.<\/p>\n
The programme is mainly aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises, including start-ups, spin-offs and scale-ups from all EU Member States, including Romania, as well as individuals who intend to set up a company. In exceptional circumstances, mid-cap companies with fewer than 500 employees are also eligible. Romanian companies are fully eligible, as in all EU Member States, with no additional restrictions.<\/p>\n
The amount of EIC Accelerator funding varies according to the needs of the project. The non-reimbursable grant can be up to a maximum of \u20ac2.5 million, to which an equity component of between \u20ac500,000 and \u20ac10 million can be added, depending on the funding model chosen. Companies can opt for grant-only, equity-only, grant first or a mix of grant and equity. The funding offered is a combination of grant funding and direct equity investment in the company, not including any form of loan or bank guarantee.<\/p>\n
Eligible project activities include prototype development and validation, field testing, technology demonstrations, market replication and preparation for large-scale production. Eligible costs cover the direct costs related to these activities, such as the costs of personnel involved in research and development, subcontracting essential to the realisation of the project, materials and consumables, external testing and validation services, operating costs directly linked to the objectives of the project, as well as indirect costs calculated on the basis of direct costs.<\/p>\n
The application procedure involves a competitive three-step process. Initially, companies submit a short application, which can be submitted at any time. If this is selected, this is followed by submission of a full proposal by one of the deadlines, which in 2025 are 12 March and 1 October. After the technical evaluation, the highest scoring projects are invited to a pitch and Q&A session in front of an international jury in Brussels, which will decide on the final funding.<\/p>\n
The EIC Accelerator includes both open calls, with no predefined themes and open to any technology area, and Challenge calls, which target strategic areas of European interest, including the development of advanced materials, biotechnologies for sustainable food systems, generative artificial intelligence, space technologies for EU infrastructure and innovative solutions for the mobility of the future.<\/p>\n
In addition, as of 2025, the programme includes the EIC Pre-Accelerator, aimed at deep-tech startups in countries lagging behind in research and innovation, including Romania, offering grants of up to \u20ac500,000 to develop a solid business base and prepare for subsequent application to the Accelerator.<\/p>\n