The European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme 2025, established under the Horizon Europe framework (2021-2027), outlines the EU’s strategic plan for promoting breakthrough technologies and game-changing innovations across Europe. With a funding budget exceeding €1.4 billion for 2025, this programme targets researchers, startups, SMEs, scale-ups, and investors to foster high-impact innovations that align with the EU’s objectives in green transition, digital transformation, and strategic autonomy. Through a combination of grants, investments, and specialized services, the EIC aims to support pioneering technological advancements and scale up promising companies across the EU.

The document provides comprehensive guidance on the EIC’s available funding schemes, application processes, and selection criteria, aiming to streamline access to resources for high-risk, high-reward initiatives. It also covers additional support mechanisms such as the EIC’s Business Acceleration Services, which include access to coaching, mentoring, expertise, and partnerships within the innovation ecosystem.

Index of Content

1. Introduction
   • Strategic Goals and Key Performance Indicators
   • Overview of the 2025 Work Programme
   • Key Features of EIC Support
   • Outlook for 2026 and Future Years
2. EIC Pathfinder
   • EIC Pathfinder Open
   • EIC Pathfinder Challenges
     • Biotech for Climate Resilient Crops and Plant-Based Biomanufacturing
     • Generative-AI Agents for Medical Diagnosis and Cancer Treatment
     • Autonomous Robot Collectives for Construction Environments
     • Waste-to-Value Devices for Circular Production
3. EIC Transition
   • Support for Technology Validation and Business Plan Development
4. EIC Accelerator
   • EIC Accelerator Open
   • EIC Accelerator Challenges
     • Advanced Materials Development and Upscaling
     • Biotechnology for Low-Emission Food Production
     • GenAI4EU: European Generative AI Champions
     • In-Space Servicing and Resilient EU Space Infrastructure
     • Innovations in Future Mobility
5. EIC Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Scale Up Call
   • Investment Opportunities for Strategic Technologies
6. Business Acceleration Services
   • EIC Business Coaches
   • EIC Community and Women Leadership Programme
   • Investors’ Outreach Activities
   • Ecosystem Partnership Programme & ESG Promotion
   • Participation in Trade Fairs
   • Global Soft-Landing Programme
7. EIC Prizes
   • European Prize for Women Innovators
   • European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital)
8. Other Actions
   • Honoraria and Expenses for the EIC Board
   • External Expertise for Monitoring and Ethics
   • Communication, Outreach, and IT Systems
   • Danish and Polish Presidency Conferences
   • Women TechEU Initiative
   • Expert Group on EIC Plug-In Scheme
9. Annexes
   • Estimated Indicative Budget
   • General Conditions
   • Fast Track Scheme for EIC Accelerator
   • Pilot Plug-In Scheme for EIC Accelerator
   • Booster Grants for Pathfinder and Transition Awardees
   • Intellectual Property Provisions for Pathfinder and Transition

This structured roadmap provides guidance for potential applicants on funding avenues, eligibility criteria, and support services available through the EIC Work Programme, designed to foster cutting-edge technology and business growth within the EU.

1. Introduction

The Introduction section of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme 2025 outlines the EIC’s strategic approach and core objectives for the year 2025, including its goals, key performance indicators, and an overview of the available funding schemes and support mechanisms. This section serves as a guide for prospective applicants to understand the scope, priorities, and operational framework of the EIC, helping them align their projects with the EIC’s mission of fostering breakthrough innovations and scaling up impactful technologies across Europe.

Strategic Goals and Key Performance Indicators

The EIC’s strategy for 2025 revolves around six core goals designed to track and measure the programme’s success, with specific key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned to each goal. These goals are intended to guide the EIC’s investments and operations towards:

1. Becoming the Investor of Choice – Attracting visionary entrepreneurs and researchers, including underrepresented groups such as women innovators and those from less-developed ecosystems.
2. Crowding in Investment – Bridging a critical funding gap to stimulate between EUR 30-50 billion in European deep-tech investment.
3. Supporting High-Risk Technologies – Targeting strategic areas crucial to societal needs and the EU’s autonomy in critical technologies.
4. Increasing European Scale-Ups and Unicorns – Aiming to grow European startups and SMEs to a level that competes globally, particularly with the USA and Asia.
5. Catalyzing Innovation from Public Research – Building partnerships to harness research and commercialize innovations across the EU.
6. Achieving Operational Excellence – Improving EIC processes to meet the expectations of applicants, investors, and stakeholders.

The EIC Board reviews and reports on progress against these KPIs in annual impact reports, ensuring transparency and accountability in how funds are allocated and innovations are supported.

Overview of the 2025 Work Programme

The EIC’s 2025 Work Programme includes four primary funding schemes, each targeting a different stage in the innovation cycle:

1. EIC Pathfinder – Focused on funding early-stage, high-risk research to develop the scientific basis for transformative technologies.
2. EIC Transition – Supporting projects in validating technologies and preparing business plans for market readiness.
3. EIC Accelerator – Aiding startups, SMEs, and small mid-caps in bringing innovations to market, particularly those requiring scale-up support.
4. EIC Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Scale Up – Prioritizing scale-up funding for digital, clean, resource-efficient, and biotechnology innovations critical to European strategic goals.

Each scheme provides financial support paired with non-financial services such as coaching, mentoring, and networking, helping awardees to scale up and navigate the innovation landscape successfully.

Key Features of EIC Support

The EIC offers a combination of direct financial support and supplementary Business Acceleration Services, extending beyond just funding. This approach is designed to help beneficiaries:

• Access Coaching and Mentorship – Beneficiaries receive bespoke guidance from industry experts to refine business strategies, accelerate development, and prepare for market entry.
• Engage in Proactive Project Management – EIC Programme Managers are actively involved in overseeing funded projects, setting milestones, and providing resources to ensure the progression of high-potential innovations.
• Foster Collaborative Portfolios – Beneficiaries are grouped into thematic or challenge-based portfolios, facilitating knowledge sharing, regulatory guidance, and further development across similar innovation areas.

Outlook for 2026 and Future Years

Looking forward, the EIC anticipates continuity in its main funding calls while exploring improvements based on the 2025 programme’s outcomes. Insights gained through EIC Programme Managers, policy shifts, and the mid-term Horizon Europe review will inform adjustments, with a particular focus on refining the STEP Scale-Up pilot and aligning challenges with evolving EU policy priorities.

The Introduction section thus establishes the EIC’s overarching goals and sets a foundation for understanding how the Work Programme’s different components work together to advance Europe’s innovation ecosystem strategically.

2. EIC Pathfinder

The EIC Pathfinder section in the European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme 2025 focuses on advancing high-risk, early-stage research that has the potential to underpin breakthrough technologies. Through two main funding streams—EIC Pathfinder Open and EIC Pathfinder Challenges—the Pathfinder programme targets visionary projects aiming to disrupt existing industries or create entirely new fields. This initiative is dedicated to fostering radical innovations through interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting novel technologies that have transformative potential but require scientific advancements to reach feasibility.

2.1 EIC Pathfinder Open

EIC Pathfinder Open is a broad funding call supporting transformative projects across any field of science, technology, or application, without pre-set thematic restrictions. It encourages researchers and innovators to propose high-risk, high-reward projects that pursue novel, science-driven ideas with the potential to lead to new markets or address critical societal challenges.

• Key Objectives:
  • Encourage ambitious visions for radically new technologies.
  • Support early-stage development (Technology Readiness Levels 1 to 4).
  • Promote interdisciplinary research teams that include a mix of scientific and technological expertise.
• Funding Scope:
  • Grants of up to €3 million per project.
  • Focused on validating scientific concepts, achieving proof-of-concept, and laying the foundation for future technological advances.
  • Supports the early-stage experimentation and exploration necessary for high-potential technological breakthroughs.
• Eligibility:
  • Open to collaborative research consortia, each with at least three legal entities from three different countries, including at least one EU Member State.
  • Research organisations, universities, SMEs, and startups are eligible to participate.
• Expected Outcomes:
  • Proof of principle for the proposed technology, demonstrating its feasibility and the scientific basis for potential further development.
  • Projects should ideally result in top-level scientific publications, open-access dissemination of findings, and adequate protection for intellectual property.

2.2 EIC Pathfinder Challenges

The EIC Pathfinder Challenges funding stream targets specific areas of strategic interest, focusing on challenges with the potential to deliver high-impact innovations that address societal needs or critical industrial sectors. Each challenge under this scheme is overseen by a dedicated EIC Programme Manager who coordinates portfolio activities, identifies common goals, and ensures that projects move toward achieving shared objectives.

The 2025 EIC Pathfinder Challenges include:

1. Biotech for Climate-Resilient Crops and Plant-Based Biomanufacturing:
   • Supports projects using biotechnology to develop resilient crop strains or plant-based solutions for sustainable biomanufacturing.
   • Aims to address climate change impacts on agriculture and reduce dependence on synthetic and resource-intensive production methods.
2. Generative-AI Based Agents for Medical Diagnosis and Cancer Treatment:
   • Seeks innovative AI-driven tools and agents that can assist in diagnosing and treating cancer with high accuracy and efficiency.
   • Focuses on the development of generative AI technologies that can enhance medical diagnostics and personalize cancer treatment pathways.
3. Autonomous Robot Collectives for Dynamic Construction Environments:
   • Supports the development of robot collectives that can work autonomously in unstructured construction environments.
   • Aims to enhance productivity and safety in construction through collaborative robotics capable of adapting to dynamic conditions.
4. Waste-to-Value Devices for Circular Production of Renewable Fuels, Chemicals, and Materials:
   • Funds projects that explore technologies to convert waste into renewable fuels and other valuable resources.
   • Focuses on fostering circular economy principles, particularly for renewable energy and sustainable chemical production.

• Funding Scope:
  • Grants of up to €4 million per project, with higher amounts possible if justified by the scope of work.
  • The total indicative budget for Pathfinder Challenges is €120 million, allocated approximately evenly across the four thematic areas.
• Eligibility:
  • Open to both single applicants and consortia, with smaller consortia (minimum of two legal entities) eligible for participation.
  • Emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve the scientific and technological breakthroughs required by each challenge.
• Expected Outcomes:
  • Development of new solutions aligned with each challenge’s goals, supported by scientific validation and initial proof of concept.
  • Projects are expected to result in open-access scientific publications and IP protection to promote future development and commercialization.

Additional Support and Resources for EIC Pathfinder Projects

EIC Pathfinder projects benefit from a range of support services beyond funding, intended to accelerate project progress and increase the chances of future commercialization:

• Business Acceleration Services – Awardees receive access to tailored coaching, mentoring, and networking opportunities to help refine their business models and market strategies.
• Booster Grants – Pathfinder projects are eligible for additional funding (up to €50,000) to explore commercialization pathways or collaborate with other EIC-funded initiatives.
• Fast-Track and Transition Opportunities – Successful Pathfinder projects can apply for follow-up EIC Transition or Accelerator funding, often with an expedited evaluation process to help advance promising technologies to market-readiness.

The EIC Pathfinder program represents a strategic component of the EIC’s 2025 agenda, channeling resources and support toward high-risk, visionary projects that have the potential to define the future of Europe’s innovation landscape.

