EIC Accelerator 2023
The EIC Accelerator 2023 is a programme aimed at supporting start-ups and SMEs (or mid-caps only for Equity) that need help to finish developing their technology and bring it to market.
In addition to a non-dilutive subsidy component, of up to €2.5M, for technological development, it offers the opportunity to include an investment of up to €15M, in exchange for company shares to reinforce commercial scaling.
This programme is right for you if…
01
I am a start-up or SME with a strong team of professionals and a clear work plan to bring the technology to market.
02
I have an innovative and disruptive idea that will surpass the state of the art.
03
The impact of my innovation on the sector is going to be considerable and may even change the rules of the game.
04
The innovation can have a positive impact on a social or environmental level.
05
The idea is advanced at development level (minimum TRL 5) but there is still risk reaching the market (TRL 9).
06
The development that lies ahead will last 18 to 36 months and is the responsibility of the company’s internal team.
07
It is an idea that raises the interest of market and investors but due to its level of development is still too risky to attract investments.
EIC Accelerator 2023 applicants can submit proposals via:
EIC Accelerator Open
It does not have predefined thematic priorities and is open to proposals in any field of science, technology or application.
EIC Accelerator Challenge
It provides funding in pre-defined topic areas of strategic and emerging technologies.These specific themes (Challenges) and that are renewed each year based on the priorities of the EIC.
EIC Accelerator challenges 2023
01
Novel biomarker-based assays to guide personalised cancer treatment
Aims to improve the efficacy, safety, and uptake of new cancer therapies, using new comprehensive diagnostic, predictive, prognostic, and adjunctive tests, in the context of precision oncology.
02
Aerosol and surface decontamination for pandemic management
This Challenge aims to promote the development and commercialization of technological solutions that facilitate social interaction in the context of pandemic emergencies.
03
Energy storage
This Challenge aims to promote the development and commercialization of new chemical, electrical, mechanical, thermal, and electromechanical solutions for the storage of electrical and thermal energy that can minimize CO2 emissions.
04
New European Bauhaus and Architecture, Engineering and Construction digitalization for decarbonization
Seeks to promote disruptive digital solutions for architecture, engineering and construction with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions.
05
Emerging semiconductor or quantum technology components
The objective of this Accelerator Challenge is to promote innovation in the area of quantum information processing components and the development of new semiconductor components (memory, logic, optical and sensor components).
06
Novel technologies for resilient agriculture:
Proposals must include pioneering innovations that lead to radical transformation beyond current fertilization, crop protection, irrigation and soil management practices.
07
Customer-driven, innovative space technologies and services
The aim of this Challenge is to ensure that Europe can maintain and protect its own space infrastructure, avoiding the risk of losing its strategic autonomy, and improve the competitiveness of its space industry by fostering the emergence of infrastructures innovative, interoperable, scalable and autonomous.
EIC accelerator 2023 deadlines
Deadline #1 (Open): January 11th, 2023
Deadline #2 (Open & Challenge): March 22nd, 2023
Deadline #3 (Open & Challenge): June 7th, 2023
Deadline #4 (Open & Challenge): October 4th, 2023
More information here.
Applicant
Startups, SMEs and individuals can apply to the EIC Accelerator as sole applicants.
TRL start – end
TRL start – end: TRL 5/6 to TRL 9
Financing
The total indicative budget in 2023 for the EIC Accelerator is €1135 million, of which €612 million for the Accelerator Open and €523 million for the EIC Accelerator Challenges.
The intensity of financing in the Transition projects is 70%, which means that the eligible costs will be fully covered up to 70%.
Non-dilutive grants of up to €2.5 million to cover innovation activities (from TRL5/6 to TRL 8) and up to €15 million of dilutive investment to cover commercial scaling activities (TRL 9).
There are three financing formulas:
Grant only: Up to €2.5 million to finance innovation activities. The applicant must provide evidence that they have sufficient financial means (revenue stream, existing investors or shareholders) to finance market entry and commercialization of their solution.
Grant first: The innovation is based on a scientific discovery or novel technology that still requires significant work to validate and demonstrate in relevant settings in order to properly assess its commercial potential. Companies that choose the Grant-first option are eligible for a second financing (this time dilutive) up to €15 million based on a milestone assessment.
Blended finance: A non-dilutive grant component of up to €2.5 million to finance innovation activities and a dilutive financing component of up to €15 million to finance commercialization activities.
How to apply
The application process consists of a series of steps:
1. Presentation of the short proposal that may be presented at any time and that will be evaluated remotely by 4 evaluators in order of arrival;
2. If successful, the candidate will be able to present (according to yearly deadlines dates) a full project proposal that will be evaluated by 3 evaluators
3. If this phase is also passed, the candidate will have to convince a panel of up to 6 jurors in a face-to-face interview to obtain financing.
- Success rate of Aristos in 2021-2022:
- Preparation time: