What Is EIC Funding?
The EIC (European Innovation Council) provides competitive funding to support groundbreaking innovations across Europe. These programs offer a mix of grants, equity investment, and business acceleration services to help startups and SMEs bring disruptive technologies to market.
Here’s a breakdown of the EIC’s four key funding programs:
EIC Pathfinder – Early-Stage Research & Deep Tech Funding
The EIC Pathfinder program supports pioneering scientific research that has the potential to create radically new technologies.
It provides:
- Up to €4M in grant funding for early-stage R&D projects.Funding for high-risk, high-gain research from TRL 1 to 4.
- Open to universities, research centers, and innovative companies.
Who Can Apply?
- Startups & SMEs, Large companies, research organizations, and universities working on breakthrough science.
- Projects with no proof of concept but high disruptive potential.
EIC Transition – Turn lab results into demonstrated prototypes
The EIC Transition program helps innovators validate and develop technologies emerging from Pathfinder or other EU-funded research.
It provides:
- Up to €2.5M in grants for proof of concept & early-stage development.
- From TRL 3 to 6 technologies looking to move towards demonstration.
Who Can Apply?
- Startups & SMEs, Large companies, research organizations, and universities to validate prototypes and market potential.
- Single applicants or small consortia (maximum 5 entities)
EIC Accelerator – Funding for Startups & SMEs
The EIC Accelerator is designed for startups and SMEs with high-risk, high-potential innovations.
This program provides:
- Grants up to €2.5M for innovation development.
- Equity investment up to €10M for market scale-up.
- Business acceleration services, including mentoring, investor matchmaking & networking.
Who Can Apply?
- Deep-tech startups & SMEs with disruptive innovations.
- Companies ready to scale globally.
- Technologies from TRL 6 to 9.
EIC STEP | Scale-Up – Large Investments for Growth
The EIC STEP | Scale-Up is a new initiative for deep-tech scale-ups seeking large investments to accelerate international expansion.
It provides:
- Equity investments up to €30M to drive market scale-up.
- Support for high-growth, deep-tech companies.
- Connections with top investors & corporate partners.
Who Can Apply?
- Scale-ups & deep-tech companies with TRL 8-9 innovations.
- Businesses looking to raise major capital for growth.
How PNO Spain Supports You
At PNO Spain, we offer end-to-end support tailored to the needs of each applicant and each EIC programme. From identifying the most suitable funding instrument and verifying eligibility, to proposal drafting, partner search, financial planning, and pitch coaching—our team is deeply involved every step of the way.
Our services are not just about writing. We align your innovation with the strategic goals of the EIC and European Commission, ensuring your project stands out. For the Accelerator, we also help structure the equity component and prepare founders for the crucial interview stage. With the integration of Aristos by PNO, our track record and deep-tech focus are even stronger.
Apply for EIC 2025 with Expert Support
EIC programmes are highly selective, but with expert guidance, your innovation can become part of the next wave of European breakthroughs. Whether you’re a researcher aiming to launch a high-risk idea or a founder preparing to scale, we’re here to help you:
- Expert Guidance Through the Application Process: From initial concept to interview preparation, we offer tailored support every step of the way.
- Winning Proposal Development: Leverage our in-depth knowledge of EIC requirements to craft compelling, competitive proposals.
- Strategic Networking: Connect with our extensive network of industry experts, investors, and international partners.
