The EIC Pre-Accelerator is a grant programme from the EIC to support SMEs and early-stage deep-tech startups in Widening countries to turn their innovations into market-ready successes. The EIC Pre-Accelerator also serves as preparation for follow-on funding, such as the EIC Accelerator. The grant contribution is € 300,000 to € 500,000, and also gives access high-level mentoring, practical training sessions, and exclusive networking opportunities with investors and corporate partners. The first deadline of the EIC Pre-Accelerator is on 18 November 2025.

Who can apply?

Eligible parties are:

• Small and Medium‑Sized Enterprises (SMEs) established in Horizon Europe Widening Countries or certain Associated Countries.
• Early‑stage deep‑tech startups with:
  • High‑impact innovation (technology, product, service, or business model) capable of creating new markets or disrupting existing ones.
  • The ambition and commitment to scale up.

In the context of this call, deep‑tech refers to innovations rooted in groundbreaking scientific discoveries and advanced research, often requiring continuous engagement with new ideas and developments. These technologies aim to deliver transformative solutions that bridge the physical, biological, and digital domains. Unlike “high‑tech,” which typically emphasizes R&D intensity, deep‑tech innovations are science‑driven, disruptive by nature, and have the potential to reshape markets.

What are Widening countries?

In Horizon Europe, Widening Countries are EU Member States and Associated Countries that have historically had lower participation rates in EU research and innovation programmes. This call is specifically aimed at innovators from these regions.

• EU Member States: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia
• Associated Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Tunisia
• EU outermost regions: France – French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, Saint-Martin, The Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands

Other conditions

Applicants will need to clearly demonstrate that they:

• Have technology validated in the lab (at least TRL 4).
• Possess the necessary Intellectual Property Rights to ensure freedom to operate and protect their idea.
• Have a clear vision for their pathway and route to market.

Grant contribution of EIC Pre-Accelerator

• Lump sum: € 300,000 – € 500,000
• Funding rate: 70% of eligible project costs (30% co‑funded by the beneficiary).
• Project duration: Maximum of 2 years.
• Total budget: € 20 million.

According to EU guidelines, eligible costs should support two core objectives:

1. Investor and Market Readines: This includes market research, refining the value proposition, developing a business case and model, growth strategy planning, intellectual property protection, competitor analysis, and, where relevant, regulatory, certification, and standardization activities.
2. Technology Maturation: Advancing technology from TRL 4 (lab validated) to TRL 5–6 (validation in relevant environment), including developing demonstrators and real-world testing

Successful applicants will also benefit from:

• Free access to Business Acceleration Services (BAS)
• Access to the Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator scheme.
• Seals of Excellence for high‑quality proposals

Why did the EIC launch this grant?

The EIC launched the Pre-Accelerator to strengthen innovation ecosystems in less developed EU regions, and to enhance the competitiveness of their deep-tech startups. This initiative is aimed at making the European market more balanced and competitive by offering dedicated support to regions that have traditionally been underrepresented in EU‑funded programmes.

About the EIC Programmes

The goal of the EIC is to fund bottom-up ideas in order to scale-up internationally. The programme supports innovative, high-risk/high gain ideas that have the potential to scale up internationally. The grant programmes are:

1. EIC Pathfinder
2. EIC Transition
3. EIC Accelerator
4. EIC Pre-Accelerator
5. STEP Scale Up

How Hezelburcht can help

At Hezelburcht, we have extensive experience guiding clients through EIC funding opportunities. Our experts can support you with:

• Assessing your eligibility and project fit for the Pre‑Accelerator.
• Crafting a compelling application aligned with EIC expectations.
• Strategic planning for next steps, including transitioning to the EIC Accelerator.

Next steps

The call for proposals is now open, with a first deadline on 18 November 2025. We strongly encourage interested parties to start preparing early to maximise their chances of success.

Would you like to explore this opportunity? Get in touch with our experts, we’ll help you develop a strong application and unlock the full potential of your innovation. Schedule a meeting via info@hezelburcht.com, call us on 088 495 20 00 or fill in the form: