STEP Scale Up

STEP Scale Up is the European Innovation Council’s large equity route for deep-tech companies that are trying to become global leaders. It is not a grant program. The instrument is equity, with investments sized at €10 million to €30 million per company, and it is administered by EISMEA under Horizon Europe. The program is aimed at EU or Horizon Europe associated companies with the ambition and scale to absorb a very large growth round. The 2026 budget is €300 million across four annual cut-offs. Applicants must show initial market interest from a qualified investor covering at least 20% of the target financing round, and the expected round size sits between €50 million and €150 million. The eligible sectors are Digital and Deep Tech, Clean Technologies, and Biotechnologies. Interview timing is short, with decisions following within weeks of evaluation. This route is built for companies that already have investor attention and need a major step-up in capital, not a small bridge. The strongest applications will show a large financing plan, a clear market pull, and a business that can justify scale on a European rather than local horizon. It is a good match when the company is already operating at the point where late-stage private capital and European strategic backing can reinforce each other.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.