The programme
The European Innovation Council (EIC) is Europe's flagship programme for identifying, developing and scaling disruptive technologies and innovations. After a pilot phase, the EIC was established as part of the Horizon Europe programme. It has a budget of €10.1 billion.
It supports ground-breaking innovations throughout their life cycle, from early-stage research to proof of concept, technology transfer, funding and the ramp-up of start-ups and SMEs.
Programme priorities
The European Commission has adopted the 2025 work programme of the European Innovation Council (EIC), allocating more than €1.4 billion to support deep tech research and high-potential start-ups. A major new feature is improved access to capital funding for scale-up through the STEP (Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform) Scale-up scheme.
Policy guidelines from the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen "Europe's competitiveness will depend on the advent of a new era of invention and creativity. This means putting research and innovation at the heart of our economy. To achieve this, we will expand the ERC and the EIC.
A major development and novelty in 2025 is the introduction of an EIC STEP Scale-up call aimed at providing greater investment to companies to develop certain critical technologies, such as digital and deep tech, clean and resource-efficient technologies, and biotechnology. This call is being introduced as a pilot project and includes a number of new features, including a shortened evaluation process and a link to additional support via venture loans offered by InvestEU's implementing partners.
Financing instruments - budget and deadlines
EIC Pathfinder
for multi-disciplinary research teams to undertake visionary research with the potential to lead to technology breakthroughs
Pathfinder challenge: biotech for plant based manufacturing, generative AI in Cancer, autonomous robot, waste-to-value devices
Grants up to €4 million
Budget: €262m
EIC Transition
to turn research results into innovation opportunities, following up on results generated by EIC Pathfinder projects, European Research Council Proof of Concept projects and open to project results from Horizon collaborative projects from Pillar 2/ societal challenges
Grants up to €2.5 million
Budget: €98m
EIC Accelerator
for start-ups and SMEs to develop and scale up innovations with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones
Accelerator Challenge: advanced material, biotechnology, GenAI4EU, Innovative in-space servicing, future mobility
Grants below €2.5 million, investments from €0.5 to €10 million
Budget: €634m
The EIC Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP)
Scale Up will provide additional equity funding to promising companies (SMEs, start-ups, spin-offs and small mid-caps) driving innovation in critical areas to help them secure larger private co-investment for further scaling their businesses
Investments from €10 to €30 million
Budget: €300m
For further information:
How can Scinnov help you?
Scinnov offers full support to applicants throughout the funding process. With extensive experience in EIC applications, our services include:
- Strategy and alignment of subsidies : Ensure that your project meets the objectives and criteria of the EIC as defined in the annual work programmes.
- Preparing the financing package: Drafting of technical, administrative and budgetary documents.
- Examination and validation : In-depth review of submitted documents, including peer review.
- Project management : Assisting your internal team with grant and consortium agreements, reports, amendments, deliverables, milestones, etc.
Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the LIFE programme, ensuring that your proposal is competitive and has an impact.
Need help with your project?
Our team will help you define your needs so that we can offer you the most appropriate service.
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