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STEP Scale Up

STEP Scale Up

Invests in European deep-tech scale-up ventures with momentum needing capital for commercial expansion.

Between cyclesEuropean Innovation CouncilEUEU associated countries (excl. UK)
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About

STEP Scale Up is the European Innovation Council's equity-only late-stage investment instrument, operated by the EIC Fund under the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) framework and administered by EISMEA under Horizon Europe. It provides €10–30 million equity investments to individual deep-tech SMEs and small mid-caps (under 500 employees) that are raising scale-up rounds of €50–150…

What this grant funds

Digital and Deep Tech, Clean Technologies, Biotechnologies. Priority on quantum technologies and semiconductors.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Rolling
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.Rolling
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.8 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.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.€300M
Funding analytics

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Industries

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Eligibility criteria

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Application process

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What you have to submit

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How they score you

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Timeline

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Where founders trip up

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