EIC Accelerator Grant

Are you developing a high-impact innovation with the potential to reshape industries or create new markets?

The EIC Acceleration Grant provides transformative funding and strategic support to help Europe’s most ambitious innovators bring cutting-edge technologies to global scale.

What is the EIC Acceleration grant?

The EIC Acceleration Grant supports startups and SMEs with ground-breaking innovations that are ready for market deployment. Whether you are developing advanced technology, disruptive software, or deep-tech solutions, the EIC helps turn your innovation into a commercial success.

Funding is provided through a mix of:

  • Grant funding of up to £2.1 million for innovation development costs
  • Equity investment of up to £12.8 million for scale-up and commercialisation

Who can apply?

The programme is open to:

  • Startups and SMEs established in EU Member States or Associated Countries
  • Single entities or consortia driving high-risk, high-impact innovations
  • Innovators with a clear business vision, strong growth potential, and global ambitions

You should already have a working prototype or proof of concept, and be ready to demonstrate a clear path to market.

What makes the EIC Acceleration grant unique

  • Flexible mix of grant and equity funding to suit your growth stage
  • Tailored business coaching and mentoring from Europe’s leading experts
  • Access to investors, corporates, and networks through the EIC community
  • Support from EIC Programme Managers who guide you from project development to scale-up

This is more than just funding — it’s an opportunity to accelerate your innovation journey with Europe’s most prestigious innovation initiative.

Key focus areas for the European Innovation Council

The EIC supports innovations across all fields of technology and application, with particular emphasis on:

  • Clean and sustainable technologies
  • Digital and deep-tech innovations
  • Advanced materials and manufacturing
  • Health and biotechnology
  • Space and frontier technologies

Why apply?

  • Fast-track your path from lab to market
  • Secure world-class funding and investment
  • Gain strategic visibility within the European innovation ecosystem
  • Build partnerships with top research institutions and corporates

If you’re ready to scale your innovation globally, the EIC Acceleration Grant is your gateway to success.

Swoop promise Swoop promise
At Swoop, we want to make it easy for SMEs to understand the sometimes overwhelming world of business finance and insurance. While we adhere to a strict editorial policy, our goal is to simplify complex matters, offer transparent information, unravel jargon, and empower businesses to confidently make smart financial decisions.
Ready to grow your business?

Clever finance tips and the latest news

Delivered to your inbox monthly

Join the 95,000+ businesses just like yours getting the Swoop newsletter.

Free. No spam. Opt out whenever you like.

We work with world class partners to help us support businesses with finance

Our offices:

Disclaimer: Swoop Finance helps UK firms access business finance, working directly with businesses and their trusted advisors. We are a credit broker and do not provide loans or other finance products ourselves. We can introduce you to a panel of lenders, equity funds and grant agencies. Whichever lender you choose we may receive commission from them (either a fixed fee of fixed % of the amount you receive) and different lenders pay different rates. For certain lenders, we do have influence over the interest rate, and this can impact the amount you pay under the agreement. All finance and quotes are subject to status and income. Applicants must be aged 18 and over and terms and conditions apply. Guarantees and Indemnities may be required. Swoop Finance can introduce applicants to a number of providers based on the applicants’ circumstances and creditworthiness. Swoop Finance Limited is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority as an Account Information Services Provider (reference number 833145). Swoop Finance Limited is authorised as a credit broker under FCA registration number 936513. If you feel you have a complaint, please read our complaints section highlighted above and also contained within our terms and conditions. Swoop Finance Ltd is registered with Companies House (company number 11163382, registered address The Stable Yard, Vicarage Road, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK11 1BN). VAT number: 300080279

© Swoop 2025

Looks like you're in . Go to our site to find relevant products for your country. Go to Swoop