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EIC Pre-Accelerator

EIC Pre-Accelerator

Funds early-stage European deep-tech firms developing evidence-ready prototypes and proof-of-concept solutions.

Between cyclesEuropean Innovation CouncilEU widening countriesEU associated widening countries
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About

The EIC Pre-Accelerator 2027 is a European Innovation Council grant program designed to prepare deep-tech SMEs from Horizon Europe widening countries for EIC Accelerator eligibility. There is no 2026 call — the program runs in two-year cycles, with the next round opening on 5 May 2027 and submissions closing 18 November 2027. The total 2027 call budget is €60 million: €20 million in grants and €40…

What this grant funds

Open to any deep-tech sector; exclusively for single SMEs registered in a Horizon Europe widening country, providing grants to advance technology, business, and investment readiness toward EIC Accelerator eligibility.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.18 Nov 2027
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.24 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.30%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€20M
Funding analytics

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Industries

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Eligibility criteria

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Timeline

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Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Source: eic.ec.europa.eu