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The EIC Accelerator is the flagship European funding instrument for startups, SMEs and small mid caps that are ready to scale breakthrough innovations. Under the EIC Work Programme 2026, it combines significant grant support with equity investment to help companies move from advanced prototype to full commercial deployment.
It targets innovations at TRL 6 to 8, where technical risk and scale up costs are often too high for private investors to shoulder alone. Typical projects aim to create or disrupt markets in areas such as digital, health, climate, industrial technologies, space, advanced materials and more.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include:
Applicants must be established in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe.
Funding available
The EIC Accelerator offers a powerful combination of:
Separate budget envelopes are available for:
Cut-off dates: This is a rolling application, which means the short application is open throughout the year. For the full application, the EIC has now released 6 cut-off dates, within which, you can submit the long application, which is followed by an interview:
How Inventya can help
Navigating the EIC Accelerator is demanding. Competition is intense, the evaluation criteria are strict, and the process requires a strong story across technology, market, team, impact and finances. Inventya can help you approach the 2026 calls with a clear, compelling and fundable proposition. We offer:
With Inventya as your partner, you do not just submit an application. You present a well structured, investor grade case that aligns with EIC priorities and showcases your company as a future European market leader.
