The EIC Accelerator funding (grant and equity, with blended financing option) by the European Commission (EC) and European Innovation Council (EIC) awards up to €2.5 million in grant and €10 million in equity financing per project (€12.5 million total) and is designed for startups and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME), often supported by professional writers, freelancers or consultants.

This article is part of a series that contains suggestions for the EIC and the EIC Board regarding various improvements to the evaluation process (see ChatEIC).

AI evaluations: It’s best to start early

It is best to start developing a process now since there will need to be an experimentation phase. It is better to have it fully developed when needed than to be forced to integrate it on short notice in case submissions keep rising due to AI. Many applicants already use AI instead of completing the template themselves (i.e., letting ChatGPT fill it out), and consultancies are actively considering how AI can be used to speed up the EIC Accelerator process. It is only a matter of time before proposal writing becomes fully automated.

Experimentation

Several approaches have been outlined (see Part 1, 2, 3, 4), but an experimentation period is necessary to determine what works best. One possible approach is to use multiple AIs per criterion and employ multiple extraction steps before scoring. All past proposals and approvals can be used for training as well. Criteria should also be revised to give weight to what the jury cares most about so that the AI knows the real-life priorities.

Why AI is needed

The EIC has been increasing Jury numbers over the last few years. With the success rate for the interviews dropping, this suggests it is not the ideal scenario. The most important KPI for the evaluation process as a whole is the interview success rate, as it shows how many of the unwanted projects slipped through Steps 1 and 2. The higher the interview success rate, the better the evaluation process is at filtering. Since success rates keep falling for every cutoff (from 50% in 2021 to 16% in 2025), the evaluation process needs to improve.

Setup

It is recommended to use a European company that runs an open-source Large Language Model (LLM) locally. Sending all Intellectual Property (IP) to the US/China would not be ideal (even if confidential), but Europe does not have many LLMs to choose from. Taking the best open-source LLM(s) on the market and then running them securely on EU servers is the ideal approach. Then, one can use a simple setup for the AI system that separates the backend/UI and the instructions themselves.

For instance, ChatEIC was created for proposal writing using a similar approach. All the "magic" is saved in the instructions as plain text. To change the output, the individual instructions are simply changed. Using the same approach, feedback can also be quickly integrated into the system, and different types of evaluation instructions can even be run in parallel to test them. The benefit is that the EIC and EIC Board can retain control over the evaluation while the contractor is exchangeable since they only take care of integration and version control.

The software backend (not the proposals or data) can even use version control via GitHub or similar (but still a private repository), since the software itself is not that sensitive, making it very easy to change providers if needed. This approach can entirely avoid the problem and dependency that occurred with the old AI platform.

Benefits

Infinite evaluators can evaluate instantly. Instead of having 3-4 evaluators work for 2 months, an AI system can cycle through dozens of repeat evaluations to perfect the outcome. Feedback from the board and jury can be used to noticeably refine the Step 1 and 2 filtering. The goal is to increase the Step 3 success rate (the most important KPI) while decreasing the Step 1 (and 2) rate(s).

There is also a perfect record of evaluation decisions. As a result, any “poor” project that ended up in the interview can be traced through Step 1 and 2 to improve the instructions. Any great project that ended up winning but was previously rejected can likewise improve the instructions to make sure such a project is not rejected again.

Integration

Only when the process demonstrates higher quality than the human evaluators should it be integrated. If the results are promising and create impressive outcomes, some top AI picks that were rejected by the human evaluators could also be invited to see if the Jury likes them (as early testing).

Long term

There are many possibilities. Once the process works well and is either a part of or becomes the main evaluation system, the AI can be extended to engage applicants. If information is missing or unclear, it can auto-send questions to applicants to which they can add additional clarification (i.e., a real-time information exchange). The template can also be replaced by a very short cheat sheet (i.e., condensed information) followed by pure AI Q&A. Experience in creating AI writers and writing proposals suggests that a large part of proposals consists of unnecessary content ('bloat'). This could be streamlined.

Feasibility

No major roadblocks are foreseen in the integration. The context window should be able to handle 100+ page proposals well (ChatEIC already demonstrates this capability). Image recognition could be discussed more, including where and if it is necessary. Connecting the AI to patent databases and allowing web searches would also be useful, mostly for market, competitors, science, and IP analysis.

It could also be possible to use a hybrid approach where evaluators use the AI outputs as a dashboard that points them to the pros and cons of the project. Then the AI could act like the initial 3 evaluators, and the human evaluator could be the 4th who makes the final decision. An AI system is believed to have the potential to improve filtering, enhance interview success rates, and, most importantly, increase the quality of winners. Also, the EIC can make the shift from mostly grading proposals like essays to becoming more of a scout that finds the best companies.

Currently, applicants have to learn about the EIC and what it wants, but in the future, the EIC might have a system where no learning is required. The EIC could then select from all European companies, not only the ones that decide to take the time to learn about the EIC first. As long as the EIC and companies are aligned, removing the learning barrier would remove friction in connecting with them.

These tips are not only useful for European startups, professional writers, consultants and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) but are generally recommended when writing a business plan or investor documents.

Deadlines: Post-Horizon 2020, the EIC Accelerator accepts Step 1 submissions now while the deadlines for the full applications (Step 2) under Horizon Europe are listed below. The Step 1 applications must be submitted weeks in advance of Step 2. The next EIC Accelerator cut-off for Step 2 (full proposal) can be found here. After Brexit, UK companies can still apply to the EIC Accelerator under Horizon Europe albeit with non-dilutive grant applications only - thereby excluding equity-financing. Switzerland has resumed its participation in Horizon Europe and is now eligible for the EIC Accelerator.

