EIC STEP Scale Up Call: Support for Scaling Innovative Technologies in Europe
EIC Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Scale Up Call The EIC Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Scale Up Call aims to amplify the impact of innovative technologies across Europe by providing essential support and resources for scaling. This initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the European Innovation Council (EIC) to foster innovation and enhance the competitiveness of European startups and SMEs. Overview of EIC STEP Scale-Up Call The STEP Scale Up Call is particularly focused on enhancing the visibility and growth potential of emerging technologies. With the rapid evolution of technology and increased competition in global markets, scaling effectively is critical. The EIC offers a unique blend of resources, including funding opportunities, mentorship, and access to a wider network, specifically designed to propel startups and innovative SMEs through the often challenging scale-up phase. Business Acceleration Services The EIC provides an extensive array of business acceleration services that are instrumental in nurturing innovative startups and SMEs. These services are designed not only to enhance growth potential but also to facilitate market entry, strengthen competitive advantages, and ensure alignment with market demands. EIC Business Coaches (Direct EIC Services) As part of the EIC program, participants can leverage the expertise of dedicated business coaches. These highly qualified professionals offer personalized guidance tailored to the unique challenges faced by each business. They assist in strategic planning, operational scaling, and navigating the complexities of EIC Accelerator applications, ensuring that businesses are well-prepared to secure EIC funding and achieve sustained growth. EIC Community and Women Leadership Programme The EIC places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion within the innovation landscape. The Community and Women Leadership Programme actively seeks to empower female entrepreneurs, providing them with resources, visibility, and networking opportunities. By enhancing female representation in leadership roles, the EIC aims to create a more balanced and inclusive innovation ecosystem, which is not only beneficial for society but also critical for unlocking new ideas and perspectives in technology. Investors’ Outreach Activities To bridge the gap between innovators and potential investors, the EIC organizes a series of targeted outreach activities. These initiatives are designed to promote investment opportunities and showcase innovative projects that align with current market needs. By connecting startups directly with investors, the EIC facilitates access to crucial funding sources, including equity-free grants for startups and other forms of European startup funding opportunities. Ecosystem Partnership Programme & Promotion of ESG Reporting Collaboration is at the heart of the EIC’s Ecosystem Partnership Programme. This initiative encourages partnerships among innovators, industry leaders, academia, and research institutions. It emphasizes the importance of adopting best practices in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, which is pivotal for responsible innovation and sustainable business practices. By fostering such collaborations, the EIC seeks to create a robust innovation ecosystem that supports deep tech startups in achieving their growth objectives. EIC Participation in Trade Fairs in 2026 As part of its ongoing commitment to innovation promotion, the EIC plans to participate in various high-profile trade fairs in 2026. These platforms will provide invaluable opportunities for startups to showcase their technologies, build brand awareness, and connect with potential partners, customers, and investors. Such exposure is crucial for scaling businesses and can significantly enhance the EIC Accelerator success rate among participating startups. Global Soft-landing Programme The Global Soft-landing Programme is specifically designed to assist European startups in entering new international markets. By providing tailored support, resources, and market intelligence, the program aims to facilitate smoother transitions into diverse business environments. This initiative is essential for startups seeking to expand their reach and capitalize on global opportunities, particularly in the context of non-dilutive funding for startups which can be utilized for international expansion. EIC Prizes The EIC recognizes outstanding contributions to innovation through its various prize initiatives, which serve to motivate and inspire individuals and organizations across Europe. These prizes not only highlight exceptional achievements but also foster a culture of excellence and encourage more individuals to pursue innovation. The European Prize for Women Innovators This prestigious award celebrates the achievements of women in innovation, spotlighting their crucial role in driving technological advancements. By recognizing their contributions, the EIC aims to inspire the next generation of female innovators and promote gender equality in the field of technology and entrepreneurship. The European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital) The iCapital awards acknowledge cities that excel in promoting innovation and enhancing urban life through creative initiatives and smart solutions. These awards serve as a benchmark for urban innovation and can lead to increased visibility and investment in winning cities, contributing to the overall advancement of the European innovation landscape. Other Actions In addition to its core programs and services, the EIC undertakes various actions aimed at supporting its strategic objectives. These efforts are crucial for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the EIC’s initiatives. Honoraria and Expenses of the EIC Board The EIC Board plays a vital role in guiding the organization’s strategic direction and decision-making processes. Provisions for their honoraria and expenses are essential for ensuring that the Board can operate effectively and maintain high standards of governance. External Expertise for Monitoring, Ethics, and Policy Advice The EIC engages with external experts to gain insights into monitoring practices, ethical considerations, and policy advice. This collaboration ensures that EIC activities align with best practices and regulatory frameworks, promoting transparency and accountability in all endeavors. Communication, Outreach, Events Effective communication and outreach strategies are imperative for promoting the EIC and its initiatives. Regular events, webinars, and workshops are organized to raise awareness about the available EIC funding opportunities, including EIC Accelerator, EIC Pathfinder, and EIC Transition funding. These engagements not only educate potential applicants on how to apply for EIC Accelerator grants but also provide networking opportunities to foster connections between innovators and stakeholders in the tech ecosystem. Overall, the EIC STEP Scale Up Call is a vital initiative that embodies the EIC’s commitment to nurturing innovation and driving economic growth in Europe. By providing essential support, resources, and recognition, the EIC empowers startups and innovators