EIC Accelerator is dedicated to: Start-ups and SMEs seeking to scale up high impact; innovations with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones Innovations building on scientific discovery or technological breakthroughs (‘deep tech’); Innovations where significant funding is needed over a long timeframe and are too risky for private investors alone 
Who can apply? Single company classified as SME (or “small mid-cap” – up to 500 employees – for investment component only) established in EU Member State (MS) or Associated Country (AC) One or more natural persons or legal entities – intending to establish an SME or a small mid-cap in a MS/AC by the time of signing the contract – intending to invest in an SME or small mid-cap in a MS/AC, who may submit the proposal on behalf of that SME or small mid-cap and who have a prior agreement with the company. Contract only with beneficiary company! – from a (non-AC) third country, intending to establish or relocate an SME to a MS or AC by the time of submitting a full application. Company most prove effective establishment. Union interest needs to be met.
| INVESTMENT COMPONENT | GRANT COMPONENT | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| minimum EUR 0.5 million and maximum EUR 15 million | maximum EUR 2.5 million | |||
| usually in the form of direct equity or quasi-equity | eligible costs are reimbursed up to a maximum of 70% | |||
| maximum 25% of the voting shares of the company | - innovation activities supported should be completed within 24 months | |||
| “patient capital” principle (7-10 years perspective on average) | small mid-caps are not eligible for grant (but can apply for investment only) |
EIC Accelerator Open 2022
| Total budget | Proposals (indicative) | Funding rate | Opening | Deadlines | Length of the proposals | Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| €630.9 million | Up to €2.5 million | 100% eligible costs | 1st March 2022 | Multiple cut-offs: • 23rd March 2022 • 15 June 2022 • 5th October 2022 | 17 pages proposal | 1) Single start-ups and SMEs (including spin-outs), 2) Individuals (intending to launch a start-up/ SME) and in exceptional cases small mid-caps (fewer than 499 employees) |
EIC Accelerator Challenges 2022
| Total budget | Proposals (indicative) | Funding rate | Opening | Deadline | Length of the proposal | Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| €536.9million | Up to €2.5 million | 100% eligible costs | 1st March 2022 | Multiple cut-offs: • 23rd March 2022 • 15 June 2022 • 5th October 2022 | 17 pages proposal | 1) Single start-ups and SMEs (including spin-outs), 2) Individuals (intending to launch a start-up/ SME) and in exceptional cases small mid-caps (fewer than 499 employees) |