The Future of Grant Consulting and EIC Accelerator Grant Writing

While I believe that the new EIC Accelerator Step 2 interviews are not the best addition to the evaluation process, they have changed the dynamic significantly. In the past, applicants could outsource the entirety of the proposal writing and still obtain funding.

It was even possible for them to have a successful interview without knowing the work packages and without clearly understanding the EIC rules related to Technology Readiness Levels, co-financing, and financial expectations.

The reason for that was simple: Jury members would often be unfamiliar with the proposal and would simply judge the applicant based on the pitch itself.

The Gatekeeper

Now, the situation has changed since, for the first time, applicants are directly questioned about their proposal and, most importantly, the EIC rules. The knowledge that was usually only needed to prepare a good proposal is now required of the applicant.

Ironically, applicants think that the application process is now easier due to AI, but the EIC's introduction of the Step 2 interview is shifting that impact. The writing might appear easier, but it has become more consequential, and relying on a general AI tool or a human to write a proposal without domain knowledge is a fast way to get rejected in Step 2.

The New Way

For Step 1, the bar is very low. Even though the pass rates for Step 1 are below 22%, good-quality writing will still have a high success rate. Even unedited ChatEIC proposals do very well in Step 1.

But in Step 2, the rules have shifted. The proposal must be closely developed with the applicant since they will have to stand by every word in the interview. The pitch coaching that is normally reserved for Step 3 is now necessary in Step 2.

The applicant needs to understand the EIC rules and be able to discuss them fluently in the interview.

Workflow

With the rapid developments in AI, we are about a year away from professionals using AI-to-AI interfaces. Rather than wanting to obtain a service, most companies will prefer their AI to integrate with a system or knowledge base.

Luckily, there is still some time left until then.

For now, the key is convenience and efficiency with the technology we have today.

While I am already leaning into new technology trends with my own EIC Accelerator AI writer (see ChatEIC to get a high-quality proposal within 10 minutes), using agentic AI writing with custom skills and knowledge bases, and advising on the use of AI in the writing and research process, I am still expanding the services that I offer.

The following are my thoughts on what the next steps are and where this is going.

Death of a Wrapper

I have seen many general AI grant writers emerging, but I believe that most will have a very short lifespan. ChatEIC is very domain-specific and only does one thing: create EIC Accelerator Step 1 proposals. It does it so well that my clients often abandon their draft and use the ChatEIC version as the basis.

But general AI writing tools have a major flaw: a lack of domain expertise.

Generalized knowledge can work well in areas where general expertise is sufficient and success rates are high. This is true in many non-profit grant programs and tax incentives, as well as some loan and credit opportunities, which is why the most successful AI grant writers are in the non-profit space or work with large corporations on tax credits and similar services.

These are more predictable and, if you qualify, easier to achieve.

The Wrapper Has No Clothes

The problem with general grant-writing apps in for-profit programs is that their lack of domain knowledge leads to a wafer-thin wrapper around ChatGPT or Claude, and applicants have already realized this.

Even worse, how will that general AI writer help you through an interview?

I recently saw yet another AI grant writer that claimed to help applicants with the EIC Accelerator but got the requested funding amounts and deadlines wrong.

Here is how I think applicants should apply for the EIC Accelerator today:

• Get an expert on board to help you package the project correctly, understand the EIC rules, and guide you through the interviews.

• Use ChatEIC for the initial Step 1 draft as well as DeepResearch.

• Use agentic document editing via Codex/Claude apps and IDEs like VS Code/Cursor (with Markdown for fast formatting and linking) - this is almost free.

• Use Google Docs for the final document formatting via the Gemini agent - this is also nearly free.

Dedication Wins

The big shift is that a proposal stops being a product, while a consultant's services of coaching, review, and guidance are more important than ever.

In the past, a consultant would spend weeks or even months on the proposal writing process. Now, the writing can be completed much faster, but more time is spent closely working with the applicant to perfect the project packaging and on extensive 1-on-1 coaching to master the interviews.

Prepare Your Application

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

• Starter Pack (lowest-risk entry via AI writer ChatEIC 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)
• My Subsdy Profile
• Newsletter (share this newsletter with a colleague)
• Subscribe via Telegram (get updates in the Telegram channel)
• Contact me directly
• Get strategic support

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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