The European Innovation Council (EIC) was established under the Horizon Europe programme to support start-ups and SMEs in developing breakthrough innovations throughout the lifecycle, from early-stage research to proof of concept, to technology transfer and market entry, including by relying on other funding sources.

The Work Programme 2023 features three distinct measures designed to underpin early-stage cutting-edge research (EIC Pathfinder), validation of new technologies and their spin-out (EIC Transition), the marketing of new products/technologies and business growth (EIC Accelerator).

EIC Accelerator is the work with the largest budget, more than € 1.13 billion out of € 1.6 billion available for 2023.

EIC ACCELERATOR – CALL 2023

Call 2023 includes eight specific topics, one of them being “open” and known as “EIC Accelerator Open 2023”, while the other seven are:

• New biomarker-based systems for personalising cancer treatment;
• Decontamination of aerosols and surfaces for pandemic management;
• Energy storage;
• new European Bauhaus and digitisation in architecture, engineering and construction for decarbonisation;
• Innovative semiconductor components or quantum technologies;
• Innovative technologies for resilient farming;
• Innovative space technologies and services.

RECIPIENTS AND FUNDING

Call 2023 is intended for individual SMEs, particularly start-ups and spin-outs. In some cases, small- and mid-cap companies (up to 500 employees) can also be supported.

SMEs receive non-repayable (non-dilutive) funding of up to € 2.5 million for innovation development costs and funding (direct holdings) of up to € 15 million for scale-up and other major costs. Companies working on technologies of strategic European interest can apply for EIC investments exceeding € 15 million.

In addition, selected companies receive coaching, mentoring, access to investors and companies and many other opportunities as part of the EIC community.

DEADLINE AND FURTHER INFORMATION

No closing date has been set for Call 2023.

Participation is possible at any time by submitting a short application with a video pitch, a presentation, and answering a short set of questions about the working group and the level of innovation. If this first step meets the basic requirements of the EIC, companies will be asked to submit a full project proposal, which will be reviewed according to these deadlines:

• 22 March 2023
• 7 June 2023
• 4 October 2023

More information about the programme and the application form are available on the EIC website and by following this link.