EIC STEP Scale Up Call: Funding Opportunities for Innovative Startups in Europe

EIC STEP Scale Up Call

The EIC STEP Scale Up call represents a significant initiative within the framework of the EIC Accelerator program, designed to foster innovation and support European startups in scaling their groundbreaking technologies. This call is established under the Horizon Europe Regulation, specifically Article 48, and was updated by Article 17(2) of the STEP Regulation. It aims to enhance the support provided to innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, thereby driving growth and competitiveness in the European market.

Key Features

The EIC STEP Scale Up call maintains similar rules regarding indirect management and the inclusion of parent or holding companies as seen in the regular EIC Accelerator call. This means that those eligible for the EIC Accelerator funding can also apply for the STEP Scale Up call under comparable conditions. The call is tailored to maximize the effectiveness of European Innovation Council (EIC) funding, helping startups and SMEs transition from early-stage funding to substantial growth phases.

One of the unique features of the STEP Scale Up call is its focus on support for scaling innovative technologies that have demonstrated initial market traction. EIC Accelerator SMEs and startups looking to leverage this opportunity can benefit from a range of financial instruments including equity-free grants, which distinguish this funding from other sources of financing like venture capital.

Guidance Note

Understanding the intricacies of the EIC STEP Scale Up call requires diligence, and fortunately, there is guidance available that elucidates certain aspects of Regulation (EU) 2024/795. This regulation, pertaining to the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), outlines how the EIC aims to align its funding strategies with the broader objectives of the European Union’s innovation agenda.

For applicants, it’s crucial to familiarize themselves with the EIC Accelerator evaluation criteria, which will play a pivotal role in the assessment of proposals. The criteria typically encompass aspects such as innovation potential, market fit, and the overall impact of the proposed project, making it essential for applicants to prepare their proposals thoroughly.

More Information

The STEP regulation not only introduces changes to the existing EIC Accelerator structure but also intersects with various other legislative directives, including Directive 2003/87/EC and several EU regulations from 2021 and 2013. Understanding these interconnections can provide valuable insights into how EIC funding can be optimized for various types of innovation-driven projects within the EU landscape.

The EIC Accelerator program, along with its complementary initiatives such as the EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition, creates a robust ecosystem of support for European deep tech startups. This ecosystem is geared towards providing non-dilutive funding opportunities, enabling startups to retain ownership while pursuing innovative solutions and technologies.

Tips and Strategies for EIC Accelerator Application

For aspiring applicants, here are some best practices for a successful EIC Accelerator application:

Reference

For more detailed information regarding the EIC STEP Scale Up call, including application procedures and evaluation metrics, you can check the official document here: EU Regulation 2024/795.

By engaging with the EIC STEP Scale Up call, innovative startups have a unique opportunity to access funding that can dramatically accelerate their growth trajectories and contribute significantly to the European innovation landscape.

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