3. EIC Transition

The EIC Transition section of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme 2025 is designed to bridge the gap between early-stage research and market-ready innovations. This programme supports the further development, validation, and commercialization of promising technologies initially supported under the EIC Pathfinder, FET (Future and Emerging Technologies) Open, and other related research initiatives. EIC Transition focuses on projects that have achieved scientific breakthroughs but require additional support to demonstrate their practical application and market viability.

The EIC Transition programme is structured to aid single applicants or small consortia in refining technological innovations, developing market strategies, and creating robust business plans that can attract additional funding or investment. Through this support, the EIC aims to advance European competitiveness in high-impact innovation areas.

Key Objectives of EIC Transition

The EIC Transition programme is focused on validating new technologies in relevant environments and preparing them for commercial application. Its primary objectives are to:

1. Validate Technology Feasibility – Demonstrate that the technology can function effectively in real-world, application-specific settings, advancing it from Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3-4 to TRL 5-6.
2. Develop Business and Market Readiness – Establish a comprehensive business model and market-entry plan that considers product development, customer needs, regulatory requirements, and other commercial factors.
3. Accelerate Time-to-Market – Enable technologies to reach market maturity faster by supporting all necessary steps, including prototyping, market analysis, and the formation of key partnerships.

Funding Scope

• Grants: Projects are eligible for grants of up to €2.5 million, which cover costs related to technological validation, prototype development, market analysis, and preliminary business planning.
• Indicative Budget: For 2025, the EIC Transition programme has an indicative budget of €98 million, aiming to fund projects that demonstrate the potential to transform their research results into viable products, services, or industrial applications.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

To qualify for EIC Transition funding, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and align their proposals with the programme’s goals:

1. Eligibility Criteria:
   • Single applicants: Open to individual entities, including SMEs, startups, spin-offs, research organisations, and universities.
   • Small consortia: Projects can also be implemented by consortia of two to five legal entities, which can come from the same or different Member States or associated countries.
2. Project Requirements:
   • Technology Readiness: Projects should start at TRL 3-4 and aim to achieve TRL 5-6 by the end of the funding period.
   • Market Orientation: Proposals should include a clear plan for market validation and customer identification, as well as strategies for overcoming regulatory and certification challenges.
   • Link to Previous Funding: EIC Transition is available to projects that previously received funding from the EIC Pathfinder, FET Open, or related Horizon 2020 initiatives. This requirement ensures that supported projects have a foundation of scientific or technological proof of concept that can be further developed.

Expected Outcomes

Projects funded by EIC Transition are expected to deliver:

1. Validated Prototypes: Technological validation in relevant environments, showing that the prototype is ready for further development towards market deployment.
2. Business and Commercialization Plans: A detailed business strategy, market-entry plan, and intellectual property management strategy. This includes identifying potential customers, partners, and investors, as well as a roadmap for scaling up and market expansion.
3. Pathways to Additional Funding: Projects should be well-positioned for subsequent rounds of funding or investment, whether through EIC Accelerator, private investors, or other public funding sources.

Additional Support Services for EIC Transition Projects

In addition to financial grants, EIC Transition projects receive access to a range of support services aimed at maximizing their market readiness:

• Business Acceleration Services (BAS): Participants have access to tailored coaching, mentoring, and networking opportunities, helping them refine their business strategies and connect with potential partners, clients, and investors.
• Fast-Track to EIC Accelerator: Projects that achieve significant progress and demonstrate strong commercial potential may be eligible to apply directly for EIC Accelerator funding, using a streamlined fast-track process.
• Booster Grants: Projects may be eligible for additional booster funding (up to €50,000) to address specific challenges, such as further market testing, regulatory compliance, or additional IP protection.

Evaluation and Selection Process

EIC Transition proposals are evaluated based on a tailored assessment process designed to identify high-potential technologies and innovations. The evaluation process includes:

1. Remote Evaluation: Proposals are initially reviewed and scored by independent experts according to criteria such as technical excellence, impact potential, and project feasibility.
2. Jury Interview: Top-ranked applicants are invited to participate in a jury interview, where they present their project’s technical and market readiness, strategic alignment with EIC goals, and potential for commercialization. Decisions at this stage are made on a binary “GO/NO GO” basis.
3. Seal of Excellence: High-scoring proposals that cannot be funded due to budget limitations may receive a Seal of Excellence. This award indicates that the project meets EIC’s standards and may help it secure alternative funding.

EIC Transition in the European Innovation Landscape

The EIC Transition programme plays a critical role within the broader European innovation framework by supporting projects that have already achieved scientific breakthroughs but need targeted resources to reach commercial viability. It forms a vital bridge in the innovation pipeline, ensuring that high-potential research does not remain underdeveloped due to gaps in funding or market preparation. Through this programme, the EIC seeks to enhance Europe’s competitiveness by fostering a robust ecosystem of deep-tech companies ready to scale, compete, and address pressing global challenges.

In summary, EIC Transition empowers projects to advance from initial proof-of-concept to application-ready technologies, providing a pathway for impactful innovations to reach markets and deliver societal and economic benefits across Europe.

4. EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator program, as detailed in the European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme 2025, is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and small mid-cap companies with high-impact, high-risk innovations that are ready to scale. The Accelerator targets advanced projects that are close to market entry or expansion, providing a combination of grant and equity funding to help these companies bring their innovations to market, scale up, and achieve commercial success.

The EIC Accelerator focuses on both “Open” calls, allowing projects across any sector, and thematic “Challenges” calls, which prioritize specific strategic areas relevant to the EU, such as green and digital technologies, biotech, and space innovations.

Key Objectives of the EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator aims to provide funding and support to innovative SMEs and startups with high growth potential, addressing key objectives such as:

1. Supporting High-Risk Innovations – Assisting companies with groundbreaking technologies that face high risk and would struggle to secure private investment alone.
2. Accelerating Time-to-Market – Enabling fast-tracking of innovations from development to market introduction, helping companies establish a competitive foothold.
3. Boosting European Competitiveness – Enhancing Europe’s position as a leader in deep-tech and strategic technology sectors, ultimately driving economic growth and technological sovereignty.

Funding Scope

The EIC Accelerator offers a unique blended finance model, comprising two primary components:

1. Grant Component:
   • Provides funding up to €2.5 million per project to support innovation activities reaching Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 6 to 8.
   • Designed to cover eligible costs related to product development, regulatory compliance, and validation.
2. Investment Component:
   • Offers equity investments between €0.5 million and €10 million for scaling up activities, including market deployment and commercialization.
   • For 2025, the EIC also introduced a new STEP Scale Up pilot call (detailed below) under the investment component, supporting larger investments (€10-30 million) in critical technology areas.
3. Grant-Only and Investment-Only Options:
   • Grant-only funding is available for companies needing support for innovation activities up to TRL 8.
   • Investment-only funding is offered to companies that have reached TRL 9 and seek to scale up without requiring additional grant support.

EIC Accelerator Open vs. EIC Accelerator Challenges

The EIC Accelerator provides two distinct types of calls to cater to a broad range of innovations and sectors:

1. EIC Accelerator Open:
   • Available to projects from any sector or industry without predefined thematic constraints.
   • Focuses on breakthrough technologies and high-risk innovations, fostering diverse applications across technology fields.
2. EIC Accelerator Challenges:
   • Targets specific strategic areas and technologies aligned with EU priorities. The 2025 challenges include:
     • Advanced Materials Development: Supporting the acceleration of advanced materials for industrial scaling.
     • Low-Emission Food and Feed Biotechnology: Focusing on biotechnological innovations that reduce emissions in food and feed production.
     • GenAI4EU: Building European leadership in generative artificial intelligence (AI) through high-potential AI-driven innovations.
     • Space Infrastructure and Robotics: Advancing space servicing and operational technologies for resilient EU space capabilities.
     • Future Mobility: Encouraging groundbreaking innovations in mobility, including autonomous, electric, and sustainable transport solutions.

Each EIC Accelerator Challenges call includes targeted objectives, encouraging innovators to address pressing societal and technological needs within these priority sectors.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Eligibility for the EIC Accelerator is restricted to high-risk, high-potential innovators, with specific criteria for applicants:

1. Eligibility Criteria:
   • Open to single applicants, specifically startups and SMEs (including spin-offs), as well as individuals intending to create a startup or SME.
   • Small mid-caps (up to 499 employees) may apply, but only for the investment component in limited cases.
2. Application Process:
   • Short Applications: Prospective applicants can submit a short application at any time, consisting of a 5-page description, a pitch deck, and a video.
   • Full Applications: Following a positive evaluation of the short application, applicants are invited to submit a full application. Full applications have two submission deadlines in 2025: March 12 and October 1.

Expected Outcomes

Projects funded under the EIC Accelerator are expected to produce measurable results that advance the company’s position in the market, including:

1. Market-Ready Products: Validation and scaling of innovative products, processes, or services that have demonstrated significant market potential.
2. Increased Investment and Scaling Opportunities: The goal is to attract private investment, facilitating the scaling and market penetration of supported companies.
3. Strengthened IP Positioning: IP management and protection strategies to ensure competitive advantage and secure commercialization potential.

Additional Support Services for EIC Accelerator Awardees

In addition to financial support, the EIC Accelerator offers a comprehensive suite of Business Acceleration Services (BAS), designed to optimize the growth and market readiness of awardees:

• Coaching and Mentoring: Access to experienced coaches with deep industry knowledge, who provide guidance on business strategy, market entry, and scaling.
• Networking and Matchmaking: Opportunities to connect with investors, corporates, and innovation partners across Europe through the EIC’s extensive network.
• International Outreach and Global Expansion: Support for awardees seeking to expand globally, including participation in trade fairs and the Global Soft-Landing Programme, which provides resources for international market entry.

Evaluation and Selection Process

The evaluation process for the EIC Accelerator is rigorous, prioritizing projects with the strongest potential for transformative impact:

1. Initial Remote Evaluation: Short applications are evaluated remotely by external experts. Selected applicants are then invited to submit a full application.
2. Jury Interviews: Full applications undergo a jury interview process, where expert evaluators, including investors and industry professionals, assess the project’s feasibility, market potential, and strategic alignment with the EIC’s objectives.
3. Go/No-Go Decision: The jury makes a final binary decision (“GO/NO GO”) based on the interview performance, leading to either funding approval or rejection.
4. Seal of Excellence: High-quality proposals that meet evaluation criteria but cannot be funded due to budget limitations receive a Seal of Excellence, which may help applicants secure alternative funding.

EIC Accelerator STEP Scale Up Call

The EIC Accelerator STEP Scale Up is a pilot initiative under the EIC Accelerator’s investment component, introduced to support scaling of critical technology sectors with additional investment rounds. This call specifically targets digital, clean, resource-efficient, and biotechnology innovations that are vital to Europe’s strategic goals, offering larger investment amounts of €10-30 million. The STEP Scale Up call is available on a continuous application basis, giving eligible companies flexible opportunities to secure substantial funding and support for market expansion.

EIC Accelerator in the European Innovation Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator program is a cornerstone of the European Union’s effort to support cutting-edge innovations and deep-tech companies poised for significant growth. By providing targeted funding, mentorship, and access to markets, the EIC Accelerator fosters an environment where European SMEs and startups can compete globally and address pressing challenges in sectors like AI, clean technology, biotech, and space.

Through this programme, the EIC aims to create an innovation-driven economy that attracts private investment, boosts job creation, and enhances the EU’s technological sovereignty in critical industries. The EIC Accelerator is a vital link in the EU’s broader innovation ecosystem, empowering companies to scale their solutions and drive long-term impact across Europe.

5. EIC Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Scale Up Call

The EIC Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Scale Up Call is a new pilot initiative introduced in the European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme 2025. This call aims to provide substantial funding to high-potential European startups, SMEs, and small mid-cap companies developing strategic technologies that are critical to Europe’s competitiveness, technological sovereignty, and economic resilience. With a focus on scaling up companies that are already making strides in areas of strategic importance, the STEP Scale Up Call is part of the EIC’s broader commitment to ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of deep-tech and innovation.

This call aligns with the EU’s priorities to enhance digital autonomy, foster clean and resource-efficient solutions, and advance biotech applications, enabling Europe to compete globally in essential high-tech sectors.

Key Objectives of the STEP Scale Up Call

The STEP Scale Up Call is specifically designed to support companies that are advancing technologies in critical fields, with the aim of:

1. Driving European Technological Sovereignty – Supporting high-impact, deep-tech innovations that ensure Europe remains technologically autonomous in vital sectors.
2. Scaling Strategic Innovations – Providing larger investments to help companies scale their technologies and reach new markets faster.
3. Boosting Competitiveness in Strategic Sectors – Enabling Europe to compete globally in areas such as digital technologies, green technologies, and biotech by helping homegrown companies become global leaders.

Priority Areas and Targeted Technologies

The STEP Scale Up Call focuses on strategic sectors where Europe needs to strengthen its technological capabilities. The priority areas include:

1. Digital Technologies:
   • Technologies that contribute to Europe’s digital autonomy, such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data processing, and advanced semiconductors.
   • Supports companies advancing critical digital infrastructure, especially those that align with the EU’s priorities, including the Chips Act and Digital Strategy.
2. Clean and Resource-Efficient Technologies:
   • Innovations in renewable energy, energy storage, circular economy, and sustainable production.
   • Emphasis on net-zero technologies, resource-efficient processes, and advancements that contribute to environmental sustainability.
3. Biotechnologies:
   • Focus on biotech applications that have significant societal and industrial benefits, such as sustainable food production, biomanufacturing, and healthcare advancements.
   • Includes projects that align with EU initiatives on food security, healthcare autonomy, and bio-based economies.

Funding Scope

The STEP Scale Up Call provides significant funding to help companies scale their operations and technologies, particularly in the form of equity investments:

1. Investment Component:
   • STEP offers equity investments ranging from €10 million to €30 million per company, allowing substantial financial support for scaling activities.
   • This large-scale investment is designed to address funding gaps for companies advancing strategic technologies, enabling them to compete at a global level.
2. Budget:
   • The indicative budget for the STEP Scale Up Call is €300 million for 2025, distributed across projects that meet the priority areas and have strong market potential.
3. Eligible Activities:
   • STEP investments can be used for scaling up production, expanding market reach, entering new geographies, and completing critical technological advancements.
   • Companies can also use funding for activities that ensure compliance with regulatory standards, develop commercialization strategies, and secure intellectual property rights.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

The STEP Scale Up Call is open to highly promising companies and their investors who are focused on scaling up strategic technologies:

1. Eligible Applicants:
   • Single applicants from eligible categories, including startups, SMEs, and small mid-cap companies (up to 499 employees).
   • Investors representing eligible companies can also apply on behalf of their portfolio companies.
2. Eligibility Criteria:
   • Applicants should be developing technologies in the areas of digital, clean, or biotechnology that are strategically important to Europe.
   • Companies must demonstrate that they are ready to scale, with clear market strategies and a strong technical foundation.
3. Application Process:
   • Continuous Submission: Unlike other EIC calls with fixed deadlines, the STEP Scale Up Call accepts applications on a rolling basis, allowing companies to apply whenever they are ready.
   • Due Diligence: After submission, companies undergo a due diligence process, where evaluators assess the technical feasibility, market potential, and strategic alignment of the project with EU priorities.

Expected Outcomes

The STEP Scale Up Call is intended to produce tangible outcomes that contribute to Europe’s strategic independence and technological leadership:

1. Expanded Market Presence: Companies are expected to leverage STEP funding to increase their market share, expand internationally, and accelerate time-to-market for strategic innovations.
2. Strengthened Technological Capabilities: The goal is to enhance Europe’s presence in critical technology areas, positioning funded companies as industry leaders and reducing reliance on non-European technologies.
3. Increased Private Investment: STEP funding is designed to attract additional private investments, helping companies secure future rounds of funding and scale sustainably.

Additional Support Services

In addition to the significant funding available, companies selected for the STEP Scale Up Call benefit from the EIC’s extensive Business Acceleration Services (BAS), which provide:

• Coaching and Mentoring: Companies gain access to expert guidance on market expansion, regulatory compliance, and scaling strategies from experienced business coaches.
• Investor Outreach and Networking: Opportunities to connect with private investors, venture capitalists, and corporate partners through EIC-organized events, workshops, and networking sessions.
• Global Expansion Support: Through the EIC’s Global Soft-Landing Programme, STEP awardees receive resources for entering international markets, attending trade fairs, and establishing operations in new regions.

Evaluation and Selection Process

The evaluation and selection process for the STEP Scale Up Call is tailored to identify high-impact, strategic projects:

1. Initial Screening and Due Diligence: Applications undergo rigorous due diligence to assess their market potential, technological strength, and alignment with EU strategic priorities.
2. Investment Safeguards: Given the critical nature of technologies involved, the EIC Fund may implement economic security safeguards to ensure that investments align with the EU’s strategic interests and do not expose critical technologies to non-European control.
3. Flexible Review Timeline: Since applications are submitted continuously, the review and decision-making process is adapted to allow timely support for scaling opportunities as they arise.

Economic Security and Strategic Safeguards

In light of the strategic importance of the technologies supported under the STEP Scale Up Call, the EIC includes specific measures to protect Europe’s economic security:

• Eligibility Restrictions: To safeguard EU interests, companies that are directly or indirectly controlled by non-eligible third countries may face participation restrictions, especially in areas related to AI, quantum technologies, and semiconductors.
• IP Protection and Transfer Controls: Funded companies are required to notify the EIC in cases where intellectual property generated by the project might be transferred to non-associated third countries.

STEP Scale Up in the European Innovation Ecosystem

The STEP Scale Up Call serves as a cornerstone of the EU’s vision for a technology-driven, strategically autonomous Europe. By supporting companies that are advancing critical technologies, the EIC aims to create a robust foundation for Europe’s competitiveness and leadership in the global innovation landscape. The STEP Scale Up initiative empowers companies to accelerate their growth, secure essential technologies within Europe, and drive job creation and economic resilience across the EU.

In summary, the EIC’s STEP Scale Up Call is a transformative funding opportunity that aligns financial support with the EU’s long-term technological ambitions, fostering a future where Europe leads in strategic technologies that are vital to its security, economy, and sustainability.

6. Business Acceleration Services (BAS)

The Business Acceleration Services (BAS), as outlined in the European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme 2025, provide a comprehensive suite of support tools and services aimed at helping EIC-funded companies accelerate their growth, refine their business models, and expand their market presence. These services complement the financial support provided by the EIC, offering awardees access to a network of expert coaches, investors, corporate partners, and market-entry programs, all designed to help them overcome barriers to scaling and establish themselves as leaders in their respective industries.

The BAS programme is available to beneficiaries across the EIC’s funding schemes—Pathfinder, Transition, and Accelerator—enabling them to maximize their innovations’ market potential and strategic impact.

Key Objectives of Business Acceleration Services

The BAS programme is designed to deliver value across several key objectives:

1. Market Readiness and Growth – Helping innovators build solid business models, accelerate time-to-market, and grow their companies efficiently.
2. Access to Expertise and Mentorship – Providing EIC awardees with specialized support from industry experts and business coaches.
3. Connecting with Investors and Corporate Partners – Facilitating networking and matchmaking opportunities with investors, corporates, and other ecosystem partners.
4. Supporting Global Expansion – Enabling companies to access resources and guidance to enter new international markets.

Key Components of Business Acceleration Services

The BAS programme comprises several tailored services designed to support EIC-funded companies at various stages of their growth journey:

1. EIC Business Coaches:
   • The EIC offers awardees access to a pool of experienced business coaches who provide tailored guidance on strategic planning, scaling, and market entry.
   • Coaches are matched to companies based on their needs, offering expert insights on product-market fit, customer acquisition, investment strategies, and operational scaling.
   • Companies may engage with multiple coaches as their needs evolve, ensuring that they receive relevant advice as they progress.
2. EIC Community and Women Leadership Programme:
   • The EIC Community platform connects awardees with fellow innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem players, allowing for knowledge exchange and potential collaborations.
   • The Women Leadership Programme specifically supports women-led companies, offering mentorship and networking opportunities tailored to the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in deep-tech fields.
   • By fostering inclusivity and gender diversity, the BAS programme aims to address underrepresentation in the innovation sector.
3. Investors’ Outreach Activities:
   • EIC awardees gain access to a series of investor-focused events, workshops, and matchmaking opportunities to connect with venture capitalists, business angels, and corporate investors.
   • The EIC organizes regular investor matchmaking events, facilitating connections between EIC-funded companies and European and international investors interested in deep-tech, biotech, and digital technologies.
   • Through these engagements, awardees can secure additional private investment to support their growth and scaling activities.
4. Ecosystem Partnership Programme & Promotion of ESG Reporting:
   • The Ecosystem Partnership Programme connects EIC-funded companies with partners across the innovation ecosystem, including corporations, innovation agencies, incubators, accelerators, and clusters.
   • The EIC also emphasizes environmental, social, and governance (ESG) best practices, promoting responsible business practices and encouraging awardees to adopt ESG reporting standards to improve transparency and attract socially responsible investors.
   • This programme helps companies enhance their visibility, build credibility, and establish long-term partnerships that support sustainable growth.
5. Participation in Trade Fairs:
   • The EIC supports awardees in gaining visibility by facilitating their participation in international trade fairs and industry events.
   • Companies can showcase their products, network with industry leaders, and explore new market opportunities at prominent European and global trade shows.
   • By participating in these events, awardees can enhance brand recognition and connect with potential partners, customers, and distributors in key markets.
6. Global Soft-Landing Programme:
   • For companies ready to expand internationally, the Global Soft-Landing Programme provides resources and guidance to ease entry into foreign markets.
   • The programme includes support in areas such as market research, legal and regulatory requirements, cultural considerations, and local networking.
   • Through this initiative, EIC awardees receive assistance in establishing their operations, connecting with local partners, and navigating the challenges of cross-border expansion.

Additional Features of the BAS Programme

The BAS programme is designed with flexibility to cater to the evolving needs of EIC awardees, providing continued support as companies progress through different stages of growth:

• Customizable BAS Engagements: EIC awardees have the option to tailor their BAS package based on their unique requirements, choosing specific services such as targeted coaching sessions, specialized training, or sector-specific investor matchmaking.
• Proactive Portfolio Management: EIC Programme Managers actively engage with awardees to provide strategic advice, assess progress, and identify any additional BAS resources that may benefit the company.
• Access to External Experts: In addition to business coaches, awardees have access to a network of experts in IP management, regulatory affairs, technical due diligence, and other specialized fields, helping them navigate complex industry-specific challenges.

Eligibility and Access to BAS

The BAS programme is available to all EIC awardees across the Pathfinder, Transition, and Accelerator schemes. Companies are encouraged to engage with the BAS early in their projects to ensure they are well-positioned to benefit from the expertise, resources, and connections offered.

• No Additional Cost: BAS services are provided at no extra cost to awardees, with the EIC covering all expenses associated with coaching, mentorship, and event participation.
• Continuous Access: Companies retain access to BAS throughout their project lifecycle, allowing them to leverage services at different stages as needed.

Expected Outcomes of Business Acceleration Services

The BAS programme is intended to produce measurable outcomes that enhance the competitiveness and market readiness of EIC-funded companies:

1. Accelerated Market Entry and Growth: Through expert guidance and investor connections, companies can reduce time-to-market and establish a stronger market presence.
2. Increased Investment: By facilitating connections with venture capitalists and corporate partners, the BAS programme helps companies secure the additional funding needed to scale their operations.
3. Improved Operational Efficiency: With access to coaching and industry insights, companies can refine their business models, streamline operations, and position themselves for sustainable growth.
4. Enhanced Global Competitiveness: Companies that participate in trade fairs, the Global Soft-Landing Programme, and BAS networking events gain the resources and connections necessary to compete internationally.
5. Advancement of Inclusive Innovation: The Women Leadership Programme fosters diversity and inclusion within the innovation ecosystem, encouraging underrepresented groups to lead in high-tech and deep-tech industries.

BAS in the European Innovation Ecosystem

The Business Acceleration Services programme is a critical pillar of the EIC’s vision to build a resilient, competitive, and inclusive innovation ecosystem within Europe. By offering targeted support and connections to strategic partners, the BAS enables EIC awardees to accelerate their growth, secure new funding, and successfully navigate the complexities of scaling innovative technologies.

Through BAS, the EIC not only strengthens individual companies but also enhances Europe’s overall capacity for innovation by creating a network of high-potential companies ready to compete globally and contribute to the EU’s strategic goals in sustainability, digital transformation, and technological sovereignty. The BAS programme thus plays a vital role in ensuring that Europe remains a global leader in high-impact, high-tech innovation.

7. EIC Prizes

The EIC Prizes, as described in the European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme 2025, celebrate and support remarkable innovators and pioneering cities that contribute to Europe’s innovation ecosystem. These prizes aim to recognize exceptional achievements in advancing new technologies, promoting inclusivity in innovation, and fostering environments where transformative ideas can thrive. By acknowledging and rewarding trailblazers, the EIC seeks to inspire others, drive competition, and highlight successful models that can be replicated across Europe.

The EIC offers two main prizes in 2025: the European Prize for Women Innovators and the European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital). Each prize has distinct objectives, eligibility criteria, and award categories designed to spotlight outstanding contributions to Europe’s innovation landscape.

7.1 The European Prize for Women Innovators

The European Prize for Women Innovators recognizes the extraordinary achievements of women entrepreneurs who have successfully founded or led innovative companies in Europe. The prize aims to address gender disparity in innovation and inspire more women to become leaders in technology-driven fields.

Objectives of the Prize

1. Promoting Gender Equality in Innovation – Showcasing the contributions of women in STEM and entrepreneurship to encourage more women to participate in the innovation sector.
2. Recognizing Leadership and Impact – Highlighting the accomplishments of women whose companies have achieved measurable success in the market and created positive societal impact.
3. Inspiring Future Generations – Providing role models for young women and girls interested in careers in science, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Award Categories

The prize is awarded across three categories:

1. Women Innovators – For women of all ages who have founded or co-founded a successful and innovative company within the EU or a Horizon Europe-associated country.
2. Rising Innovators – Dedicated to women under the age of 35, who are in the early stages of their careers and have already demonstrated potential in innovation.
3. EIC Women Leadership Programme Award – This special award recognizes participants in the EIC’s Women Leadership Programme who have shown outstanding growth, leadership, and impact during their participation.

Prize Structure

Each year, the prize awards significant financial recognition to the winners:

• Women Innovators Category:
  • 1st Place: €100,000
  • 2nd Place: €70,000
  • 3rd Place: €50,000
• Rising Innovators Category:
  • 1st Place: €50,000
• EIC Women Leadership Programme Award: Award amount is determined annually, based on available budget and candidate achievements.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be women who are founders, co-founders, or key decision-makers in their company.
• The company must be based in an EU Member State or a country associated with Horizon Europe.
• The innovation should be market-ready or have demonstrated significant progress toward commercialization.

Expected Impact

The European Prize for Women Innovators aims to:

1. Inspire Gender Diversity – Encourage more women to pursue careers in technology and entrepreneurship.
2. Create Role Models – Showcase successful women innovators as role models for future generations.
3. Strengthen the Innovation Ecosystem – Increase inclusivity and diversity within Europe’s innovation ecosystem.

7.2 The European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital)

The European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital) recognize cities that create robust innovation ecosystems, foster collaboration between stakeholders, and use innovation to address societal challenges. By spotlighting cities that excel in creating supportive environments for innovation, the award highlights models that other cities can follow to build thriving ecosystems conducive to sustainable growth and digital transformation.

Objectives of the Prize

1. Encouraging Innovation at the City Level – Rewarding cities that integrate innovation into their policies and practices to address community challenges and improve quality of life.
2. Promoting Sustainable Growth – Recognizing urban innovations that contribute to sustainable development, environmental responsibility, and economic resilience.
3. Building Inclusive Innovation Ecosystems – Highlighting efforts to create innovation environments that include a diverse range of stakeholders, including citizens, local businesses, research institutions, and civic organizations.

Award Categories

The iCapital Awards are presented in two main categories:

1. European Capital of Innovation – Awarded to large cities with a strong track record of innovation-driven strategies and achievements.
2. European Rising Innovative City – Recognizes smaller cities or municipalities (with populations of 50,000 to 250,000) that are actively building their innovation ecosystems and demonstrating leadership in community-driven projects.

Prize Structure

• European Capital of Innovation:
  • Winner: €1,000,000
  • First Runner-Up: €100,000
  • Second Runner-Up: €100,000
• European Rising Innovative City:
  • Winner: €500,000
  • First Runner-Up: €50,000
  • Second Runner-Up: €50,000

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to cities located in EU Member States or Horizon Europe-associated countries.
• Cities must demonstrate an established innovation ecosystem, impactful projects or policies, and engagement with local communities.
• The innovation activities should address specific societal challenges, improve urban sustainability, or enhance residents’ quality of life.

Expected Impact

The iCapital Awards aim to:

1. Highlight Best Practices in Urban Innovation – Showcasing cities that effectively use innovation to create social, economic, and environmental benefits.
2. Inspire Replication Across Europe – Providing successful models that other cities can adapt to foster innovation within their communities.
3. Strengthen Local Economies – Recognizing and rewarding cities that leverage innovation to enhance economic growth and resilience.

The Role of EIC Prizes in the European Innovation Ecosystem

The EIC Prizes play a vital role in the European Innovation Council’s broader mission to foster a competitive, inclusive, and resilient innovation ecosystem across Europe. By recognizing outstanding achievements in both individual and institutional categories, the EIC Prizes help create a culture that values innovation, inclusivity, and societal impact.

Through financial rewards, media visibility, and institutional support, these prizes aim to:

1. Inspire New Innovators – By showcasing the success of women and cities as leaders in innovation, the EIC Prizes encourage others to pursue similar paths.
2. Encourage Sustainable and Inclusive Growth – By focusing on inclusivity and sustainability, the prizes align with the EU’s priorities for green growth, digital transformation, and technological autonomy.
3. Create Role Models and Best Practice Examples – The winners of EIC Prizes serve as examples of excellence, offering inspiration and best practices for aspiring innovators and city officials throughout Europe.

In summary, the EIC Prizes amplify the impact of exceptional individuals and institutions that are leading the way in transforming Europe’s innovation landscape. Through the European Prize for Women Innovators and the iCapital Awards, the EIC celebrates achievements that contribute to Europe’s innovation-driven, inclusive future, positioning Europe as a global leader in the development of forward-thinking solutions for societal challenges.

8. Other Actions

The Other Actions section in the European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme 2025 includes a range of supporting initiatives and administrative activities designed to ensure the effective functioning, outreach, and continuous improvement of the EIC’s programs. These actions encompass operational support for the EIC Board, expert advice, communications and outreach activities, and various initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity, ethical conduct, and collaboration within the European innovation ecosystem.

Key Components of Other Actions

1. Honoraria and Expenses of the EIC Board
   • The EIC Board, comprising leading innovators and experts, provides strategic guidance and oversight for the EIC’s programs. To support the Board’s work, the Work Programme allocates funding to cover honoraria and expenses for Board members.
   • This funding ensures that the Board can conduct regular meetings, strategic planning sessions, and consultations, facilitating informed decision-making and effective program management.
2. External Expertise for Monitoring, Ethics, and Policy Advice
   • The EIC engages external experts to assist in monitoring projects, advising on ethics, and providing policy guidance, helping to ensure that EIC-funded activities meet high standards of quality and integrity.
   • These experts offer specialized knowledge in areas such as technology ethics, project monitoring, and regulatory compliance, enabling the EIC to address complex challenges in innovative fields.
   • Ethical oversight is particularly important for high-impact areas such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and energy, where regulatory and ethical considerations play a crucial role.
3. Communication, Outreach, and IT Systems Integration
   • To increase the visibility of EIC-funded projects and attract a diverse range of applicants, the EIC invests in communication and outreach activities. These include promotional campaigns, social media outreach, event participation, and partnerships with other EU programs.
   • The Work Programme also includes funding for IT systems integration, ensuring that the EIC’s digital infrastructure is efficient and accessible. Improved IT systems streamline application processing, project monitoring, and resource management, creating a more user-friendly experience for applicants and awardees.
   • Outreach and communication activities aim to highlight EIC’s impact, showcase success stories, and provide resources for potential applicants to learn about funding opportunities.
4. Danish and Polish Presidency Conferences
   • In collaboration with the EU Council Presidencies, the EIC will participate in two high-profile conferences organized by the Danish and Polish presidencies in 2025.
   • These conferences serve as platforms for discussing the future of innovation in Europe, sharing best practices, and aligning EIC activities with broader EU policy priorities. They also facilitate dialogue among policymakers, innovators, investors, and academic leaders.
5. Women TechEU Initiative
   • The Women TechEU Initiative aims to support women-led startups in deep-tech fields by providing financial support, mentoring, and business acceleration resources. This initiative addresses the gender gap in the innovation sector, encouraging more women to participate as leaders in technology-driven industries.
   • Women TechEU offers funding to help women-led startups reach new markets and scale their operations, in addition to providing networking opportunities with investors and partners across Europe.
6. Expert Group on the EIC Plug-In Scheme
   • The EIC Plug-In Scheme is designed to streamline the integration of EIC-funded projects with national and regional innovation programs, creating synergy across Europe’s innovation landscape.
   • An expert group will oversee the development and implementation of this scheme, working to simplify processes, identify best practices, and recommend policy changes to facilitate smoother collaboration between the EIC and other innovation funding bodies.
7. Marketplace
   • The EIC is developing a dedicated Marketplace as a platform for sharing and cross-fertilizing the results of EIC-funded projects, particularly those from the Pathfinder and Transition programs.
   • This platform is intended to foster collaboration, encourage the exchange of ideas, and stimulate potential partnerships among EIC beneficiaries, research institutions, and commercial partners.
   • By making project outcomes accessible, the Marketplace also supports the wider adoption of new technologies and helps accelerate the commercial and societal impact of EIC-funded research.
8. Fees for the European Investment Bank (EIB) for Investment Component Tasks
   • The EIC partners with the European Investment Bank (EIB) for tasks related to the investment component of the EIC Accelerator program. This partnership includes conducting due diligence, managing equity investments, and coordinating with private investors.
   • The Work Programme allocates funds to cover the fees for these tasks, ensuring the EIB’s involvement in selecting high-potential investments and managing the EIC’s equity portfolio effectively.
   • This collaboration helps de-risk investments, ensuring that EIC-backed companies receive sound financial advice and support as they scale their operations.

