Programme finder (3/3)

What for: taking forward breakthrough deep tech projects with a high degree of scientific and technological ambition and risk and potential to create a new market

• Who can apply: Consortia of at least 3 different independent legal entities established in different countries or single applicants (Pathfinder Challenges only)
• Stage (TRL): TRL 1–4, aiming to reach TRL 3–4
• Funding: Grants of up to EUR 4 million, booster grants (EUR 50 000), coaching & mentoring, networking.

Who should apply

You should apply if you are looking for support from EIC Pathfinder Open to realise an ambitious vision for radically new technology, with potential to create new markets, respond to societal needs and/or to provide solutions for global challenges.

Go to EIC PATHFINDER

What for: Mature and validate your novel technology as well as improve market readiness (incl. business plan) for specific applications with high market potential.

• Who can apply: Single applicants (SMEs, spin-offs, start-ups, research organisations, universities) or consortia (minimum 2, maximum 5 legal entities).
• Stage (TRL): TRL 3–4  aiming to reach TRL 5–6
• Funding: Up to EUR 2.5 million of grants and additional booster grants for ongoing projects. Access to a wide range of tailor-made Business Acceleration Services (BAS)

Who should apply

If your team has a lab-validated result and needs support to build a real-world demonstrator and business plan, Transition is your bridge to commercial viability.

Go to EIC TRANSITION

What for: develop and scaleup innovations with the potential to create or disrupt markets (TRL 6-8). Patient capital principle.

• Who can apply: single start-ups and SMEs, individuals intending to launch a SME and small mid-caps (can apply for equity only).
• Stage (TRL): TRL 4–5 (validated in lab, not yet market-tested)
• Funding: individual grants between 500 thousand and 1 million EUR in 2027 call (300-500 thousand EUR in 2025 call), coaching & mentoring, networking for a maximum period of 2 years.

Who should apply

Founders in emerging EU innovation ecosystems with a validated concept that need early validation in preparatio n o a application to the  full EIC Accelerator.

Go to EIC PRE-ACCELERATOR

What for: Startups with functional prototypes ready to commercialise and grow.

• Who can apply: SMEs, startups, or founders (with intent to incorporate)
• Stage (TRL): TRL 4–6, aiming to reach TRL 7–8
• Funding: grant component below EUR 2.5 million. Up to € 10 million of equity investments, coaching & mentoring, networking.

Who should apply

Companies (principally SMEs, including start-ups) to scale up high impact innovations with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones

Go to EIC ACCELERATOR

What for: support high-risk, demand-driven deep tech innovation with transformative potential especially in areas where there is lack of commercial uptake.

• Who can apply: start-ups, SME or research performing organisation (university, research or technology organisation, including teams, individual Principal Investigators and inventors)
• Stage (TRL): TRL 4–6, depending on Challenge
• Funding: €300,000 lump sum (stage 1), up to €2.5 million lump sum (stage 2), coaching & mentoring, networking

Who should apply

Innovations that aligns with high-impact EU missions and needs focused support through an ARPA-style, staged approach

Go to EIC ADVANCED INNOVATION CHALLENGES

What for: catalysing major funding rounds to scale up breakthrough innovations in the fields of digital, deep tech, clean tech & biotech.

• Who can apply: single startups and SMEs, small mid-caps, investors on behalf of eligible companies.
• Stage (TRL): TRL 9+ (ready to expand)
• Funding: investment component of EUR 10 - 30 million in equity

Who should apply

Companies who already secured an initial investment, and are looking to raise a major funding round to scale up rapidly and become a global leader

Go to STEP SCALE UP