EIC Accelerator 2026 - Short proposal
Horizon Europe · HORIZON-EIC-2026-ACCELERATOR-01
Grant and investment support for companies, mainly SMEs and start-ups, scaling up deep-tech innovations that can create or disrupt markets.
This call is closed. The page stays online for reference.
What is this call about?
The EIC Accelerator offers a mix of grant, investment and business acceleration support to companies, mainly SMEs and start-ups, scaling up deep-tech innovations. This entry covers the short proposal stage.
What does this call fund?
Scope
The EIC Accelerator supports companies, principally SMEs including start-ups, in scaling up high-impact innovations that could create new markets or disrupt existing ones. It focuses on innovations based on scientific discovery or technological breakthroughs (deep tech) that need significant funding over a long period before generating returns, and which often struggle to attract finance because of the risk and time involved.
Type of support
The EIC Accelerator combines grant funding, investment funding and Business Acceleration Services. The support is meant to act as a catalyst, helping companies attract other investors and the full investment they need to scale up in a shorter time.
Technology maturity
The Accelerator supports the later stages of technology development and scale-up. The technology must already have been tested and validated in a laboratory and other relevant environment, for example with at least Technology Readiness Level 5 completed.
Routes for applying
- EIC Accelerator Open: no predefined themes, open to any field of technology or application.
- EIC Accelerator Challenges: predefined areas of emerging and strategic technologies.
Further details are set out in the EIC Work Programme 2026.
What are the key facts?
- Call code
- HORIZON-EIC-2026-ACCELERATOR-01
- Programme
- Horizon Europe
- Eligible applicants
- companies, principally SMEs including start-ups
Who can apply for this call?
- The EIC Accelerator supports companies, principally SMEs including start-ups.
- The technology must have been tested and validated in a laboratory and other relevant environment, for example with at least TRL 5 completed.
- Proposals can be submitted under EIC Accelerator Open (any field) or EIC Accelerator Challenges (predefined areas).
Check your eligibility and how your project fits
In your free account, we check the eligibility conditions against the call documents for your organisation and assess how well your project fits this call.
When is the deadline?
4 November 2026
17 December 2026. The topic follows a continuous submission model.
Interested in this call? Summary written with AI from the official call documents. Details can differ, so check the official call page before you apply. Read the official call documents before you decide. The official text is always binding.
Source: EU Funding & Tenders Portal and the official call documents. Official call page Last updated 6 October 2026.