# EIC Accelerator - European Innovation Council

## Overview
The EIC Accelerator provides funding and support to high-risk, high-impact innovations by startups and SMEs. It offers grants and equity investments to support the commercialization of innovative technologies, with strong focus on breakthrough innovations.

## Managing Body
European Innovation Council (EIC) - European Commission

## Funding Type
Grants and equity investments for single startups/SMEs with breakthrough innovations

## Funding Amount
- **Up to €2.5M grant** + optional equity up to **€15M**
- Blended finance: Grant component + equity component
- Funding for TRL 5-8 (Technology Readiness Level)
- Supports single SMEs (no consortium required)

## Deadlines
- **STATUS: OPEN** (as of November 2025)
- **Short applications**: Continuous (anytime)
- **Full applications**: 12 March 2025 (closed), 1 October 2025 (closed)
- **Next full application deadlines**: Check [EIC website](https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-funding-opportunities/eic-accelerator/eic-accelerator-open_en) for 2026 dates
- Short applications can be submitted anytime; if successful, invited for full application

## Eligibility
- **Single startups/SMEs** from EU member states (✅ Germany eligible)
- **Associated countries** (e.g., Switzerland, Norway, UK if associated)
- Must demonstrate breakthrough innovation (high-risk, high-impact)
- Technology at TRL 5-8 stage
- Strong market potential and scalability
- **No consortium required** (unlike most Horizon Europe calls)

## Thematic Focus
- Breakthrough innovations across all sectors
- High-risk, high-impact technologies
- Market-creating or market-disrupting innovations
- Green and digital transitions
- Circular economy and sustainability
- Industrial symbiosis and resource efficiency

## Relevance to City Resource Graph
- **Single SME support** - perfect for Berlin-based company
- Industrial symbiosis platform development
- Digital circular economy solutions
- Resource matching algorithms
- No consortium requirement - can apply alone
- Large funding potential (up to €2.5M grant + €15M equity)

## Links
- [EIC Accelerator Official](https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-funding-opportunities/eic-accelerator/eic-accelerator-open_en)
- [EIC Platform](https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-funding-opportunities/eic-accelerator/eic-accelerator-open_en)
- [Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders_en)

## Application Checklist

### Pre-Application Requirements
- [ ] Verify company eligibility:
  - [ ] SME or startup from EU member state (✅ Germany eligible)
  - [ ] OR from associated country (check current list)
  - [ ] Single company (no consortium required)
- [ ] Confirm technology is at TRL 5-8 stage
- [ ] Verify breakthrough innovation (high-risk, high-impact)
- [ ] Demonstrate market potential and scalability
- [ ] Prepare for two-stage process:
  - [ ] Stage 1: Short application (can submit anytime)
  - [ ] Stage 2: Full application (if short application successful)

### Required Documents (Short Application)
- [ ] Company registration documents (German/EU company)
- [ ] Brief project description (breakthrough innovation)
- [ ] Technology description (TRL 5-8)
- [ ] Market opportunity description
- [ ] Team description
- [ ] Initial budget estimate

### Required Documents (Full Application - if short application successful)
- [ ] Comprehensive business plan
- [ ] Detailed project description
- [ ] Technology readiness level documentation (TRL 5-8)
- [ ] Market analysis and commercialization plan
- [ ] Financial projections
- [ ] Detailed budget breakdown
- [ ] CVs of key team members
- [ ] IP documentation (patents, etc.)
- [ ] Proof of concept/prototype (if available)
- [ ] Letters of support/partnerships (if applicable)

### Application Steps
1. [ ] Review [EIC Accelerator website](https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-funding-opportunities/eic-accelerator/eic-accelerator-open_en)
2. [ ] Prepare short application (can submit anytime)
3. [ ] Submit short application through EIC platform
4. [ ] If successful, prepare full application for next deadline
5. [ ] Check next full application deadline (check website for 2026 dates)
6. [ ] Submit full application before deadline
7. [ ] Prepare for pitch if shortlisted

### Project Alignment Checklist
- [ ] Project demonstrates breakthrough innovation
- [ ] Technology at TRL 5-8 stage
- [ ] Shows high-risk, high-impact potential
- [ ] Demonstrates market-creating or market-disrupting potential
- [ ] Includes circular economy/industrial symbiosis relevance (if applicable)
- [ ] Shows strong scalability and commercial potential
- [ ] Includes environmental/sustainability benefits (if applicable)

### Single SME Advantage
- [ ] **No consortium required** - can apply alone
- [ ] Perfect for Berlin-based company
- [ ] No need for partners from multiple countries
- [ ] Faster application process
- [ ] Large funding potential (€2.5M grant + €15M equity)

### Post-Submission
- [ ] Save confirmation and reference number
- [ ] Monitor for short application evaluation (continuous)
- [ ] If successful, prepare for full application deadline
- [ ] Prepare for potential pitch/interview if shortlisted
- [ ] Have additional documentation ready if requested

## Application Tips
- **Short applications can be submitted anytime** - start here!
- Focus on breakthrough innovation and market potential
- Emphasize high-risk, high-impact nature
- Demonstrate TRL 5-8 technology readiness
- Show scalability and commercial viability
- **Perfect for single SMEs** - no consortium needed
- **German companies fully eligible** - Berlin location perfect
- Large funding potential makes it worth the effort