EIC Accelerator Step 1 Just Got Easy: ChatEIC 2.0
As you might have already seen, I published the new version of ChatEIC, the EIC Accelerator AI writer, yesterday. This is not simply a new look but a complete rebuild of the platform.
Why did I do this?
I have talked to quite a few applicants who wrote their proposals and have observed a few important issues:
- Lacking input data: Most applicants do not have adequate input data. Names, statistics, and especially numbers are the core of a grant proposal, but if these are lacking, the output will lack detail.
- Too much freedom: ChatEIC was already quite strict in certain sections, but applicants would often change things for the worse (i.e., funding amounts, TRL, etc.) without realizing that this is a red flag.
- No research: I would often get Step 1 proposals with zero hyperlinks, no customer mentions, and almost no numbers, even in the USP or technology sections. This is obviously bad because evaluators really like numbers.
- Graphics and Formatting: A proposal needs to have basic formatting and visuals to be digestible, especially in a tech-heavy program like the EIC Accelerator. I was surprised how many applicants do not include a single technology image in their proposal!
As you can likely tell, this goes beyond grant writing and is more about project and company building! More hand-holding was needed and frequently requested.
Here is what the old ChatEIC did:
- Informative slides and a template helped with the preparation of input data for the Modules (sections of the proposal)
- Old ChatEIC took the input data (text or file uploads) and generated an entire proposal based on the single data source
Here is what the new ChatEIC does:
- Detailed input helper with form fields for every essential data point. You can now enter all data into the questionnaire, which helps you understand what is needed. The input helper is interactive, with the ability to add items, groups, and examples.
- Informative support: Each input field has examples as well as info boxes that clearly explain what is required. For more help, the modules (available in the Starter Pack) are linked in each respective field as well to maximize your ability to curate your own data.
- Data upload: You can upload a document with additional information (especially technology).
- Overview: After entering your data, you can see your entire project in the overview tab, which not only shows you your input but also shows you the structured logic for how it is used (i.e., type of funding, financial projections, next funding round, etc.). You can even download your financial projection chart from there (all for free!)
- Input validation: ChatEIC will tell you if data is missing before you generate a proposal. This is optional since I did not want to be too restrictive, but you will know if you can make the input better.
And here is how the new ChatEIC creates the proposal:
- DeepResearch: Three rounds of AI DeepResearch will be conducted first (market, competitors, EU policy), since I have found this to be a major flaw in most applications I have read from applicants. Now, it's all done out of the box. You can even see the output in the Overview tab later!
- Defined input: All input data and DeepResearch is handed to the AI in an intelligent way. The data you have entered into the questionnaire is not handed to the AI indiscriminately, but each variable is added exactly where it is needed. That leads to better results because the AI does not need to guess from your input data but gets the exact facts it needs for each Module. Normal Variables simply show data, while Super Variables create logic around your data (i.e., calculating financials, years, funding types, co-financing needs, etc.).
- Speed: With the new architecture, a server-rendered proposal only takes 7 minutes on average instead of 10+ minutes. This includes the DeepResearch.
- Output: There are a few key benefits for the output, such as:
- Formatting: Page numbers, hyperlinks, tables, references, images. These are now part of the document without the need to edit anything.
- Financials: You do not need to develop financials anymore. You will get full financial projections and a chart straight into your proposal.
- Team: All the team members you have added in the input fields will be placed into a nicely formatted table in the proposal.
- References: Key sections (problem, timing, market, etc.) will get references from the AI DeepResearch right into the proposal. Expect at least 6 references in the main text so you can save time double-checking numbers and linking them.
- Hyperlinks: The input fields allow you to add links to customers, news articles, or patents, which are directly hyperlinked in the proposal for you. No need for you to do it manually.
- Placeholders: Placeholders for a technical graphic and your company logo are placed into the document, which only requires you to replace them.
- Quality: Through intelligent variables and DeepResearch, the output is far superior to the old ChatEIC.
I have kept all the links on ChatEIC the same. You can still find the Guide, Training, and Templates exactly where you had them before. Just better.
If you are just starting out, read the Guide again, since it now contains updated screenshots and information to help you create your best proposal - fast and effectively.
New ChatEIC: ChatEIC
Old ChatEIC: Old ChatEIC
Important: If you bought ChatEIC or the Starter Pack in the past, you will get free credits for the new version! Just send me an email.
Need help with the EIC Accelerator? Here are some options:
- Starter Pack (lowest-risk entry with AI writer): The Starter Pack contains all the templates you will need and detailed instructional modules in video and text form. This is a very comprehensive package that will tell you everything you need to know based on previously successful applications.
- Advisory (personalized support): You write in-house but receive personal 1-on-1 support from me, templates, instructions, and reviews of all documents. Personal strategy calls and reviews to perfect every section. This also includes an AI tool for Step 1 as well as guidance on using AI for the proposal writing. Strategy calls cover the specific templates as well as the EIC criteria and use of AI tools.
- Writing (complete end-to-end service): All proposal sections are written for you.
Subsdy: Looking for the perfect grant opportunity in the EU? There are about 1000 active grants and tenders (usually 15 added per day!), so feel free to try out Subsdy, the AI tool for grant discovery.
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.
EIC Accelerator Step 1 Deadline 2025
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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