The European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme (Pillar III of Horizon Europe) provides targeted funding for innovative projects at various stages of development. The programme includes four key funding opportunities, each supporting different Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs).
What can be funded?
The EIC supports high-risk, high-potential innovations:
- EIC Pathfinder: Funds early-stage R&D for pioneering technologies, covering TRLs 1-4.
- EIC Transition: Supports the advancement of technologies from proof of concept to market readiness (TRLs 4-6).
- EIC Accelerator: Targets projects with near-market-ready solutions (TRLs 5-8).
- STEP Scale Up: Provides investment support post-project to allow beneficiaries to access cumulative financing and longer-term support.
Funding details
- EIC Pathfinder: Grants of up to €3 million are available under Pathfinder Open and up to €4 million for Pathfinder Challenges.
- EIC Transition: Grants of up to €2.5 million, often a continuation of EU-funded projects and focuses on validating and maturing innovations.
- EIC Accelerator: Grants of up to €2.5 million and equity investments ranging from €0.5 million to €10 million to help scale innovations.
- STEP Scale Up: Investment support between €10 million and €30 million, financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB).
Additional support
Applicants may be eligible for further support (De Minimis) provided by Xjenza Malta, the National Contact Point (NCP) for Horizon Europe:
- Proposal Development Grant: Up to €10,000 to engage a grant-writing consultant (applicable to EIC Pathfinder, Transition - Stage 1, and Accelerator - Stage 2).
- Business Coach Grant: Up to €5,000 for business coaching (available for EIC Accelerator - Stage 1), covering interview preparation and business case refinement.
- Pitch Coach Grant: Up to €2,000 to support pitch development and interview readiness (available for EIC Transition - Stage 2 and Accelerator - Stage 1).
Application deadline
Applications follow a two-stage process and are open year-round. Deadline dates are currently available from now until May 2025 and December 2025.
How can we help?
Navigating Horizon Europe and EIC funding requires expertise and experience. Through our international KPMG Global Credits, Grants & Incentives network, we bring extensive knowledge and a proven track record in securing Horizon Europe grants.
Next steps
Reach out to learn more about how the EIC Work Programme can support your project or to start your application process.
