EIC Accelerator 2026: 4 November deadline

The EIC Accelerator is the Horizon Europe programme for startups and SMEs developing innovations that can create or disrupt markets. The last cut off for full applications in 2026 is November 4 at 5pm Brussels time.

The grant component is a lump sum below €2.5 million for innovation activities at technology readiness levels 6 to 8, to be completed within 24 months. The investment component is €1 to €10 million in equity or quasi equity. Applicants can ask for blended finance that combines both, or for investment only. Selected companies also get Business Acceleration Services with coaches, mentors and networking.

Single startups and SMEs from EU member states or Horizon Europe associated countries can apply, as can small mid caps with up to 499 employees that need to scale up quickly, and people who plan to set up such a company. UK applicants can only use the grant only scheme. The EIC says it particularly welcomes applications from startups and SMEs with female CEOs.

The process has three steps. A 12 page short proposal with a pitch deck and a video can be submitted at any time and is batched on the first Tuesday of each month. Approved teams then write a 20 page full proposal for one of the cut off dates, and the best of those pitch to an EIC jury. The 2026 full proposal cut offs were January 7, March 4, May 6, July 8, September 2 and November 4.

On August 27, 2026 the European Commission updated the EIC Fund investment guidelines. Applications go through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal.