FAQs - EIC Strategic Technologies For Europe Platform (STEP) Scale Up Call

Dual-use innovation in the context of EIC calls means an innovation that demonstrates a credible business case addressing demand from both civilian markets and the defence market (including, in particular, procurement by defence market buyers).

Many technologies – even when they are developed purely for civilian purposes – have a dual-use potential, i.e. they can be used for both civilian and defence applications. The specificity of dual-use innovation is that projects are selected on the basis of their capacity to develop dual-use technologies that have a credible business case in both civil and defence markets. 

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   For the purposes of this definition, procurement by civil-security buyers (e.g. police, border management, civil protection, civil defence in the civil-protection sense) constitutes a civilian application and does not, on its own, establish a dual-use business case.

Dual-use innovation in the context of EIC calls means an innovation that demonstrates a credible business case addressing demand from both civilian markets and the defence market (including, in particular, procurement by defence market buyers).

For the purposes of this definition, procurement by civil-security buyers (e.g. police, border management, civil protection, civil defence in the civil-protection sense) constitutes a civilian application and does not, on its own, establish a dual-use business case.

For example, if your technology deals with low-weight advanced materials for aircrafts, your business case should demonstrate available market opportunities in both civilian and defence aviation industry.

The definition of dual-use innovation in the context of EIC calls is broadly aligned with the definition of dual-use items in the context of the Dual Use Export Control Regulation, in as much as they both refer to dual use as targeting both civil and defence applications.

However, the Dual Use Export Control Regulation applies independently of any activities supported by the EIC. Any legal entities – whether supported or not by the EIC – that intends to export dual-use items within the scope of the Dual Use Export Control Regulation is subject to its provisions. 

Similarly, legal entities supported by the EIC are subject to the provisions of the Dual Use Export Control Regulation independently on whether they pursue civil-only or dual-use innovation, if they intend to export dual-use items within the scope of the Dual Use Export Control Regulation. 

Importantly, being a beneficiary of the EIC does not provide any waiver to the application of the Dual Use Export Control Regulation.

Applicants will be able to declare that they submit a proposal for dual-use innovation by ticking a box in Part A of the submission form. 

When doing so, they are expected to describe how their proposal has a credible business case addressing demand from both civilian markets and the defence market. Elements for a credible business case include market size, expected buyers, existence of potential competitors, freedom to operate, security of supply, etc.

It is up to beneficiaries to identify the right documents proving the credibility of their business case for both civil and defence markets. Examples include inter alia: description of contracts with upstream or downstream suppliers and clients, access to testing facilities, IP protection, validation and certification of the technologies, economic analysis, market analysis and business plan.

Applications for dual-use innovation will be assessed against the same set of criteria of excellence, impact and level of risk/implementation/ need for Union support, as established under the Horizon Europe Regulation. 

When assessing the Market Opportunity sub-criterion under the impact criterion, for proposals which are submitted for dual-use innovation by ticking the relevant box in Part A of the evaluation form, evaluators will look specifically at the credibility of the business case for both civil and defence markets.

In particular, evaluators will assess proposals on the basis of their capacity to develop dual-use technologies, i.e. technologies that are designed specifically to address demand from both civil and defence markets. A proposal for a technology that is merely assumed to be used for both civil and defence purpose without further evidence would not be considered as a credible business case.

All other criteria will remain the same for both civil-only or dual-use innovations and there is no preferential treatment for dual use applications.

Submitting a proposal for dual-use innovation does not provide any scoring advantages compared to a civil-only proposal. Applications for dual-use innovation will be assessed against the same set of criteria and do not receive preferential treatment compared to purely civilian innovations.  To note that in general experts will assess the market opportunity therefore addressing a potentially bigger market size could result in a larger  impact.

When applicants submit proposals for dual-use innovation, i.e. by ticking the relevant box in Part A of the evaluation form, they are expected to demonstrate that their technology offers market opportunities in both civil and defence markets. 

When applicants do not tick the box related to dual-use innovation, they are not expected to demonstrate that a credible dual-use business case exists.

No, there is no budget dedicated solely to dual-use innovation. The available budget for STEP Scale up as indicated in the Work Programme does not distinguish between civil-only and dual-use innovation.

Eligible technologies must align with the priority areas defined in the STEP Regulation, which include: 

• Digital and deep tech innovations (e.g., semiconductors, AI, quantum technologies, advanced robotics). 
• Clean and resource-efficient technologies (e.g., solar, wind, hydrogen, energy storage, circular economy solutions). 
• Biotechnologies (e.g., DNA/RNA-based therapies, nanobiotechnology, critical medicinal products). 

These technologies are deemed critical if they either bring innovative and cutting-edge elements to the internal market or contribute to reducing the EU's strategic dependencies.

In the Work Programme 2026, as amended in June 2026, there are no specific restrictions to the participation of associated countries in STEP Scale Up applications for dual-use innovation. The same criteria apply for civil-only and dual-use innovation, both for the STEP Scale Up and for the EIC Accelerator. 

The UK is associated to the full Horizon Europe programme with the exception of the equity instrument of the EIC (i.e. the EIC fund). However, in view of ongoing negotiations regarding a possible association of the UK to the EIC fund, transitional arrangements are now in place for award procedures implementing Union budget for the year 2026 and onwards meaning that entities established in the UK will be treated as entities established in an associated country for the purpose of the EIC Fund, including the EIC Scaleup Europe Fund. Nevertheless, any investment decisions will be conditional on the amendment of the UK association agreement enlarging the association of the UK to include the EIC Fund being applicable at the time of such decision. 

The EIC Accelerator and STEP Scale Up call are very different instruments. The STEP call is for companies focused on a strategic technology area and ready to raise a large funding round (at least EUR 50-150 million). Such companies are expected to have already succeeded with early funding rounds and will need a precommitment of 20% of their targeted funding round from an investor when they apply. This includes both companies that have a pre-existing support or investment from the EIC, as well as companies with no previous EIC support. 

Under the STEP Scale Up call, companies can request equity amounts of between EUR 10 million and EUR 30 million. 

In contrast, the EIC Accelerator is open to any area of technology, does not require a pre-commitment from an investor, and companies can request a maximum of EUR 10 million. As such, the EIC Accelerator is more suitable for earlier-stage companies with smaller funding needs.

If you intend to develop technologies purely for defence purposes, you should apply for the EIC STEP Scale Up Defence call. Eligible technologies under the STEP Scale Up Defence call must align with the priority areas defined in the second STEP Guidance Note , which include as stated before: 

• Air and missile defence 
• Artillery & precision strike 
• Missiles & ammunition 
• Drones & counter-drones 
• Strategic enablers 
• Cyber, AI & electronic warfare 
• Military mobility 
• Ground combat 
• Maritime 
• Air combat 
• Medical (incl. countermeasures) 

Instead, eligible technologies under the EIC STEP Scale Up call must align with the priority areas defined in the STEP Regulation, namely: 

• Digital and deep tech innovations 
• Clean and resource-efficient technologies 
• Biotechnologies 

These technologies are deemed critical if they either bring innovative and cutting-edge elements to the internal market or contribute to reducing the EU's strategic dependencies.

With the amendment to the EIC Work Programme 2026, the EIC STEP Scale Up call may, within the above-mentioned sectors, support potential dual-use applications while advancing civilian uses.

This means that if your technology focuses on cyber-defence for example, then you might have the possibility to either apply for the EIC STEP Scale Up Call (falling under digital and deep tech innovation) if dual-use, or under the STEP Defence Call (falling under “cyber and AI”) if purely defence only. The choice of where to apply depends on the applicant and on the extent on whether the technology classifies as potential dual-use or defence only. 

No, classified information must not be submitted at proposal stage for a STEP Scale Up proposal for dual-use innovation. 

Applicants for dual-use innovation should demonstrate their credible business case without submitting classified documents.

Example: A European start-up developing a breakthrough technology in a strategic area (such as cleantech) needs to raise EUR 100 million to scale up production and expand into global markets. 

• Pre-commitment from an investor: The applicant secures a EUR 20 million pre-commitment from a venture capital fund, meeting the requirement that at least 20% of the total funding round is committed by a single qualified investor. 
• STEP Scale Up investment: The company applies successfully to the EIC STEP Scale Up call and requests an investment of EUR 20 million from the EIC Fund. STEP allows investments between EUR 10 million and EUR 30 million. 
• Catalysing further investment: The EIC Fund works with the company and pre-committed investor to help attract additional investors to complete the EUR 100 million funding round. Other investors contribute EUR 60 million, completing the total funding requirement.