Contact: You can reach out to us via this contact form to work with a professional consultant.

AI Grant Writer: ChatEIC is a fully automated EIC Accelerator grant proposal writer: Get it here.

Eureka Network: The Eureka Network delivers various international collaborative R&D initiatives such as Network Projects, Clusters, Eurostars, Globalstars, and Innowwide, providing funding from €50K to €6.75M per project based on the specific initiative. This network emphasizes market-driven innovation and deep-tech advancement across multiple technology sectors including ICT/Digital, Industrial/Manufacturing, Bio/Medical Technologies, Energy/Environment, Quantum, AI, and Circular Economy. Eligible participants include SMEs, large enterprises, research organizations, universities, and startups, with Eurostars particularly focused on R&D-performing SMEs. Get Started

EIC Transition: EIC Transition delivers up to €2.5 million in funding to overcome the 'valley of death' gap between laboratory research and market deployment, emphasizing technology maturation and validation. The initiative supports single legal entities or small consortia of 2-5 partners including SMEs, start-ups, spin-offs, and research organizations. Key technology domains include Health/Medical Technologies, Green/Environmental Innovation, Digital/Microelectronics, Quantum Technologies, and AI/Robotics. Get Started

EIC STEP Scale-Up: EIC STEP Scale-Up delivers significant equity investments of €10-30 million for established deep-tech companies prepared for hyper-growth and large-scale expansion. The initiative targets SMEs or small mid-caps with up to 499 employees who have obtained pre-commitment from qualified investors. Primary focus areas include Digital & Deep Tech (Semiconductors, AI, Quantum), Clean Technologies for Net-Zero objectives, and Biotechnologies. Get Started

EIC Pre-Accelerator: EIC Pre-Accelerator represents a 2025 pilot initiative delivering €300,000-€500,000 in funding for early-stage deep-tech development and preparation for the EIC Accelerator program. This program is exclusively accessible to single SMEs or small mid-caps from 'Widening countries' to foster regional innovation development. The initiative encompasses deep-tech innovations across physical, biological, and digital domains. Get Started

EIC Pathfinder: EIC Pathfinder delivers up to €3 million for Open calls and up to €4 million for Challenge-based calls to support early-stage research and development with proof-of-principle validation. The initiative requires research consortia with a minimum of 3 partners from 3 different countries, including universities, research organizations, and SMEs. Primary technology focus areas include Health/Medical, Quantum Technologies, AI, Environmental/Energy, and Advanced Materials. Get Started

EIC Accelerator: EIC Accelerator delivers flexible funding options including blended finance (€2.5M grant + €0.5M-€10M equity), grant-only (up to €2.5M), or equity-only arrangements for scale-up and market deployment of breakthrough innovations. The initiative targets SMEs, start-ups, and small mid-caps with up to 499 employees, with MedTech/Healthcare representing 35% of funded projects. Additional technology areas include Biopharma, Energy, AI, Quantum, Aerospace, Advanced Materials, and Semiconductors. Get Started

Innovation Partnership: Innovation Partnership enables collaborative innovation between public and private sectors with typical funding of €1-5 million per project. The initiative supports cross-sectoral strategic technologies through public-private partnerships and consortia. Projects concentrate on addressing societal challenges through collaborative innovation approaches. Get Started

Innovation Fund: The EU Innovation Fund delivers substantial funding of €7.5 million to €300 million for large-scale demonstration of innovative low-carbon technologies. The initiative targets clean energy, carbon capture, renewable energy, and energy storage technologies to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Eligible participants include large companies, consortia, and public entities capable of implementing large-scale demonstration projects. Get Started

Innovate UK: Innovate UK delivers various programs with funding ranging from £25K to £10M depending on the specific initiative, supporting business-led innovation, collaborative R&D, and knowledge transfer. The organization funds projects across all sectors with particular emphasis on emerging technologies and supports UK-based businesses, research organizations, and universities. Programs are designed to drive economic growth through innovation and technology commercialization. Get Started

Industrial Partnership: Industrial Partnership delivers €2-10 million in funding for industrial research and innovation partnerships focusing on manufacturing, industrial technologies, and digital transformation. The initiative supports industrial consortia and research organizations in developing collaborative solutions for industrial challenges. Projects aim to strengthen European industrial competitiveness through strategic partnerships. Get Started

Eurostars: Eurostars represents a joint EU-Eureka initiative delivering €50K-€500K for international R&D collaboration specifically led by SMEs. The program adopts a bottom-up approach, accepting projects from all technology fields without predefined thematic restrictions. R&D-performing SMEs must lead the consortium and demonstrate significant R&D activities. Get Started

LIFE Programme: The LIFE Programme delivers €1-10 million in funding for environmental protection, climate action, and nature conservation projects across the European Union. The initiative supports environmental technologies, climate adaptation strategies, and biodiversity conservation initiatives. Eligible participants include public authorities, private companies, NGOs, and research institutions working on environmental and climate challenges. Get Started

Neotec: Neotec represents a Spanish initiative delivering €250K-€1M in funding for technology-based business creation and development, supporting the growth of innovative Spanish SMEs and start-ups. The program covers all technology sectors and aims to strengthen Spain's technology ecosystem. Funding is specifically targeted at Spanish technology-based SMEs and start-ups to enhance their competitiveness and market presence. Get Started

Thematic Priorities: EU Thematic Priorities encompass various programs aligned with EU strategic priorities including green transition, digital transformation, health, and security initiatives. Funding amounts vary based on the specific program and call requirements, with projects designed to address key European challenges. Applicant eligibility varies by specific program and call, with different requirements for different thematic areas. Get Started

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