The EIC Accelerator call will be opened on 8 April, which will support SMEs and start-ups in developing breakthrough innovations. Applications from companies with women in top management positions will be particularly encouraged.
EIC Accelerator will provide financial support through:
– Non-reimbursable funding up to EUR 2.5 million
– Investments up to EUR 15 million managed by EIC FUND.
In addition, selected companies will receive guidance, mentoring, access to investors and corporations, and many other opportunities. All information is published in the EUROPEAN INNOVATION COUNCIL WORK PROGRAMME 2021 (Horizon Europe).
Proposals will be submitted through the EIC AI platform, which will require preparing a video pitch, a slide presentation and answering a short survey about the innovation and the company’s team. If the application fulfils the requirements, the Commission will invite the company to prepare the full application.
EIC Accelerator also provides an open call, which does not define thematic priorities on which to submit project proposals (Open Funding) and a call with a challenge-driven approach (EIC Strategic Challenges) which will fund projects in specific technology areas.
In particular, the EIC Accelerator open call (€592.5 million) targets breakthrough innovations in any technology field, while the EIC Strategic Challenges call (€495.1 million) funds innovations in the fields of strategic digital and health technologies and Green Deal innovations for economic recovery.
The deadlines for applications in 2021 are:
9 June for Accelerator Open 6 October for Accelerator