Only companies established in EU Member States or Associated Countries are eligible. When implementing investments, the EIC Fund will ensure that supported companies keep most of their value, including their IP, in the EU or in the Associated Countries in order to contribute to their economic growth and job creation. Where necessary, the EIC Fund will be requested to take appropriate safeguard measures for individual companies on a case-by-case basis in order to protect European interests as defined in the Investment Guidelines. How does the EIC STEP Scale Up call ensure alignment with the EU's strategic interests and economic security? 

The EIC ensures that companies receiving funding under the STEP Scale Up call contribute to the EU's strategic and economic security. The supported companies are required to keep key assets, including IP, within the EU or Associated Countries. Measures may also be introduced be introduced in the EIC Fund investment agreements on a case-by-case basis to protect European interests.

Besides financial investment, selected companies benefit from Business Acceleration Services, which offer tailored support, networking opportunities, and access to expertise and markets to further scale their innovation. 

Successful applicants also receive a Sovereignty (STEP) Seal, facilitating access to additional EU programmes and funding sources.

The evaluation process for the EIC STEP Scale Up call involves several steps: 

a. Proposal Submission: Applicants submit a full proposal (maximum 50 pages), including a full business plan, pitch-deck (maximum 15 pages) in pdf format (this version will be presented to the jury if invited to interview), a pre-commitment (according to the official template), a financial plan, results of the freedom to operate (FTO) analysis, CVs of key personnel. 

b. Eligibility Check: The proposal is assessed to ensure it meets the eligibility criteria, including alignment with STEP priority areas and the requirement for a pre-commitment by a single qualified investor. 

c. Technology Due Diligence: In cases where a Technology Due Diligence report is not already available, this will be conducted by a suitably qualified external expert. 

d. Jury Interview: If the proposal meets the eligibility requirements, the applicant is invited to an interview with a Jury of up to six experts. The interview will focus on various aspects of the proposal, including technological feasibility, market potential, and scale-up strategy. 

e. Evaluation Criteria: Proposals are assessed based on three key criteria: 

✓ Excellence: Innovation – Deep tech and breakthrough nature; Technological feasibility; Intellectual property. 

✓ Impact: Market opportunity; Business model; STEP Impact. 

✓ Risk: Team capability; Risk level of investment; Investment leverage; Risk management. 

f. Decision and Follow-up: After the interview, applicants are informed of the decision within approximately two to three weeks after the week of interviews have finalised. The Jury may provide observations for consideration by the EIC Fund regarding the investment amount or other considerations for the investment decision or management. Accordingly, the Jury may recommend a different investment amount than requested by the applicant in line with the call’s requirements. The relevant information from the successful proposal will be passed to the investment adviser for the EIC Fund, to proceed with the detailed due diligence and, subject to a positive due diligence and subsequent EIC Fund Investment Committee decision, the investment agreement. Proposals selected for funding as well as proposals meeting the evaluation criteria, but which do not receive immediate investment due to budget limitations will be awarded the Sovereignty (STEP) Seal. 

g. Investment Process: Following a successful interview and due diligence, the EIC Fund’s Investment Committee will make a final investment decision, ensuring that the investment aligns with the company's needs and the EIC STEP’s objectives. 

A qualified Investor is an investor — public or private — with demonstrable know-how and experience in the relevant market, technology and jurisdiction, and which has been subject to KYC/AML screening and not considered high-risk. In case of high risk, such an investor can be exceptionally considered qualified if duly justified to protect against risks to economic security. 

Investors who have not undergone a KYC by the EIC Fund or EIF may also provide pre-commitments, but this will be subject to the completion of a KYC during the eligibility checks. The pre-committed investor may be an existing investor in the company and does not necessarily need to be the investor who intends to lead the investment. 

In cases where the pre-committed investor is not the lead investor, the EIC Fund investment will also normally be contingent on the participation of a qualified lead investor, as defined in the EIC Investment Guidelines available on the EIC website.

Proposals can be submitted at any time. Proposals will be batched for evaluation at 17:00 Brussels time on the following dates: (11/02/2026; 06/05/2026; 09/09/2026; 25/11/2026).

An investor can help the SME prepare the application. However, the proposal must be submitted using the PIC (unique identifier) of the applicant SME or small mid cap. The investment agreement will be signed with the investee company.

The EIC STEP Scale Up call applies limitations on the number of unsuccessful submissions of the same/improved proposal by the same legal entity. 

As from 1 January 2026, after three unsuccessful submissions of the same/improved proposal by the same legal entity to the EIC STEP Scale Up call which can be at any stage of the process (eligibility check, interviews), an applicant may not apply again to the EIC STEP Scale Up call under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme.

