Short proposal - European Innovation Council
Short proposal - European Innovation Council supports start-ups, SMEs and spin-offs developing breakthrough innovations to create or disrupt markets and scale internationally through the EIC Accelerator.
Funder: European Innovation Council
Due Dates: November 10, 2026 (Opening) | December 16, 2027 (Short proposal deadline)
Funding Amounts: Grants below €2.5 million; investment component €1 million–€10 million; €578 million Accelerator budget
Summary: Supports companies developing breakthrough innovations with high market impact and international scale-up potential through the EIC Accelerator.
Key Information: Small mid-caps can receive investment-only support, or exceptional blended finance for rapid scale-up.
Description
The short proposal is the first-stage application for the European Innovation Council’s EIC Accelerator under Horizon Europe’s Innovative Europe programme. The Accelerator supports start-ups, SMEs, spin-offs and, in specified cases, small mid-caps bringing high-risk, high-gain innovations to market and scaling internationally. Its focus is breakthrough technologies and game-changing innovations capable of creating new markets or disrupting existing ones.
The Accelerator offers grant funding for innovation activities at Technology Readiness Levels 6–8 and investment support for scaling up and other activities. Accelerator Open covers any technology field without predefined thematic priorities, while Accelerator Challenges target strategic technologies. The 2027 programme also supports innovations with potential dual-use applications. Financial support is complemented by Business Acceleration Services connecting awardees with expertise, corporates, investors and ecosystem partners.
