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EIC Accelerator

EIC Accelerator Challenges

Funds strategic deep-tech challenge projects in materials, energy, biotechnology, and climate innovation.

OpenEuropean Innovation CouncilEU
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About

EIC Accelerator Challenges 2026 provides the same blended grant and equity package as EIC Accelerator Open — up to €2.5 million non-dilutive grant plus €1–10 million equity investment per company — but restricts applications to five strategic challenge topics defined in the 2026 EIC Work Programme. The total 2026 budget for the Challenges track is €220 million, with individual challenge budgets ra…

What this grant funds

Five strategic challenge topics: Advanced Materials for Renewable Energy, Fusion Power Plant technologies, Biotech for Agricultural Soils, Critical Raw Materials supply chains, and Deep Tech for Climate Adaptation.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.2 Sept 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant + Equity
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€220M
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Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Source: eic.ec.europa.eu