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European Innovation Council

EIC Accelerator 2026

Flagship European deep-tech scale-up funding for high-risk innovations at technology readiness levels 6 to 8.

Grant and equityDeepTechAIClimateTechSeed

About

What this opportunity supports

Flagship European deep-tech scale-up funding for high-risk innovations at technology readiness levels 6 to 8. Access route: EU Member State and Horizon Europe associated-country startups and SMEs are eligible. Third-country applicants must relocate before the full proposal stage; UK applicants can use the grant-only route. This record is linked to the programme owner’s official source. Confirm the current call, local requirements, consortium structure and application route before investing in an application.

Funding

Grant below €2.5M plus €1M–€10M equity or blended finance

Funding type
Grant and equity
Programme type
International technology programme
Equity requirement
Not stated in the source listing

Who can apply

Startup · SME

Startup stage
Seed · Early Stage · Growth · Scale-up
Registration
International access: Relocate / associated entity · Eligible EU or associated-country SME
Founder lens
Founders · Researchers

Eligibility

Quick interpretation

EU Member State and Horizon Europe associated-country startups and SMEs are eligible. Third-country applicants must relocate before the full proposal stage; UK applicants can use the grant-only route.

Innovative product, service or business model with potential to create or disrupt markets.

Innovation activity is generally at TRL 6 to 8.

Eligibility confidence: 98%
This is a source-led interpretation, not an official eligibility decision. Verify every condition on the official programme website.

Required documents

Prepare before starting

Refer to the live official call for country-specific registrations and required evidence.

Application process

Typical route

  1. Open the official programme or challenge page.
  2. Confirm the current call window and the required local, partner or consortium route.
  3. Submit only through the official application route.

Dates & source

Know what is official

Application windowOpening date not stated
Application deadline2 Sept 2026
Last verified22 Aug 2026 · next source check 23 Aug 2026