Expected Outcomes of Other Actions

The Other Actions section supports the EIC’s broader mission by ensuring robust program governance, ethical standards, and effective communication. The anticipated outcomes include:

1. Improved Program Oversight and Strategic Guidance – The EIC Board, supported by external experts, provides essential oversight and strategic direction, helping the EIC refine its programs and maintain alignment with EU priorities.
2. Enhanced Ethical and Quality Standards – By incorporating expert advice on ethics and compliance, the EIC ensures that funded projects meet the highest standards of quality and integrity, particularly in high-impact areas like biotech and AI.
3. Increased Awareness and Engagement – Communication and outreach efforts make EIC programs accessible to a broader audience, attracting diverse applicants and raising awareness about the EIC’s impact across Europe.
4. Gender Inclusivity in Innovation – Initiatives like Women TechEU address gender disparities in the deep-tech sector, promoting inclusivity and encouraging women to lead in fields such as engineering, science, and technology.
5. Stronger Innovation Ecosystem and Collaboration – Through the Plug-In Scheme and Marketplace, the EIC fosters collaboration across Europe’s innovation landscape, enabling smoother integration of EIC projects with national programs and promoting cross-sector partnerships.

The Role of Other Actions in the EIC Framework

The Other Actions section in the EIC Work Programme is essential for maintaining the EIC’s operational excellence, transparency, and inclusivity. By supporting program governance, ethical oversight, inclusivity, and outreach, these actions reinforce the EIC’s commitment to a sustainable and diverse innovation ecosystem. Furthermore, they ensure that EIC-funded projects are not only innovative but also ethically sound, strategically aligned, and well-supported to succeed in the European and global markets.

In summary, Other Actions encompass the support mechanisms that allow the EIC to operate effectively, maximize its impact, and foster a thriving, ethically responsible, and inclusive innovation environment across Europe.

9. Annexes

The Annexes section in the European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme 2025 provides essential supplementary information, guidelines, and specific provisions related to the EIC’s funding mechanisms, project eligibility, application processes, and operational procedures. These annexes ensure that applicants, awardees, and stakeholders fully understand the terms, requirements, and tools available within the EIC’s support structure. Covering everything from budget allocations to fast-track schemes, the annexes are a critical resource for understanding the finer details of the EIC Work Programme.

Key Annexes in the EIC Work Programme 2025

1. Annex 1: Estimated Indicative Budget
   • This annex outlines the EIC’s indicative budget for 2025, specifying the funding allocations for each of the EIC’s core programs, including Pathfinder, Transition, Accelerator, and STEP Scale Up.
   • The annex provides a breakdown of funding for each component, such as Open Calls and Challenge Calls within each program, ensuring transparency in budget distribution and helping potential applicants understand the level of competition for each funding stream.
   • The budget includes details on the specific financial limits for grants, investments, and prize amounts, aligning with the EIC’s strategic goals for high-risk, high-impact innovations.
2. Annex 2: General Conditions
   • Annex 2 specifies the general conditions for participating in the EIC’s funding programs, including eligibility criteria, legal requirements, and application guidelines.
   • This section includes information on the admissibility of applications, the composition requirements for consortia, and rules regarding the “Do No Significant Harm” principle, which aligns with EU sustainability goals.
   • Additional rules cover restrictions on applications involving non-EU-based entities, intellectual property rights, and ethics compliance, especially relevant for projects in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and space technologies.
3. Annex 3: Fast Track Scheme to Apply for the EIC Accelerator
   • The Fast Track Scheme allows successful projects from other EU programs, such as Horizon Europe, to apply for EIC Accelerator funding using an expedited process.
   • This annex provides details on the eligibility requirements, application process, and evaluation criteria for the fast-track pathway, enabling projects with prior EU support to quickly advance toward market-readiness.
   • The scheme is aimed at high-potential projects that have already demonstrated promising results and are ready for rapid scaling with additional EIC support.
4. Annex 4: Pilot Plug-In Scheme to Apply for the EIC Accelerator
   • The Pilot Plug-In Scheme facilitates access to EIC Accelerator funding for projects that have received funding from national or regional innovation programs but not directly from the EIC.
   • It outlines criteria for eligible projects, submission requirements, and evaluation processes for the Plug-In Scheme, providing an alternative route to access EIC support and integrate national innovations into the European innovation ecosystem.
   • This initiative aims to enhance collaboration between the EIC and regional funding bodies, fostering a more connected and efficient European innovation landscape.
5. Annex 5: Booster Grants for EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition Awardees
   • Booster Grants offer additional funding up to €50,000 for projects funded under the EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition programs, allowing awardees to undertake complementary activities to further develop their innovations.
   • Eligible activities for Booster Grants include exploratory research, market testing, regulatory compliance preparation, and additional proof-of-concept work.
   • This annex provides eligibility criteria, application processes, and intended uses for Booster Grants, which are designed to maximize the impact of Pathfinder and Transition projects by supporting the next stages of development.
6. Annex 6: Additional Provisions Concerning Intellectual Property for EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition
   • Annex 6 details intellectual property (IP) provisions specifically for projects funded under the EIC Pathfinder and Transition programs, covering guidelines for IP ownership, protection, and commercialization.
   • This annex emphasizes the importance of IP protection in deep-tech fields, encouraging awardees to secure patents, trademarks, or copyrights as appropriate, and defines the IP-sharing framework for collaborative projects.
   • Guidelines include the requirement for awardees to inform the EIC if IP generated through their projects is proposed for transfer to entities in non-associated third countries, aligning with the EU’s economic security and strategic autonomy goals.

Importance of the Annexes in the EIC Framework

The Annexes section is integral to the EIC Work Programme as it provides detailed guidance that supports applicants and awardees in navigating the complexities of EU funding processes. By covering essential operational and regulatory details, the annexes:

1. Enhance Transparency – Detailed budgets and conditions clarify how EIC funds are allocated and managed, ensuring transparency and accountability in funding distribution.
2. Promote Inclusivity and Accessibility – The Fast Track and Plug-In Schemes broaden access to EIC funding, enabling more innovators from diverse backgrounds and regions to participate in European innovation.
3. Support Project Continuity and Impact – Booster Grants and IP provisions help ensure that EIC-funded projects are well-positioned to achieve lasting impact by enabling further development and protecting valuable research outputs.
4. Strengthen Economic Security – IP guidelines and compliance provisions safeguard Europe’s strategic technologies, fostering economic resilience and protecting EU innovations from foreign control.

In summary, the Annexes section of the EIC Work Programme 2025 serves as a comprehensive guide, helping innovators, researchers, and companies understand the requirements, processes, and resources available through EIC funding. These annexes are essential for ensuring that all participants are well-informed and prepared to comply with EIC policies, enabling a more effective and secure innovation ecosystem across Europe.

About

The articles found on Rasph.com reflect the opinions of Rasph or its respective authors and in no way reflect opinions held by the European Commission (EC) or the European Innovation Council (EIC). The provided information aims to share perspectives that are valuable and can potentially inform applicants regarding grant funding schemes such as the EIC Accelerator, EIC Pathfinder, EIC Transition or related programs such as Innovate UK in the United Kingdom or the Small Business Innovation and Research grant (SBIR) in the United States.

The articles can also be a useful resource for other consultancies in the grant space as well as professional grant writers who are hired as freelancers or are part of a Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME). The EIC Accelerator is part of Horizon Europe (2021-2027) which has recently replaced the previous framework program Horizon 2020.

This article was written by ChatEIC. ChatEIC is an EIC Accelerator assistant that can advise on the writing of proposals, discuss current trends and create insightful articles on a variety of topics. The articles written by ChatEIC can contain inaccurate or outdated information.

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EIC Accelerator Challenges for 2025: Driving Strategic Innovation in Europe

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Challenges for 2025 focus on empowering startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and small mid-cap companies with breakthrough solutions in critical areas. These challenges align with the European Union’s priorities in digital transformation, green transition, sustainable food systems, space resilience, and next-generation mobility. By providing targeted funding and support, the EIC Accelerator Challenges aim to foster high-impact innovations that contribute to Europe’s competitiveness, autonomy, and sustainability goals.

1. Advanced Materials Development and Upscaling

This challenge focuses on innovative materials that offer significant improvements in performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Advanced materials are key enablers in fields such as energy, electronics, healthcare, and transportation, and this challenge targets projects that can drive breakthroughs in these areas.

• Objective: To support the development and upscaling of advanced materials with strong market potential and sustainability benefits.
• Focus Areas: Durable, lightweight, sustainable materials that reduce environmental impact and improve energy efficiency.

2. Biotechnology for Low-Emission Food and Feed Production

This challenge supports biotechnological innovations that reduce the carbon footprint of food and feed production. Biotechnology plays a critical role in creating more sustainable agricultural practices and developing alternatives to traditional animal-based foods.

• Objective: To promote biotechnological solutions that contribute to low-emission production processes in the food and feed sectors.
• Focus Areas: Plant-based or microbial alternatives to animal-based food, improved crop varieties, and environmentally friendly feed production.

3. GenAI4EU: European Generative AI Champions

Generative AI is transforming sectors from healthcare to creative industries. The GenAI4EU challenge aims to establish European leadership in generative AI by supporting innovative AI solutions that align with EU standards on data privacy and ethics.

• Objective: To foster the development of advanced generative AI technologies that are innovative, ethical, and aligned with European values.
• Focus Areas: Generative AI applications in healthcare, content creation, manufacturing, and other high-impact areas.

4. In-Space Servicing and Resilient EU Space Infrastructure

As space-based infrastructure becomes increasingly essential, this challenge addresses the need for innovative solutions to support the maintenance, servicing, and resilience of satellites and other space assets. The goal is to secure Europe’s presence and autonomy in space.

• Objective: To develop technologies that enhance the sustainability, resilience, and autonomy of Europe’s space infrastructure.
• Focus Areas: In-space servicing, satellite resilience, orbital debris management, and secure communications.

