The European Innovation Council (EIC) provides various funding schemes tailored to different stages of innovation and growth. Here is an overview on what is available in 2025, including how much funding you can apply for, who can apply, and funding rates across the EIC's key programmes Pathfinder, Transition, Accelerator, and STEP Scale Up.
1. EIC Pathfinder
Funding objective: Pathfinder supports visionary research that lays the groundwork for disruptive technologies.
Funding available: Grants up to 3M€ are available for “Open” projects, with specific “Challenges” for which the funding limit may vary.
Funding rates: Pathfinder funds up to 100% of eligible costs.
Eligibility: Open to consortia of multiple research entities, as well as single entities in specific cases, focusing on high-risk/high-gain projects at early technology readiness levels (TRLs) 1-4.
2. EIC Transition
Funding objective: EIC Transition aims to validate promising technologies in lab settings and accelerate their commercial readiness.
Funding available: Grants up to 2.5M€.
Funding rates: Up to 100% of eligible costs.
Eligibility: This is open to single applicants (SMEs, start-ups, research organizations) or small consortia (2-5 entities). Applicants must demonstrate that their project builds on a previously funded Pathfinder or other eligible project, and the technology should be at TRL 3/4 at application, aiming for TRL 5/6.
3. EIC Accelerator
Funding objective: Accelerator helps SMEs, start-ups, and small mid-caps scale their innovations, bridging the gap to market deployment.
Funding available: Two components:
- Grant: Up to 2.5M€ for TRL 6-8 activities.
- Investment: Ranging from 0.5M€ million to 10M€ for scaling and market entry with specific conditions on blended or equity-only options.
Funding rates: The grant component covers up to 70% of eligible costs, while the equity component supports further scaling investments.
Eligibility: Open to individual SMEs, start-ups, and occasionally small mid-caps, focused on high-risk, deep-tech projects that are near market readiness.
4. EIC STEP Scale Up
Funding objective: STEP (Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform) provides large-scale investments to support strategic European technologies and value chains.
Funding available: Investment amounts range from 10M€ to 30M€, potentially catalysing further rounds of 50-150M€.
Funding rates: Covers substantial portions of investment costs, with a focus on scaling critical technologies such as digital, net-zero and biotechnologies.
Eligibility: Open to start-ups, SMEs, small mid-caps, and investors representing these entities. STEP supports projects that align with Europe’s strategic priorities, particularly those with high impact potential across the EU.
EIC funding in 2025 offers substantial opportunities for innovators at various stages. Whether you are at the concept stage, scaling up, or focusing on strategic technologies, there is likely to be an EIC programme aligned to your needs.
Any questions or or a project in mind? Do not hesitate to get in touch.
Antero Vesterinen
Senior Manager and Team Leader for Smart Cities and Mobility
antero.vesterinen@spinverse.com
Tel. +358 50 355 1898