How to Successfully Apply for the EIC Accelerator: A Step-by-Step Guide for Innovative SMEs
Jul 10, 2025
The EIC Accelerator is a flagship funding programme of the European Innovation Council (EIC), offering vital support for start-ups and SMEs with breakthrough innovations. It provides substantial EU funding in the form of grants, equity, or blended finance, helping high-potential companies scale globally.
However, the EIC Accelerator application process is detailed and highly competitive. Understanding each step and meeting strict requirements is key to success.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to apply for the EIC Accelerator in 2025, explain who can apply, and outline the key mistakes to avoid. We’ll also show how AI grant writing tools can give your application a significant edge.
What is the EIC Accelerator?
The EIC Accelerator is part of the Horizon Europe programme and targets deep tech companies with high-risk, high-impact innovations that have the potential to:
Create new markets
Disrupt existing industries
Contribute to societal and environmental goals
Why Should You Apply?
Access up to €2.5 million in grant funding and up to €15 million in equity investment.
Get expert coaching from the EIC’s Business Acceleration Services.
Receive exposure to European and international investors.
Open vs. Challenge Calls
You can apply to:
Open Call: For innovations in any field.
Challenge-Driven Calls: Focused on strategic areas like Generative AI (GenAI4EU), advanced materials, biotechnology, space infrastructure, and future mobility.
(Source: EIC Accelerator Guide for Applicants, V.5.0, 2024)
Who Can Apply?
You are eligible if you are:
A start-up or SME from an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.
A small mid-cap (up to 499 employees) under specific conditions.
A company needing blended finance or investment only for rapid scale-up (TRL 9 activities).
Important:
UK companies are only eligible for grant-only support.
You cannot have concurrent submissions or active EIC Accelerator projects, with specific exceptions.
Key Stages of the EIC Accelerator Application Process
1. Short Proposal
Submit a 12-page written proposal, a 3-minute video, and a pitch deck (up to 10 slides).
Evaluation is binary: at least 3 out of 4 experts must give a GO to proceed.Results typically take 4-6 weeks.
2. Full Proposal
Submit a comprehensive business case, work plan, financial plan, and additional documents.
Proposals are evaluated by three remote experts.
Requires a new pitch deck and optional updated video.
3. Face-to-Face Interview
If successful in the remote evaluation, present your proposal to a jury of investors, entrepreneurs, and innovation experts.
The interview lasts 45 minutes: a 10-minute pitch followed by a 35-minute Q&A.
4. Final Outcome
Successful applicants receive grant agreements and/or begin investment negotiations.
Unsuccessful but high-quality proposals may receive a Seal of Excellence or STEP Seal for alternative funding opportunities.
(Source: EIC Accelerator Guide for Applicants, V.5.0, 2024)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many promising companies fail due to these common issues:
Weak market alignment: Insufficient analysis of target markets and competitors.
Incomplete Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Minimum TRL 6 is required.
Unrealistic financial projections: Inconsistent or overly optimistic funding requests.
Poor video and pitch deck quality: Weak storytelling and lack of clarity.
Failure to justify the need for EU support: You must demonstrate why EIC funding is essential.
How AI Can Support EIC Applications
Understand the TRL Requirements: Ensure your project is demonstrably at TRL 6 or higher.
Craft a Compelling Video: Clearly communicate your vision, impact, and team strengths in the 3-minute video.
Leverage AI Grant Tools: Use AI platforms to automate consistency checks and optimise proposal language.
Prepare Thoroughly for the Interview: Anticipate tough questions from investors and experts.
Demonstrate the Need for EIC Support: Clearly justify why your project cannot secure full private funding at this stage.
Conclusion
The EIC Accelerator offers one of the most powerful EU funding opportunities for SMEs ready to scale transformative innovations. While the application process is detailed and highly selective, understanding the steps and using the right tools can greatly enhance your chances.
At Cogrant we help SMEs navigate the EIC Accelerator with precision and speed through AI-powered grant writing support and funding discovery tools. To explore personalised funding matches, visit our Cogrant platform or contact our team for tailored advice.