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EIC funding in 2027: which route should a deep-tech founder check?
By DayDebrief ·
The EIC has announced over EUR 1.8 billion for 2027. Before starting an application, separate research grants, company development funding and scale-up investment.
Match the route to the stage
The 2027 programme overview spans early research through scale-up. The headline budget combines different schemes and funding types; it is not a single grant available to every startup.
| Your starting point | Route to examine | Funding distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Early breakthrough research | Pathfinder | Research grants for multidisciplinary teams |
| Eligible prior research results ready for development | Transition | Grants; check which earlier research programmes qualify |
| A startup or SME developing and scaling an innovation | Accelerator | Grant, investment or blended support, subject to the route conditions |
| A strategic-technology company preparing a major round | STEP Scale Up | Equity investment, rather than a grant |
These are four starting points, not the full list of EIC programmes.
Two checks that can save an unsuitable application
Accelerator: the official eligibility page sets conditions on company size and where the business is established. An innovative idea alone does not establish eligibility.
STEP Scale Up: the scheme page lists EUR 10-30 million equity investments and requires a qualified investor pre-commitment covering at least 20% of the target round. A founder seeking only a small research grant should examine the earlier-stage routes first.
A useful next step
Write down your current development stage, where the company is established, the amount needed and whether you are seeking a grant or equity. Compare those four facts with the current call before preparing a proposal.
The EIC lists an online information day for 19 November 2026, 09:30-15:40 CET, with registration scheduled to close on 18 November at 09:30 CET. Check the event page for changes.
Based on the EIC pages checked on 6 November 2026. This is a route-finding briefing, not an eligibility assessment; the current call documents govern applications.
Sources checked
- EIC launches funding for 2027European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency · European Innovation Council · Published
- EIC funding opportunities in 2027European Innovation Council · Published
- EIC Accelerator: support and eligibilityEuropean Innovation Council · Checked
- STEP Scale Up: investment and application requirementsEuropean Innovation Council · Checked
- Online information day: EIC funding opportunities in 2027European Innovation Council · Checked