EIC Accelerator Module: Understanding Admissibility and Eligibility Conditions

The applicable admissibility and eligibility conditions are detailed in Annex 2 unless otherwise stated in this call.

Specific Conditions

In order to achieve the expected outcomes and safeguard the Union’s strategic assets, interests, autonomy, and security, it is important to avoid a situation of technological dependency on a non-EU source. This is particularly relevant in a global context that requires the EU to build on its strengths and to carefully assess and address any strategic weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and high-risk dependencies that could jeopardize the attainment of its ambitions.

The scope of this call follows the identification of priority technology areas where there is a pressing need to reduce or prevent strategic dependencies of the Union, in accordance with EU strategic and security interests. Therefore, as stipulated in Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, recipients of the Accelerator funding under this call must not be directly or indirectly controlled by a non-associated third country or a legal entity established in a non-associated third country.

Additionally, in cases of investment support, specific safeguards may be introduced in the investment agreement (see Introduction, section on Economic Security).

What Support Will You Receive if Your Proposal is Funded?

The EIC STEP Scale Up call offers a total indicative budget of EUR 300 million for 2025, which is projected to rise to EUR 900 million for the period 2025-2027. Any unused amount from this budget will be allocated with priority to the EIC Accelerator Open call.

The support provided will be in the form of equity-only investments managed by the EIC Fund. Applicants to this call will not receive a grant component. The program offers significant financial support, with applicants encouraged to apply for an investment of a minimum of EUR 10 million and a maximum of EUR 30 million, to co-invest in a funding round aiming for at least three to five times the amount of the requested EIC contribution.

The specific terms of each investment will be considered and negotiated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the EIC Fund Investment Guidelines. This approach ensures that the investment is tailored to the company’s needs while aligning with EIC’s broader objectives.