Summary

Are you developing a technology that can give rise to innovative business models and new processes, and the creation of smart products and services? Does your company aim for a leading position globally in this technology? 

If your answers to the above questions are ‘yes’, then the EIC Accelerator may be the right programme for you.

The EIC Accelerator focuses on innovations building on scientific discovery or technological breakthroughs (‘deep tech’) and where significant funding is needed over a long timeframe before returns can be generated (‘patient capital’). Such innovations often struggle to attract financing because the risks and time period involved are too high.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include single companies classified as a SME and established within a Member State or an Associated Country.

The UK is no longer an EU Member State; however the UK’s association has been agreed.  On this basis UK companies are eligible to apply. However, UK applicants are only eligible to apply for an EIC Accelerator grant (i.e. up to €2.5M), they are not eligible to apply for the equity financing element of the competition.

Grant funding will reimburse eligible costs incurred for innovation activities, including demonstration of the technology in the relevant environment, prototyping and system level demonstration, R&D and testing required to meet regulatory and standardisation requirements, intellectual property management, and marketing approval (e.g. at least Technology

Readiness Levels 5/6 to 8). Eligible costs are reimbursed up to a maximum of 70%. 

Projects should be 1 to 2 years in duration.

Unlike predecessor competitions delivered under the auspices of Horizon 2020, there are limitations on the number of times you can apply.