The European Innovation Council received 1083 full applications from start-ups and SMEs for the EIC Accelerator 8 November cut-off. Blended finance continues to be in high demand – 666 companies (61% of total applicants) requested grants combined with equity investments. 148 companies asked for grant only and 269 companies applied for grant first, with a possibility of equity investments at a later stage.
17% of the total proposals were submitted by companies with female CEOs. The applicants come from 39 different countries, with the highest number of participants coming from Germany, France, and Israel. 14% of applications originate from widening countries.
Proposals are now being evaluated by independent experts. Successful companies will then be invited to pitch in front of a jury of investors and business experts in January, with selection decisions expected by the end of February.
For more information visit the EISMEA website here