EIC Accelerator Open: grant and investment funding for breakthrough startups

The EIC Accelerator Open is a European Innovation Council funding programme for ambitious startups and SMEs working on breakthrough, game-changing innovations. Unlike topic-specific calls, this Open route has no predefined technology theme, so applicants can come from any technology or application field as long as the innovation is highly ambitious and has strong potential.

The programme is Europe-focused and applications are handled online. It is organised by the European Innovation Council and the European Commission, with the site managed by EISMEA. For founders building deep-tech, advanced products, new platforms, or other hard-to-finance innovations, the EIC Accelerator Open can combine non-dilutive grant support with investment funding and business support.

What selected companies can receive

Successful applicants may receive a grant component below €2.5 million and an investment component of €1 million to €10 million. The grant is intended for innovation activities, which should be completed within 24 months. In addition to funding, selected companies can access coaching, mentoring, networking, and Business Acceleration Services.

This mix is designed for startups and SMEs that need more than a small seed grant: the EIC Accelerator Open targets innovations that require significant development, validation, scaling, or market-entry support.

Who can apply

The opportunity is aimed at single startups or SMEs, including spin-outs, from EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries. Small mid-caps may apply for investment only. Some applicants from third countries may need to relocate before submitting a full application.

Because the programme focuses on high-potential breakthrough innovation, applicants should be able to show that their technology or solution is meaningfully different from existing alternatives and that there is a credible path to implementation and market impact.

How to apply

The application process starts with a short proposal. Only applicants that receive a GO at this stage can move on to the full proposal stage.

  1. Read the official call page. Start with the EIC Accelerator Open official website and confirm the current guidance, templates, and portal requirements.
  2. Prepare and submit a short proposal. Short proposals may be submitted at any time and are batched monthly.
  3. Wait for the short-proposal result. If the proposal receives a GO, you can prepare the full application.
  4. Build the full proposal package. The full proposal should include the required form, pitch deck, implementation plan, financials, Letters of Intent, freedom-to-operate analysis, and a 3-minute video pitch.
  5. Submit through the Funding and Tenders portal. Make sure the full proposal is submitted before the relevant batching date and time.

Key dates

  • Short proposals: may be submitted anytime and are batched monthly.
  • Next listed 2026 full-proposal batching date: 4 November 2026.
  • Deadline reference: full proposals are batched for evaluation at 5pm Brussels time on 04/11/2026.
  • Grant-funded innovation activities: should be completed within 24 months.

As today is 4 October 2026, applicants targeting the 4 November 2026 full-proposal batch should already be checking whether they have completed the short-proposal stage and whether the required documents for the full application are ready.

Application tips to strengthen your proposal

  • Make the breakthrough clear early. Do not describe the project as a general improvement. Explain what is game-changing, why it matters, and how it differs from current solutions.
  • Connect the budget to a credible implementation plan. Reviewers should be able to see how the requested grant and investment support map to milestones, development activities, validation work, and commercial progress within the expected timeline.
  • Use the pitch materials strategically. The pitch deck and 3-minute video should not simply repeat the written form. Use them to communicate the problem, innovation, team capability, market opportunity, and urgency in a concise and convincing way.

Final reminder

Before applying, confirm every detail, deadline, eligibility rule, document requirement, and portal instruction on the official website. Legitimate programmes never charge an application fee, so be cautious of anyone asking for payment to submit or secure an application.