EIC Accelerator: Software Choices for the Annexes (SME Instrument Phase 2)

For Document 1 writing tips, please view: Writing an EIC Accelerator Application: Microsoft Word vs. Adobe InDesign (SME Instrument Writing)

Illustrations & Graphics

While writing a well-narrated EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2) proposal is important, it cannot be overstated how essential clear and visually appealing graphics are for a high-quality application. Graphics can come in the form of a simple pie chart, a project overview (i.e. with pictograms - see Resources for Design), a collection of impactful numbers to highlight the market opportunity or a simple logo to place on the cover page.

Great care should be placed on creating and improving every image in the proposal from the first design up to the quality control in the exported PDF. The best tools for this purpose are vector graphic software solutions, namely Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw or similar programs (see Word vs. Indesign for Document 1).

Often, it can make sense for a writer or consultant to create graphs in Microsoft Excel (i.e. pie charts, customer analysis, financial projections, etc.) and then transfer these into a vector graphics software to make them more appealing for the proposal. I recommend doing this for all Excel-created images to have more creative control over the output.

Illustrator does also offer some data analysis tools (i.e. tables and pie chart creation) but it is usually better to rely on spreadsheet software which can also be used to create financial projections and budget calculations.

Lastly, it can be useful to utilize image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop for simple tasks such as removing backgrounds, creating software device overlays and to directly change certain parts of images (see tips on where to find templates).

This can be essential in many situations, especially if the technology and presentation do not look very mature (i.e. simple screen-shots instead of computer monitor placements) or if it contains too many distracting aspects (i.e. backgrounds or unrelated parts in the image). Utilizing Photoshop is optional but such details can make a simple product image or software screen-shot look significantly more impressive.

Financials (Document 3)

The financial documents are best prepared with spreadsheet software such as Excel, Google Docs or OpenOffice Calc since these must be uploaded in XLS(X) or ODS file formats. It is also useful to have separate spreadsheets for the workpakages (i.e. project budget, subcontracting, resources, hiring, etc.) and for the financial projections (i.e. assumptions, market analysis, break-downs, ROI, etc.) which are not directly found in the simplified Document 3 but are needed to write Document 1.

Pitch Deck (Document 4)

The pitch deck follows a regular 16:9 presentation format which is usually best achieved by Microsoft PowerPoint or similar slide creation software. If someone is already working with InDesign then it can be more practical to also use it for the preparation of the pitch deck since vector graphics and other images can be easily copied in-between documents.

Similar to the benefits of InDesign over Word, the same advantages also apply to the slide preparation since the final Document 4 is uploaded as a PDF with distinct file size limitations (i.e. see Pitching vs. Writing).

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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