Horizon EIC Accelerator: the €17.5M EU grant + equity programme for deep tech scale-ups

Single-company SME (≤249 employees, ≤€50M turnover), incorporated in an EU member state or associated country. Technology must be high-risk, high-return, with at least TRL 5 (prototype validated in relevant environment). The EIC explicitly funds 'crazy, bold' projects others won't - if your innovation is incremental, you don't fit.

Stage 1 - short application (always-open): 5-page narrative + 3-minute pitch video + slide deck. Outcome: GO/NO-GO, takes ~6 weeks. Stage 2 - full proposal (cut-off dates ~3x/year): 50-page business plan + detailed work plan + financial projections. Outcome: GO/NO-GO + invitation to interview. Stage 3 - pitch interview: 30-minute Q&A with an EIC jury in Brussels.

Three pillars: Excellence (technology, IP position, science behind the innovation), Impact (market size, scalability, EU strategic relevance), and Implementation (team, plan, financial credibility). All three must score ≥4/5. The pitch interview tests whether the team behind the document is the team that can execute - reviewers ask about competitors, market entry, customer acquisition, and 'what keeps you up at night'.

If your project qualifies for equity, the EIC Fund invests directly into your company (typically €0.5M-€15M) at a market-aligned valuation. The Fund acts as a regular VC investor in legal terms but with a public-mission mandate - they're a long-term holder, not a fast-flipper. The grant part is non-dilutive; the equity part is dilutive like any VC round.