EIC pre-accelerator - Widening
Pays deep-tech SMEs in Horizon Europe Widening countries to mature their technology from TRL4 to TRL5/6 and get investment-ready.
This call pays SMEs in Horizon Europe Widening countries to push deep-tech innovation from lab-validated technology to a stage ready for outside investment. Around 50 grants share a combined pool of EUR 20,000,000, each a lump sum of between EUR 300,000 and EUR 500,000 covering 70% of costs, with the remaining 30% coming from the company itself. Only one company can apply per proposal, with no con…
This call funds early-stage deep-tech startups with high-impact technology, product, service or business model innovation and real ambition to scale, based in Horizon Europe Widening countries. It wants companies that have already validated their technology in the lab (at least TRL4) and hold the IP rights to protect and commercialise it, with a clear route to market and measurable milestones. Deep tech here means innovation rooted in cutting-edge science, technology or engineering, spanning physical, biological and digital advances, not just R&D-intensive "high tech".
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Guides for this application
All guides →Horizon Europe Grants for Startups: A Founder Guide
A practical guide to Horizon Europe grants for startups, including EIC, consortia, eligibility, Funding & Tenders, TRL, budgets, and EU strategy.
BudgetGrant Financials and Co-Funding Evidence: Examples for Startup Applications
See examples of grant financials, match funding evidence, co-funding tables, accountant letters, investor commitments, and budget-to-work-plan checks.
Start hereTRL Levels Explained for Deeptech Founders
Learn what TRL levels mean, how to estimate technology readiness, and how TRL affects grants, EIC Accelerator, SBIR/STTR, funding stage, and application evidence.
Write proposalHow to Write a Grant Proposal Reviewers Can Score
Learn how to write a grant proposal around reviewer criteria, evidence, work packages, budget logic, and commercialization for deeptech and R&D funding.
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