What is the EIC Pre-Accelerator?
The Pre-Accelerator helps deep-tech innovators advance their solutions, validate them in real-world environments, and refine their market strategies to attract public and private investments. Selected start-ups will improve their innovation maturity and significantly increase their chances of securing future funding through programmes like the EIC Accelerator or private investment channels.
Funding Overview
- Grant Amount: €300,000 to €500,000 (lump sum)
- Funding Rate: 70% of eligible costs covered (the remaining 30% must be co-funded by the applicant)
- Total Budget: €20 million (supporting up to 50 start-ups)
- Application Process: Single-stage document submission through the Funding & Tenders Portal
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to:
- Single-company SMEs
- Established in a Widening country
- Developing deep-tech innovations in physical, biological, or digital fields
What are Widening countries?
Widening countries are EU Member States and Associated Countries with lower participation rates in Horizon Europe. Examples include Portugal, Greece, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Slovakia, and others — regions where boosting innovation ecosystems is a key European priority.
Key Dates
- Call Opening: 6 May 2025
- Application Deadline: 16 September 2025
Applications must be submitted through the official Funding & Tenders Portal and will be evaluated by independent experts.
What Will You Achieve?
By participating in the EIC Pre-Accelerator, start-ups are expected to:
- Validate their technologies at TRL 5-6 in a relevant environment
- Perform thorough market research and refine their value proposition
- Secure necessary intellectual property protection
- Strengthen their business models and plan for scaling
- Prepare to apply for the EIC Accelerator or attract private/public investors
The EIC Pre-Accelerator 2025 is a unique Horizon Europe funding opportunity designed to help deep-tech start-ups from Widening countries scale their innovations and increase their impact.
How PNO and Aristos by PNO Can Support You
At Aristos by PNO, we specialise in supporting innovative start-ups to secure highly competitive European funding. Our experts provide tailored consultancy services to guide you through the EIC Pre-Accelerator application process — from project structuring to business model validation and investment readiness.
Our goal: to maximise your chances of success and help you scale your technology on the European market.
Contact our experts and apply for the EIC Pre- Accelerator 2025 with our expert support !
