EIC Accelerator Updates: Step 1 Open, Work Programme 2026 Published

Many things happened last week, so here's a summary of the most important EIC updates. First, the EIC Accelerator Step 1 2026 (short proposal) is open again, just as I predicted in my previous newsletter, so you can apply right now. The EIC STEP Scale-Up call has re-opened as well.

You can find the updated submission links and deadlines on Rasph.

Updates to the Step 1 Template

As I already hinted, the template has been updated significantly. Interestingly, if you use my module system, you don't have to change much. You only need to rearrange some sections. The biggest change is that the EIC restructured the top-level headers, but the actual content remains the same.

The template instructions are very short, and it's nearly impossible to fill 12 quality pages with just what they ask for. You need an expert's understanding of what these proposals are actually graded on to write a good proposal. That hasn't changed.

Finally, the EIC added a risk section to the proposal, which was completely absent in the previous version but was part of the evaluation. Quite a cruel twist for applicants who don't know the process. But the EIC Accelerator Step 1 template still doesn't have a competitor section, even though it is essential. The team table was also removed, which is an interesting choice.

The New EIC Work Programme 2026

The new EIC Work Programme for 2026 was finally published. There were some interesting updates, so here's the high-level rundown:

Reduced But Expanded

The (main) full proposal has been reduced, but much of what was supposed to be in the full proposal, including the work packages and the development plan, will move into an annex. That means this page reduction probably nets out to zero or could even lead to longer applications.

That will depend on any potential page restrictions on the annex, which historically have only rarely existed for Step 2. So far, it seems like the EIC announced a reduction in effort that isn't actually a reduction.

Annex Shuffle

It seems like some annexes might be removed from Step 2, but it's still unclear if this is actually the case. For example, the data management plan, CVs, and similar items could be absent, but I wouldn't be surprised if they are required at submission anyway.

Pre-Interview Interview

Interestingly, Step 2 will still receive an evaluation from a technical expert, separate from the regular evaluation, which will only follow afterward. That's the interview before the interview I mentioned in an earlier newsletter, so it will likely occur for all Step 2 applicants. To quote the EIC:

"At the full proposal stage, the technology expert will assess the claims made in the proposal against third party information and through a meeting with the applicant."

Still Tuesday

As always, the cut-off for Step 1 submissions is the first Tuesday of every month, so the countdowns you see on my websites are, and have always been, accurate.

EIC Deadlines

If you are looking to raise up to €12.5 million in funding from the EIC Accelerator, and you have determined that you are a good fit for the program, then now is the time to start your application. Here are the next deadlines you should make best use of:

• Step 1: December 2, 2025

Once you pass Step 1:

• Step 2: January 7, 2026

It's best to start as soon as possible to make sure that you have the time to prepare your best proposal.

Get Support For Your Application

Need help with the EIC Accelerator or other grants? Here are some options:

• Starter Pack (lowest-risk entry via AI writer and content)
• Advisory (personalized guidance to help you write)
• Writing (complete end-to-end service including writing and submission)
• Review (personal proposal review by an expert)

Other resources:

• Subsdy (AI grant discovery)
• Subsdy News (regular articles on new grant opportunities in the EU)
• Newsletter (share this newsletter with a colleague)

Other Updates

If you have subscribed to Subsdy, you'll benefit from features releasing very soon. Agent mode is coming in the next few days, and it's quite fun (and time-saving) when searching for new grants.

Afterwards, I will add more features that will be very useful for consultants and applicants, such as update notifications (deadlines, etc. change often), new screening tools (track keywords to learn about new grant additions), and much more.

I will send an exclusive email to all Subsdy users with more information on that soon.

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.

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. Technology areas include Biotech, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Quantum, Aerospace, Advanced Materials, and Semiconductors. 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 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 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 Advanced Innovation Challenges: EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges represents a new pilot initiative delivering €300,000 (Stage 1) and up to €2.5 million (Stage 2) for breakthrough deep-tech innovations through ARPA-style staged funding mechanisms with integrated demand-side engagement. This initiative targets single entities or small consortia (2-3 partners) including SMEs, start-ups, and research organizations. Primary focus areas include Physical AI for autonomous robotics applications and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for animal-free biomedical testing, with TRL 4 entry requirements and demonstrated end-user commitment. Get Started

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

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

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

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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