The EIC Accelerator supports innovative start-ups and SMEs with high-potential technologies that can create new markets or disrupt existing ones, typically at TRL 6-8, and that have strong ambitions to scale internationally. Funding combines a grant of up to €2.5 million for innovation activities with an equity investment of €1-10 million, either as blended finance or investment-only, alongside coaching, mentoring and access to business networks.

The programme is open both to EIC Accelerator Open proposals in any technology field and to Challenge proposals addressing predefined strategic topics; in 2026, the respective budgets are €414 million and €220 million.

The application process has three main stages: a short proposal, a full proposal, and an EIC Jury interview. Short proposals can be submitted continuously, while full proposals are evaluated on fixed 2026 batching dates, including 2 September and 4 November 2026.

Overall, the EIC Accelerator is particularly suitable for deep-tech companies that have already validated their technology and are ready to move towards commercialisation and large-scale growth, but still face significant technological or market risks that make conventional private financing difficult.