5. Innovations in Future Mobility

The future of mobility lies in sustainable, autonomous, and connected transportation solutions. This challenge seeks innovations that address the technical, regulatory, and social aspects of next-generation mobility, such as autonomous vehicles and sustainable transport systems.

• Objective: To support transformative mobility solutions that align with Europe’s green and digital transitions.
• Focus Areas: Electric vehicles, autonomous driving technologies, multimodal transport solutions, and smart urban mobility systems.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator Challenges for 2025 represent Europe’s commitment to investing in strategic, high-impact innovations that support technological sovereignty and sustainable growth. By focusing on key sectors such as advanced materials, biotechnology, AI, space, and mobility, the EIC aims to enable European companies to lead on a global scale, drive societal benefits, and align with the EU’s long-term goals for innovation and resilience.

Advanced Materials Development and Upscaling: EIC Accelerator Challenge 2025

The Advanced Materials Development and Upscaling challenge under the EIC Accelerator aims to drive breakthroughs in material science, targeting innovative materials with high potential to impact sectors like energy, healthcare, transportation, electronics, and construction. With sustainability at its core, this challenge seeks to fund projects that deliver substantial improvements in performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact, supporting Europe’s goals for green transition and industrial competitiveness.

Objective of the Challenge

The core objective of the Advanced Materials challenge is to support the development and scaling of new materials that are not only high-performing but also align with Europe’s commitment to sustainability. The challenge is structured to foster materials innovation that can meet the needs of high-tech applications while addressing issues like recyclability, resource efficiency, and lower environmental footprints.

Focus Areas and Eligible Technologies

The EIC has identified several focus areas within the advanced materials domain where innovation is crucial:

1. Sustainable and Resource-Efficient Materials:
   • Materials that reduce dependency on scarce resources and enable circular economy models.
   • Includes materials that are designed for recycling or reuse, biodegradable materials, and those that minimize energy consumption during production.
2. Lightweight and Durable Materials for Transportation:
   • Lightweight materials are essential for the transport sector, particularly in aviation and automotive, where they can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
   • Focus is on high-strength, lightweight composites and alloys that enhance durability without adding unnecessary weight.
3. High-Performance Materials for Energy Applications:
   • New materials that contribute to renewable energy solutions, such as advanced solar cells, energy storage materials, and thermoelectric materials.
   • Materials that improve energy conversion efficiency, longevity, and energy density are highly sought after in this category.
4. Advanced Materials for Electronics and Digital Technologies:
   • Materials that enable faster, smaller, and more energy-efficient electronic components.
   • Includes innovations like flexible electronics, conductive polymers, and materials for quantum computing applications.
5. Biomedical and Healthcare Applications:
   • Biocompatible materials for medical devices, implants, and drug delivery systems.
   • This area seeks materials that can improve patient outcomes by enhancing durability, reducing allergic reactions, or enabling minimally invasive procedures.

Funding Scope and Eligibility

Projects under the Advanced Materials challenge can receive both grant funding and equity investments to support various stages of development and scaling:

• Grant Component:
  • Provides up to €2.5 million to cover costs associated with research, development, and initial prototyping.
  • Funding is intended to advance materials from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6-8, focusing on validating the material’s functionality in relevant application settings.
• Investment Component:
  • Offers equity investments up to €10 million to support upscaling, market entry, and industrial production.
  • This component is especially valuable for companies looking to scale their production capabilities and reach commercial markets.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Projects must be led by startups, SMEs, or small mid-caps based in an EU Member State or a country associated with Horizon Europe.
• Proposals should demonstrate a strong commercial potential for the material, including clear pathways to market entry and scalability.
• Sustainability considerations, such as lifecycle assessment, energy efficiency, and environmental impact, must be included in the project plan.

Expected Outcomes

The Advanced Materials Development and Upscaling challenge aims to support high-potential projects that can deliver tangible results for industry and society. Expected outcomes include:

1. Commercially Viable Advanced Materials:
   • Projects should achieve a level of development where the material is ready for industrial production and commercialization, offering a clear advantage over existing materials in terms of performance or sustainability.
2. Sustainable Manufacturing Processes:
   • Developing manufacturing techniques that minimize waste, energy use, and environmental impact, aligning with Europe’s goals for green industry practices.
3. Strengthened European Competitiveness in Material Science:
   • The challenge seeks to position European companies as leaders in advanced materials, reducing reliance on imported materials and fostering technological sovereignty in critical sectors.
4. Intellectual Property and Standards Compliance:
   • Projects should address intellectual property protection and align with European standards for material safety, quality, and sustainability.

Impact on European Innovation Ecosystem

The Advanced Materials Development and Upscaling challenge is integral to Europe’s broader innovation strategy. By supporting breakthroughs in material science, the EIC is fostering innovations that can cascade into various industries, driving advances in green tech, digital transformation, healthcare, and more. These efforts will not only enhance Europe’s technological independence but also contribute to global sustainability goals, as Europe leads in pioneering materials designed for the future.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator challenge in Advanced Materials aims to empower companies to scale groundbreaking materials, contribute to a sustainable future, and position Europe as a hub for innovative and environmentally conscious material science.

Biotechnology for Low-Emission Food and Feed Production: EIC Accelerator Challenge 2025

The Biotechnology for Low-Emission Food and Feed Production challenge under the EIC Accelerator targets innovations in food and feed biotechnology that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts associated with agricultural production. This challenge aligns with Europe’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality and sustainable food systems by supporting projects that foster a more efficient, low-emission approach to producing food and animal feed.

Objective of the Challenge

The main objective of this challenge is to promote biotechnological advancements that enable low-emission food and feed production, reducing the sector’s impact on climate change and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. The challenge seeks to fund high-impact projects that improve production efficiency, enhance food security, and contribute to the EU’s Farm to Fork and Green Deal goals.

Focus Areas and Eligible Technologies

The EIC has identified several focus areas within the biotechnology domain that can help transform food and feed production, encouraging sustainability, reduced emissions, and innovative solutions for alternative protein sources:

1. Alternative Proteins and Sustainable Food Sources:
   • Development of plant-based, microbial, or cultured proteins as alternatives to traditional animal-based food products.
   • Projects in this focus area aim to reduce the environmental footprint of protein production, addressing challenges related to land use, water consumption, and methane emissions from livestock.
2. Biotechnological Solutions for Low-Emission Feed:
   • Innovations in animal feed that lower greenhouse gas emissions from livestock, such as feed additives that reduce enteric methane production in ruminants.
   • Feed products that enhance nutrient absorption, reduce nitrogen and phosphorus excretion, and improve animal health and productivity.
3. Precision Fermentation and Biomanufacturing:
   • Leveraging precision fermentation techniques to produce essential food ingredients, such as dairy proteins, vitamins, and amino acids, without animal agriculture.
   • Projects focusing on biomanufacturing of ingredients offer sustainable alternatives to traditional production processes and reduce emissions associated with agricultural supply chains.
4. Advanced Crop Biotechnology for Resource Efficiency:
   • Genetic or microbiome-enhanced crops that require less water, fertilizers, or pesticides while maintaining or improving yield.
   • This focus area includes crop varieties that have been optimized for resilience against climate change impacts, thus minimizing the need for intensive resource inputs.
5. Circular Bioeconomy Solutions:
   • Biotechnological methods to convert agricultural waste into valuable products, such as biofuels, biodegradable plastics, or high-quality animal feed ingredients.
   • Circular solutions aim to close resource loops, improve resource efficiency, and reduce waste in food and feed production.

Funding Scope and Eligibility

Projects selected under the Biotechnology for Low-Emission Food and Feed Production challenge are eligible for both grant and equity support to facilitate their development and scaling:

• Grant Component:
  • Provides up to €2.5 million to cover eligible costs related to research, development, pilot testing, and initial production stages.
  • Focuses on advancing projects from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6-8, supporting feasibility testing, prototype development, and demonstration in relevant environments.
• Investment Component:
  • Offers equity investments up to €10 million, aimed at supporting scaling activities, commercial production, and market expansion.
  • Designed for companies that are ready to industrialize their technology and establish a substantial presence in the market.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to startups, SMEs, and small mid-cap companies based in an EU Member State or associated country.
• Proposals should demonstrate a clear path to commercialization and scalability, showing potential for significant impact on emissions reduction and resource efficiency.
• Projects must also consider regulatory compliance and sustainability aspects, ensuring that the proposed solutions align with EU standards for food safety and environmental responsibility.

Expected Outcomes

The Biotechnology for Low-Emission Food and Feed Production challenge is expected to drive tangible outcomes that promote sustainable agriculture, reduce emissions, and improve food security. Key expected outcomes include:

1. Commercially Viable, Low-Emission Food and Feed Solutions:
   • Development of market-ready products that offer measurable reductions in emissions and environmental impact compared to conventional food and feed production.
2. Enhanced Sustainability in Food Systems:
   • The challenge aims to foster biotechnology innovations that reduce reliance on intensive animal agriculture, promote alternative protein sources, and enable sustainable crop production.
3. Support for the Circular Bioeconomy:
   • Projects that close resource loops and valorize agricultural by-products contribute to a more sustainable bioeconomy, reducing waste and creating new value streams.
4. Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agriculture:
   • Projects should demonstrate potential for large-scale emissions reductions, contributing to the EU’s climate goals and aligning with the Paris Agreement commitments.

Impact on European Innovation Ecosystem

The Biotechnology for Low-Emission Food and Feed Production challenge contributes to Europe’s leadership in sustainable agriculture and food security. By supporting transformative biotechnological solutions, the EIC enables European companies to reduce agriculture’s environmental impact, develop alternative food sources, and promote a bio-based economy. This challenge not only supports the EU’s Farm to Fork and Green Deal strategies but also strengthens Europe’s position as a global leader in sustainable biotech innovations, fostering resilience and competitiveness in the agri-food sector.

In conclusion, the EIC Accelerator’s Biotechnology for Low-Emission Food and Feed Production challenge is essential to driving Europe’s transition to sustainable food systems. By enabling biotechnological advancements that reduce emissions, conserve resources, and provide scalable solutions, this challenge directly supports a more resilient and environmentally responsible food system for Europe and beyond.

GenAI4EU: European Generative AI Champions – EIC Accelerator Challenge 2025

The GenAI4EU: European Generative AI Champions challenge within the EIC Accelerator is a targeted initiative aimed at establishing European leadership in generative artificial intelligence (AI). This challenge focuses on supporting high-potential startups, SMEs, and mid-cap companies developing cutting-edge generative AI solutions that align with European values, particularly regarding data privacy, ethical standards, and regulatory compliance. By investing in Europe’s generative AI capabilities, this challenge seeks to enhance Europe’s digital sovereignty and competitiveness in the rapidly growing AI sector.

Objective of the Challenge

The primary objective of the GenAI4EU challenge is to foster the development and deployment of generative AI technologies that are innovative, ethically grounded, and responsive to the unique needs of European industries and society. With a strong focus on transparency, accountability, and data security, this challenge aims to position Europe as a leader in the AI space while adhering to the EU’s regulatory framework.

