The newly established European Innovation Council’s Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Scale Up scheme offers significant funding opportunities for growth companies, SMEs and small mid-caps alike, as well as for investors applying on behalf of eligible companies. This new EU funding scheme has already proven very popular, should you also apply for it? Reach out to Spinverse to find out more about this opportunity and if your company is eligible.
Scaling up breakthrough innovations in strategic technology sectors
- Digital and deep tech (e.g. semiconductor, AI, quantum, advanced connectivity, sensing, robotics and autonomous systems).
- Clean tech (focus on net-zero solutions such as solar, wind, battery storage, geothermal, hydrogen, biogas, carbon capture, nuclear and circular economy.
- Biotech (e.g. critical medicines, DNA/RNA, proteins, cell engineering, gene vectors, bioinformatics and nanobiotechnology).
What’s in it for you?
During this first year of the programme, companies can receive investments ranging from EUR 10-30 million, with a total initial budget of EUR 300 million for 2025. Given that STEP will continue in 2026, we anticipate the annual budget to be considerably higher. The scheme is designed to bridge the funding gap for high-risk innovations that traditional investors may not fully finance. It is notable that this scheme targets companies seeking major funding rounds, requiring proof of initial market interest from a qualified investor covering at least 20% of the total target funding round.
Great opportunities with this new scheme
In April 2025 the European Innovation Council announced the first companies selected for the EIC STEP. In all, out of the 34 submitted proposals, 7 were selected for funding. In addition, proposals from 11 companies were considered excellent and received the STEP seals which aims at facilitating access to complementary or alternative funding as well as to EIC Business Acceleration Services. This is to show that this new funding instrument provides excellent chances of receiving funding for now as there are not yet so many proposals. Therefore, this is an opportunity well worth looking into by companies who act fast.
Application process
If this is something your company would like to investigate, it is good to know that you can apply through the Funding & Tenders Portal by providing your business plan, pitch deck, pre-commitment from a qualified investor and ownership any time. Provided that your proposal is deemed eligible, you will be invited to the EIC Jury interview in 4-6 weeks from the start of the evaluation process. You will get the results of the interview in 2 weeks from the date of the interview.
The cut-off dates, i.e. the deadlines for submitting the applications, are estimated to take place quarterly. The following indicative deadlines for year 2026 have now been announced:
- 11 Feb 2026
- 6 May 2026
- 9 Sep 2026
- 25 Nov 2026.
Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva sees the STEP Scale Up scheme as a game-changer for high-growth businesses. It offers the vital resources, funding and expert guidance needed to accelerate expansion. By unlocking powerful networks and strategic support, it empowers companies to break through growth barriers, spark innovation and fuel economic success.
How we can help
Thanks to our extensive experience of 20+ years in EU funding instruments and company-led R&D&I projects, Spinverse can play a crucial role in helping your company navigate and secure funding through the STEP Scale Up scheme.
We can offer a range of services, including project preparation, pitching coaching and project management. Spinverse's expertise ensures your company can efficiently manage your innovation projects, maximise impact and maintain competitiveness within the European market.
With support from Spinverse, your company can enhance the chances of securing substantial funding, accelerating your growth and bringing innovative technologies to market. Reach out to us if you have any questions - we would love to hear from you!
 Antero Vesterinen Senior Sales Manager antero.vesterinen@spinverse.com Tel: +358 50 355 1898 |
 Jukka JokinenSenior Consultant jukka.jokinen@spinverse.com Tel: +358 50 562 3623 |
More information: What is the EIC STEP Scale Up scheme?