EIC Accelerator Module: Eligibility and Specific 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 imperative to avoid a situation of technological dependency on a non-EU source. This requirement arises within a global context that necessitates the EU to take proactive measures to build on its strengths, while simultaneously conducting a comprehensive assessment to address any strategic weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and high-risk dependencies that might jeopardize the attainment of its ambitions.
The scope of this call has been delineated following the identification of priority technology areas where there exists an exigent need to reduce or prevent strategic dependencies of the Union, in alignment with EU strategic and security interests. Consequently, pursuant to 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 instituted within the investment agreement, as indicated in the section on Economic Security.
Support for Funded Proposals
The EIC STEP Scale Up call offers a total indicative budget of EUR 300 million for the year 2025, with expectations that this figure will escalate to EUR 900 million for the period 2025-2027. Any funds that remain unutilized from this budget will be allocated with priority to the EIC Accelerator Open call.
Support will be rendered in the form of equity-only investments managed by the EIC Fund. It is critical to note that applicants to this call will not receive a grant component. The program offers significant financial backing, and applicants should seek an investment within a range of EUR 10 million to EUR 30 million, intended 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 are meticulously evaluated and negotiated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the EIC Fund Investment Guidelines. This procedural approach ensures that the investments are tailored to the unique needs of your company while remaining aligned with the overarching objectives of the EIC.