Focus Areas and Eligible Technologies

The EIC has identified several focus areas for generative AI applications that align with Europe’s strategic goals, particularly in healthcare, manufacturing, creative industries, and public administration. Each area emphasizes AI-driven solutions that can generate data, content, designs, or processes that enhance productivity, creativity, and efficiency.

1. Generative AI for Healthcare and Life Sciences:
   • Applications include AI systems that can assist in medical imaging analysis, personalized treatment recommendations, drug discovery, and synthetic biology.
   • Projects in this area should focus on improving diagnostic accuracy, accelerating research timelines, and creating value within the healthcare ecosystem while adhering to strict ethical and regulatory standards.
2. Generative AI in Content Creation and Media:
   • Supports AI-driven tools for generating visual content, text, music, and other creative outputs for industries like advertising, journalism, entertainment, and digital art.
   • The focus is on creating responsible AI tools that can foster innovation in media and the arts while addressing concerns around authenticity, copyright, and ethical content generation.
3. Generative AI for Industrial and Manufacturing Applications:
   • AI solutions that can optimize design processes, enhance product development, streamline manufacturing, and automate quality control.
   • Projects might include generative design software, automated coding for industrial applications, or AI-driven simulations to improve efficiency and reduce costs in manufacturing environments.
4. Generative AI for Natural Language Processing and Human-Machine Interaction:
   • This area includes AI technologies that improve natural language understanding, translation, and virtual assistant capabilities, tailored for use in business, public administration, and customer service.
   • Projects should emphasize user-friendly, secure, and transparent AI systems that improve communication and operational efficiency in sectors such as finance, government, and education.
5. Ethical and Transparent AI Solutions:
   • Focus on generative AI applications that prioritize transparency, accountability, and privacy, ensuring that these systems align with the EU’s AI Act and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
   • Solutions should integrate mechanisms for data protection, interpretability of AI-generated outputs, and control measures to prevent misuse or unintended consequences.

Funding Scope and Eligibility

Projects under the GenAI4EU challenge can access a blend of grant and equity funding to support the development, scaling, and commercialization of generative AI technologies:

• Grant Component:
  • Provides up to €2.5 million to cover eligible R&D, prototype testing, and initial market validation activities.
  • Aims to advance projects from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6-8, focusing on validating the technology in relevant environments and preparing for market entry.
• Investment Component:
  • Offers equity investments up to €10 million to support scaling, production, and commercial deployment.
  • The investment component is intended for companies with proven technologies ready for large-scale implementation in European markets.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to startups, SMEs, and small mid-cap companies based in EU Member States or countries associated with Horizon Europe.
• Applicants must demonstrate the scalability and commercial potential of their AI technology, alongside a clear alignment with EU ethical standards and regulatory requirements.
• Proposals should include specific plans for addressing data privacy, explainability, and risk mitigation in AI deployment.

Expected Outcomes

The GenAI4EU challenge is expected to yield high-impact generative AI technologies that drive Europe’s digital transformation while prioritizing ethical considerations and compliance. Key anticipated outcomes include:

1. Commercially Viable Generative AI Solutions:
   • Development of market-ready AI products and services that meet industry needs, creating value across healthcare, media, manufacturing, and other sectors.
2. Enhanced Digital Sovereignty for Europe:
   • Establishing a strong European presence in generative AI, reducing dependence on non-European AI providers and ensuring alignment with European values.
3. Ethical and Responsible AI Deployment:
   • Solutions that prioritize ethical considerations, including transparency, accountability, and data protection, setting a benchmark for responsible AI development globally.
4. Improved Innovation in Key Industries:
   • Generative AI applications that drive innovation, streamline operations, and boost productivity across multiple industries, supporting Europe’s competitiveness and sustainable growth.

Impact on European Innovation Ecosystem

The GenAI4EU: European Generative AI Champions challenge is a strategic initiative to elevate Europe’s role in the generative AI landscape. By supporting projects that adhere to strict ethical standards and prioritize user privacy and transparency, the EIC Accelerator seeks to create a trusted ecosystem for AI innovation in Europe. This challenge also supports the European AI strategy, promoting digital sovereignty, security, and competitiveness across critical sectors.

In conclusion, the GenAI4EU challenge is central to the EIC’s vision of a future where Europe leads in ethical, advanced AI. By enabling the development of generative AI technologies that are market-ready and grounded in European principles, this challenge contributes to a robust, secure, and competitive AI ecosystem that supports innovation and aligns with the EU’s digital and ethical standards.

In-Space Servicing and Resilient EU Space Infrastructure: EIC Accelerator Challenge 2025

The In-Space Servicing and Resilient EU Space Infrastructure challenge, part of the EIC Accelerator program, focuses on strengthening Europe’s presence and autonomy in space by advancing technologies that enhance the sustainability, resilience, and operability of European space assets. As space becomes increasingly vital for communications, navigation, climate monitoring, and security, this challenge aims to foster innovations that can maintain and protect European space infrastructure, reduce dependency on non-EU services, and ensure long-term space sustainability.

Objective of the Challenge

The primary objective of this challenge is to develop innovative solutions for in-space servicing, repair, maintenance, and resilience of satellites and other critical space infrastructure. By supporting these solutions, the challenge aims to bolster Europe’s strategic autonomy in space, mitigate risks from space debris, and establish Europe as a leader in space sustainability and resilience.

Focus Areas and Eligible Technologies

The EIC has identified several focus areas within in-space servicing and space resilience to address emerging challenges in the space sector. These include technologies that enable safe and sustainable operations in orbit, extend the lifespan of space assets, and ensure the reliability of critical infrastructure.

1. In-Space Servicing and Refueling:
   • Technologies that allow satellites and other space assets to be serviced, repaired, upgraded, or refueled while in orbit, extending their operational lifespan.
   • This focus area includes robotic servicing systems, autonomous docking mechanisms, and fuel transfer technologies that reduce the need for replacement launches and minimize waste.
2. Satellite Resilience and Fault Management:
   • Solutions designed to improve satellite durability, fault tolerance, and self-repair capabilities, making them more resilient to mechanical failures, radiation exposure, and other hazards in space.
   • Projects might include redundancy systems, AI-driven fault detection, and automatic recovery systems that enable satellites to maintain operations under adverse conditions.
3. Orbital Debris Management and Collision Avoidance:
   • Technologies that detect, track, and mitigate space debris, reducing the risk of collisions that could damage satellites or disrupt critical services.
   • This area includes debris removal techniques, tracking software, and collision avoidance systems that contribute to a safer orbital environment and support long-term space sustainability.
4. Secure Communications and Space-Based Data Systems:
   • Development of secure and resilient space communication systems that ensure reliable data transfer, particularly in areas critical to European security and infrastructure.
   • Focus areas include encryption technologies, quantum key distribution, and other secure data transmission methods that protect EU space assets from cyber threats and interception.
5. Autonomous Space Operations and Robotics:
   • Solutions for autonomous navigation, station-keeping, and operation of robotic systems for complex tasks such as repairs, inspection, and assembly in space.
   • Autonomous systems are crucial for conducting operations in hazardous or remote areas of space, reducing the need for human intervention and increasing mission safety and efficiency.

Funding Scope and Eligibility

The In-Space Servicing and Resilient EU Space Infrastructure challenge offers both grant and equity funding to support the development, testing, and commercialization of space technologies that ensure sustainable and autonomous space operations.

• Grant Component:
  • Provides up to €2.5 million to cover eligible R&D, prototyping, and testing activities necessary to advance these technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6-8.
  • Funding is intended to support demonstration projects, feasibility studies, and initial testing in relevant space or simulated environments.
• Investment Component:
  • Offers equity investments up to €10 million for scaling up production, commercial deployment, and market expansion.
  • The investment component targets companies ready to industrialize their space technologies and support the large-scale deployment of resilient space infrastructure.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to startups, SMEs, and small mid-cap companies based in EU Member States or countries associated with Horizon Europe.
• Proposals must demonstrate a clear path to market, scalability, and a solid understanding of regulatory and operational requirements in the space sector.
• Projects should also address sustainability considerations, such as minimizing space debris and adhering to international guidelines for responsible space operations.

Expected Outcomes

The In-Space Servicing and Resilient EU Space Infrastructure challenge is expected to generate high-impact innovations that support the sustainability, autonomy, and competitiveness of Europe’s space infrastructure. Anticipated outcomes include:

1. Commercially Viable In-Space Servicing Solutions:
   • Development of reliable, market-ready technologies for satellite servicing, repair, and refueling that extend the operational life of space assets and reduce the need for replacement launches.
2. Improved Space Infrastructure Resilience:
   • Technologies that enhance the durability, fault tolerance, and operational longevity of EU space infrastructure, ensuring continuous service for critical applications such as telecommunications, Earth observation, and navigation.
3. Reduction of Space Debris and Safer Orbital Operations:
   • Solutions that contribute to space debris mitigation and safer orbital environments, reducing the risk of satellite collisions and fostering sustainable space practices.
4. Strengthened European Autonomy in Space:
   • By investing in secure and resilient space infrastructure, this challenge supports Europe’s strategic autonomy in space, reducing reliance on non-EU technologies and services.

Impact on European Innovation Ecosystem

The In-Space Servicing and Resilient EU Space Infrastructure challenge is a critical part of Europe’s efforts to build a sustainable and autonomous space presence. By fostering innovative technologies that extend the life and resilience of space assets, the EIC is enhancing Europe’s competitiveness in the global space industry and supporting the EU’s strategic priorities. This challenge aligns with the EU’s Space Strategy and is integral to ensuring that Europe maintains control over essential space-based services.

In conclusion, the In-Space Servicing and Resilient EU Space Infrastructure challenge supports Europe’s ambitions for a secure, sustainable, and competitive space sector. By investing in autonomous servicing, debris management, and resilient space infrastructure, the EIC is helping European companies lead the way in creating a responsible, self-sufficient space environment that can support economic growth, scientific discovery, and societal needs for years to come.

Innovations in Future Mobility: EIC Accelerator Challenge 2025

The Innovations in Future Mobility challenge under the EIC Accelerator program is dedicated to advancing technologies that transform transportation, making it more sustainable, autonomous, and connected. This challenge supports startups, SMEs, and small mid-cap companies developing high-impact innovations that improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of mobility solutions. By promoting new technologies in electric, autonomous, and multimodal transportation, the EIC aims to align with the EU’s green transition and digital transformation goals, fostering a future of accessible, eco-friendly, and efficient mobility for all.

Objective of the Challenge

The primary objective of the Innovations in Future Mobility challenge is to fund cutting-edge solutions that redefine how people and goods move, with a focus on reducing emissions, optimizing urban transportation, and enhancing connectivity. Through this challenge, the EIC seeks to support innovations that contribute to the EU’s climate neutrality target and respond to urbanization pressures, addressing the need for smarter and more sustainable transportation systems.

Focus Areas and Eligible Technologies

The EIC has identified key focus areas within future mobility, encouraging projects that integrate sustainable practices, advanced digital technologies, and user-centric designs. Each area highlights technologies that contribute to a more efficient, clean, and interconnected mobility ecosystem.

