EIC Pre-accelerator - Widening
Horizon Europe · HORIZON-WIDERA-2027-01-WIDENING-01
Grants for deep-tech startups in Widening countries to validate technology and prepare for investment and the EIC Accelerator.
This call is announced but not open yet. Dates and conditions can still change.
What is this call about?
The action funds early-stage deep-tech startups in Widening countries to mature their technology and become ready for investment. Support targets companies moving from TRL 4 to TRL 5 or 6.
What does this call fund?
Scope
The action supports early-stage deep-tech startups in Widening countries that have a high-impact technology, product, service or business model and the ambition to scale up. Deep tech is understood as innovation rooted in cutting-edge science and engineering, as distinct from high-tech defined only by R&D intensity.
What the grant can be used for
- Investor and market readiness: market research, value proposition, business case and model, growth prospects, intellectual property protection, competitor analysis and, where relevant, regulation, certification and standardisation.
- Maturation and validation of the technology beyond proof of concept, from at least TRL 4 up to TRL 6.
Expected results
By the end of the project, startups should have tested and validated their technology in a laboratory and other relevant environment (at least all aspects of TRL 5) and be ready to apply to the EIC Accelerator or to attract other investors, licensing or collaboration partners.
Additional support
Successful applicants and Seal of Excellence holders receive free access to EIC Business Acceleration Services such as coaching and tailored events, plus access to the EIC Accelerator Fast Track following a project review in the second half of the project.
What are the key facts?
- Topic budget
- €40,000,000
- Minimum amount per project
- €500,000
- Maximum amount per project
- €1,000,000
- Call code
- HORIZON-WIDERA-2027-01-WIDENING-01
- Programme
- Horizon Europe
- Funder
- Horizon Europe, European Innovation Council (Coordination and Support Action)
- Funding rate
- up to 70% of eligible costs, with 30% co-funding from the beneficiary
- Duration
- up to 2 years
- Expected number of projects
- 60
Who can apply for this call?
- Early-stage deep-tech startups in Widening countries.
- Applicants are expected to demonstrate technology validated in the lab (at least TRL 4).
- Applicants are expected to demonstrate that they hold the intellectual property rights needed for freedom to operate and protection of the idea.
- Applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear route to market with milestones and verifiable KPIs.
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?
18 November 2027 (378 days)
18 November 2027 (single-stage).
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.