The Sovereignty (STEP) Seal will be awarded to all proposals that meet the evaluation thresholds in calls contributing to STEP. In the EIC, this concerns proposals under the five Accelerator Challenges included in the 2026 EIC Work Programme as well as the EIC STEP scale-up call. 

The Sovereignty (or STEP) Seal will be awarded irrespective of whether your proposal is retained for funding (to facilitate access to complementary funding sources) or not (to facilitate access to alternative funding sources) – provided that your project meets the evaluation thresholds set out in the call. For the five Accelerator challenges, proposals that reach the 13/15 threshold at the remote stage as well as those reaching the interview will receive the Sovereignty (STEP) Seal. In the STEP call applicants selected for funding and 39 those that meet all evaluation criteria but do not receive immediate investment due to budget limitations will be awarded the Sovereignty (STEP) Seal.

The Sovereignty (STEP) Seal is a quality label awarded to projects that align with STEP objectives and meet the minimum quality criteria set by the relevant calls for proposals. The Seal makes it easier for your project to receive combined or cumulative funding from various EU budgetary instruments, as well as national funding programs. 

Furthermore, projects which were awarded the Sovereignty (STEP) Seal under the EIC are eligible to receive Business Acceleration Services and fast-track access to EUDIS Business Acceleration Services. For more information, see the EIC WP 2026.

The sovereignty (STEP) seal aims to facilitate combined and cumulative funding for projects and will be awarded to projects that meet the evaluation thresholds independent of whether the proposal was selected for funding. Hence, the seal does not guarantee EU funding for your project. However, the sovereignty (STEP) seal aims to increase chances for your project to attract alternative investments by enhancing visibility among investors and facilitating funding by national funding programs, as well as by providing you access to business acceleration services and fast-track access to EUDIS Business Acceleration Services.

The STEP (Sovereignty) Seal is a novelty under STEP and is awarded to STEP projects (which meet the evaluation thresholds) irrespective of whether your proposal is retained for funding. The STEP Seal aims at facilitating funding opportunities for your project from other Union programmes covered by STEP, such as Cohesion Policy funds and the Recovery and Resilience Facility. For more information, see: For investors - European Union (europa.eu) and Inforegio - 2021-2027 Technical seminars (europa.eu) 

The Seal of Excellence (SoE) is a quality label under the Horizon Framework Programmes and is only awarded to projects (which meet the evaluation thresholds) that were not retained for funding due to budgetary constraints. The SoE allows your project to benefit from State Aid exemptions which includes aid up to EUR 2.5 million per SME per research and development project. You can find more information here: How can seal holders use the Seal of Excellence? - European Commission (europa.eu) 

In few cases, both Seals may be awarded simultaneously (this is the case for projects in the STEP-relevant EIC Accelerator Challenges calls which meet the evaluation thresholds but are not retained for funding) in which case the project will benefit from the advantages of both the STEP (Sovereignty) Seal – for example in terms of access to ERDF funding, and the Seal of Excellence – for example in terms of State Aid exemption.

Following the interview, the investment process (including due diligence) typically ranges from 2 to 6 months, depending on the specificities of the case, readiness to fund raise, among others.

Applicants must disclose such information. Each case is assessed individually; however, it is likely to be a reason for disqualification, as the EIC Fund primarily seeks opportunities for future investments.

The principle is to have a pre-commitment, which allows flexibility for potential changes with the fund. A signed Term Sheet, by contrast, is more indicative of an actual investment and is considered a binding document.

There is no minimum TRL requirement. While higher TRL levels are generally encouraged, all cases are assessed on their merits. TRL is not an eligibility criterion.

Both for the EIC STEP Scale Up Call, the EIC STEP Scale Up Defence Call and the EIC Accelerator Call, the applicant must not be in a situation of concurrent submission. Concurrent submission exists when an applicant submits more than one proposal for evaluation to any EIC Accelerator call (including the EIC STEP Scale Up Callor the EIC STEP Scale Up Defence Call) before the evaluation feedback has been provided for the earlier submission. If a case of concurrent submission is identified, only the proposal submitted last (before the deadline) will be taken into consideration, and it will be assessed according to the merits and evaluation criteria of its respective call (Accelerator, EIC STEP Scale Up or EIC STEP Scale Up Defence). 

No, as the EIC Fund will not give equity support to the same company several times. The applicant shall decide on the focus of its application and apply to one of the instruments only.