Grant opportunity
EIC Accelerator 2026
European Innovation Council funding for high-risk, high-potential deep-tech start-ups and SMEs, with several 2026 full proposal batch dates.
- Funder
- European Innovation Council
- Deadline
- Jul 8, 2026
- Award
- Grant component plus possible investment support; see EIC 2026 work programme
- Applicant
- Startup or SME
- Discipline
- Innovation and Technology
- Region
- Europe / Global
- Posted
- May 13, 2026
Call summary
Overview
The EIC Accelerator supports start-ups and SMEs developing high-risk, high-impact innovations with strong scale-up potential.
Who can apply
- Applicants must meet EIC Accelerator eligibility rules for SMEs, start-ups, or other eligible entities.
- Short proposals can be submitted first; successful applicants may proceed to full proposal batch deadlines.
- Applicants should confirm open and challenge-specific conditions in the 2026 EIC Work Programme.
What it supports
- Deep-tech innovation.
- Market-creating technologies and high-risk scale-up projects.
- Grant-only, blended finance, and investment-related pathways depending on fit.
Funding and duration
Funding may include a grant component and possible investment support according to EIC rules.
Application deadline
Jul 8, 2026
How to apply
Use the EIC Accelerator application process. Upcoming 2026 full proposal batch dates include 8 July, 2 September, and 4 November 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time.
Call details
About the opportunity
The EIC Accelerator supports start-ups and SMEs developing high-risk, high-impact innovations with strong scale-up potential.
European Innovation Council lists this opportunity for Startup or SME, Innovation and Technology, Europe / Global.
This listing is written for researchers, students, universities, NGOs, research teams, policy professionals and academic institutions searching for Innovation and Technology grants, fellowships, scholarships, conferences, workshops and funding opportunities in Europe / Global contexts.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet EIC Accelerator eligibility rules for SMEs, start-ups, or other eligible entities.
Short proposals can be submitted first; successful applicants may proceed to full proposal batch deadlines.
Applicants should confirm open and challenge-specific conditions in the 2026 EIC Work Programme.
Funding and benefits
Funding may include a grant component and possible investment support according to EIC rules.
Themes and supported activities
Deep-tech innovation.
Market-creating technologies and high-risk scale-up projects.
Grant-only, blended finance, and investment-related pathways depending on fit.
Deadline and timeline
Application deadline: Jul 8, 2026.
Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.
How to apply
Use the EIC Accelerator application process. Upcoming 2026 full proposal batch dates include 8 July, 2 September, and 4 November 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time.
Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.