The pilot EIC Pre-Accelerator call is a joint scheme between the European Innovation Council and the Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area (WIDERA) programme. It represents a significant opportunity for deep-tech companies in widening countries to access both funding and strategic support.
To be eligible, applicants must be located in one of the following member states and associated countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Tunisia, Turkey and Ukraine.
The overall budget for 2025 is €20 million and the maximum project duration is 24 months. With a grant funding range of €300,000 to €500,000, the EIC expects to fund at least 40 companies in 2025.
The main goal of this funding scheme is to help deep-tech companies to become investor-ready and / or a good candidate for the EIC Accelerator at the end of the project. Applicants have to demonstrate they can cover 30% of project costs since the funding rate is 70%.
All activities at technology readiness level (TRL) 3 must be completed; the scheme is designed to fund activities at TRL 4 and TRL 5. The goal is to raise the TRL to 6 by the end of the project.
The deadline for submitting a 22-page proposal is 18 November 2025. Results are expected by Februrary 2026, with the grant starting date being in June 2026.