1. Electric and Zero-Emission Vehicles:
   • This includes the development of electric, hydrogen, or hybrid propulsion systems for vehicles of all types, including cars, buses, trucks, and last-mile delivery vehicles.
   • Projects should emphasize advancements in battery technology, charging infrastructure, fuel cells, and renewable energy integration, aiming to reduce the transportation sector’s carbon footprint.
2. Autonomous and Connected Vehicles:
   • Innovations in self-driving and connected vehicle technologies that improve safety, optimize traffic flow, and enhance operational efficiency.
   • Key areas include sensor technology, AI-based decision-making, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, and cybersecurity measures for autonomous systems, focusing on reducing human intervention and error in transportation.
3. Multimodal and Integrated Transport Solutions:
   • Development of systems that facilitate seamless connectivity between various transportation modes, such as public transit, cycling, and ridesharing services.
   • This area promotes the creation of mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platforms, real-time traffic management, and smart ticketing systems that make transport more accessible and user-friendly.
4. Urban Air Mobility (UAM):
   • Solutions related to the emerging field of urban air mobility, including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, drone logistics, and air traffic management for urban settings.
   • Projects focusing on UAM should address safety, regulatory compliance, noise reduction, and integration with ground transport to create a feasible and sustainable air mobility network.
5. Sustainable Logistics and Freight Transport:
   • Technologies that enhance the sustainability and efficiency of goods transportation, particularly in urban and last-mile logistics.
   • This includes electric and autonomous cargo solutions, optimized routing, smart warehousing, and digital logistics platforms that minimize emissions and reduce congestion.
6. Smart Infrastructure and IoT-Enabled Mobility:
   • Innovations in infrastructure and Internet of Things (IoT) applications that support smart roads, adaptive traffic lights, and intelligent public transit systems.
   • This area emphasizes connected infrastructure that interacts with vehicles and data systems to improve traffic flow, safety, and energy use, particularly in urban settings.

Funding Scope and Eligibility

The Innovations in Future Mobility challenge provides both grant and equity funding to support the development, scaling, and commercialization of transformative mobility technologies:

• Grant Component:
  • Offers up to €2.5 million to cover costs related to research, development, testing, and initial market validation, advancing technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6-8.
  • The grant supports prototyping, pilot programs, and testing in real-world conditions, helping to bring future mobility innovations closer to market-readiness.
• Investment Component:
  • Provides equity investments up to €10 million for scaling up production, expanding infrastructure, and facilitating market entry.
  • This component targets companies with mature technologies ready for industrialization and large-scale deployment.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to startups, SMEs, and small mid-cap companies based in EU Member States or countries associated with Horizon Europe.
• Proposals must demonstrate commercial viability, scalability, and alignment with EU sustainability and digital transition goals.
• Projects should also address regulatory and safety requirements, particularly for autonomous systems, urban air mobility, and other high-impact technologies.

Expected Outcomes

The Innovations in Future Mobility challenge aims to generate tangible outcomes that reshape the European mobility landscape, making transportation cleaner, safer, and more efficient. Key expected outcomes include:

1. Commercially Viable Zero-Emission and Autonomous Vehicles:
   • Development of market-ready electric and autonomous vehicles that reduce emissions, improve safety, and support sustainable urban and regional transport.
2. Enhanced Urban and Regional Mobility Solutions:
   • Solutions that enable seamless, multimodal transport, offering European citizens and businesses more efficient and flexible mobility options.
3. Advances in Smart Infrastructure for Urban Mobility:
   • Deployment of IoT-enabled infrastructure, smart traffic systems, and digital platforms that improve traffic management, reduce congestion, and enhance urban livability.
4. Reduction in Transportation Emissions and Congestion:
   • By supporting zero-emission and efficiency-focused mobility solutions, this challenge aims to help cities meet air quality standards, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ease traffic congestion.
5. Strengthened European Competitiveness in Future Mobility:
   • By investing in advanced mobility technologies, the EIC aims to position Europe as a global leader in sustainable and autonomous transportation, driving job creation and economic growth.

Impact on European Innovation Ecosystem

The Innovations in Future Mobility challenge is essential for achieving Europe’s vision of a climate-neutral, interconnected, and user-friendly transportation ecosystem. By supporting breakthrough technologies in electric vehicles, autonomous systems, and multimodal transport, the EIC Accelerator fosters a greener, more efficient mobility landscape that aligns with the EU’s Green Deal, Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, and Digital Strategy. This challenge not only enhances Europe’s competitiveness in global mobility markets but also contributes to healthier, more sustainable urban environments for European citizens.

In summary, the Innovations in Future Mobility challenge under the EIC Accelerator seeks to empower European companies to lead in transforming transportation through cutting-edge technologies that prioritize sustainability, safety, and connectivity. Through this initiative, Europe is set to pioneer a new era in mobility that benefits both the economy and the environment, creating a resilient and forward-looking transportation system for future generations.

About

The articles found on Rasph.com reflect the opinions of Rasph or its respective authors and in no way reflect opinions held by the European Commission (EC) or the European Innovation Council (EIC). The provided information aims to share perspectives that are valuable and can potentially inform applicants regarding grant funding schemes such as the EIC Accelerator, EIC Pathfinder, EIC Transition or related programs such as Innovate UK in the United Kingdom or the Small Business Innovation and Research grant (SBIR) in the United States.

The articles can also be a useful resource for other consultancies in the grant space as well as professional grant writers who are hired as freelancers or are part of a Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME). The EIC Accelerator is part of Horizon Europe (2021-2027) which has recently replaced the previous framework program Horizon 2020.

This article was written by ChatEIC. ChatEIC is an EIC Accelerator assistant that can advise on the writing of proposals, discuss current trends and create insightful articles on a variety of topics. The articles written by ChatEIC can contain inaccurate or outdated information.

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The EIC Pre-Accelerator under the Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programme is specifically aimed at supporting early-stage, high-potential deep-tech startups located in widening countries. This initiative is designed to enhance the business, investor, and technology readiness of these startups, preparing them for follow-on funding through the EIC Accelerator or other investment sources.

Key Features of the EIC Pre-Accelerator

1. Objective: The pre-accelerator aims to boost the innovation capacity of early-stage startups by helping them advance from technology readiness level (TRL) 4 to TRL 5-6. By offering targeted support, the program helps startups in widening countries scale up and access new markets, thereby enhancing their competitive edge and appeal to investors.
2. Eligibility: This program is a mono-beneficiary action, meaning that eligible applicants must be single-company SMEs established in Horizon Europe widening countries. The focus is on companies developing deep-tech innovations rooted in scientific breakthroughs, such as those in physical, biological, or digital technologies.
3. Funding Structure: Successful applicants receive a grant covering 70% of eligible costs, with the remaining 30% to be funded by the company itself. Grants range from €300,000 to €500,000, structured as a lump sum to be used over a period of up to two years.
4. Support Scope: Funding is allocated to improve both market and investor readiness, which includes conducting market research, refining value propositions, developing business models, and addressing regulatory and certification needs. The program also focuses on maturing and validating technologies through demonstration in relevant environments.
5. Expected Outcomes:
   • By the end of the EIC Pre-Accelerator, companies should have advanced their technology to at least TRL 5.
   • Companies are expected to be well-positioned to apply for EIC Accelerator funding, attract private investment, or secure national or regional funding.
6. Additional Benefits: Awardees gain access to the EIC Business Acceleration Services, offering mentorship, coaching, and networking opportunities tailored to help them navigate investor relations and market entry strategies.

The EIC Pre-Accelerator thus serves as a vital stepping stone for startups in widening countries, enhancing their ability to scale and contribute to Europe’s broader goals of technological advancement and economic cohesion.

Role of the EIC Pre-Accelerator in the EIC Funding Ecosystem

The EIC Pre-Accelerator plays a foundational role within the European Innovation Council’s (EIC) suite of funding programs, serving as a bridge between early-stage innovation and readiness for larger-scale funding and support. It targets deep-tech startups in Horizon Europe widening countries, aiming to advance their technology readiness, investor appeal, and market potential. In this context, the Pre-Accelerator complements the other EIC funding programs—Pathfinder, Transition, and Accelerator—by preparing startups for the rigorous demands and opportunities of these more advanced funding stages.

1. Preparation for Advanced Funding: The Pre-Accelerator is designed to elevate startups to the stage where they can qualify for the EIC Accelerator or seek investment from other sources. By focusing on TRL advancement (from TRL 4 to 5-6), it helps companies bridge the gap between early-stage development and the maturity needed for scaling, which is required by programs like the EIC Accelerator.
2. Supporting Deep-Tech Innovation: Given the high-risk, high-reward nature of deep-tech projects, the Pre-Accelerator provides targeted support that startups need to navigate the complex journey from research to market. This is particularly beneficial for companies that emerge from the EIC Pathfinder, which funds early-stage breakthrough research but may leave companies requiring additional development and validation.
3. Regional Inclusivity and Widening: The Pre-Accelerator specifically focuses on companies from Horizon Europe’s widening countries—regions that traditionally receive less innovation funding and support. This initiative is crucial in ensuring that the benefits of Europe’s innovation ecosystem extend across all member states, fostering a more balanced distribution of innovation capacity and economic growth across the EU.
4. Complementary Development to EIC Transition and Accelerator:
   • EIC Transition: While the Transition program supports projects that are ready to validate technology and explore commercialization potential, it requires that companies have already achieved a TRL 3-4. The Pre-Accelerator is crucial for companies needing that initial boost to reach TRL 5-6, thereby enabling them to be viable candidates for the Transition program.
   • EIC Accelerator: The EIC Accelerator targets companies that have a market-ready prototype or MVP (minimum viable product) and require substantial funding for scaling. The Pre-Accelerator readies companies for this stage by providing initial market research, value proposition development, and technology validation, ensuring that startups meet the high requirements of the EIC Accelerator.
5. Increased Access to EIC Business Acceleration Services (BAS): Participants in the Pre-Accelerator gain early access to BAS, including mentorship, investor networking, and internationalization support. This exposure not only helps startups refine their business strategies but also increases their visibility within the EIC ecosystem, making it easier for them to navigate future funding opportunities and scale effectively.

Pathway Through the EIC Funding Programs

1. Early-Stage Research – EIC Pathfinder: For breakthrough research ideas that are far from the market, Pathfinder provides the earliest funding stage for fundamental science and technological innovation.
2. Building Readiness – EIC Pre-Accelerator: For companies from widening countries with promising technology needing further development before scaling. This stage emphasizes advancing TRL, investor readiness, and market positioning.
3. Validation and Commercialization – EIC Transition: For technologies reaching market-readiness, this stage provides funding to validate and demonstrate the technology and develop business plans.
4. Scaling and Market Deployment – EIC Accelerator: For companies with validated market-ready technologies, Accelerator provides substantial funding to support large-scale manufacturing, international market expansion, and strategic growth.

Impact of the EIC Pre-Accelerator on the Innovation Ecosystem

By enhancing early-stage support, particularly for companies in widening countries, the EIC Pre-Accelerator ensures a diverse and inclusive innovation landscape. It fosters equitable growth across Europe, preparing a new wave of startups to succeed in the high-stakes deep-tech sector, thereby fueling Europe’s digital and green transitions with competitive and strategically aligned innovation.

In summary, the EIC Pre-Accelerator is an essential preparatory program that complements the EIC’s broader funding framework, enabling startups to grow from foundational innovation to scalable, market-driven technology solutions.