EIC Accelerator (Submission: ongoing)
The EIC Accelerator Pilot is a programme exclusively for SMEs with a high-risk idea, with high market potential and a high degree of innovation as well as internationally oriented business activities. An open-topic approach is being pursued. In addition to technological innovations, non-technological innovations, such as social innovations or innovations in the service sector, can also be supported.
Individual SMEs based in the EU Member States or in one of the countries associated with Horizon 2020 are eligible. Research institutions, universities or bigger enterprises may support the funded SME as subcontractors.
The EIC Accelerator Pilot provides support for SMEs up to market maturity and beyond:
- Implementation – from concept to market – and in the case of applying for equity capital (blending) – into the market,
- “Business Acceleration Services” to support commercialisation during and after project implementation.
To apply for funding, the technology readiness level TRL 5 / 6 must be achieved. The research has to be completed and the technology is verified in a relevant environment (TRL 5) or a functional demonstrator (TRL 6) is available. Funding is generally provided for development close to the market from “demonstration under operating conditions” onwards. It is important to mention that only the very best applications have a chance of being successful.
Innovation and final development measures are carried out in the Accelerator during a one to two-year project period. These include demonstration, tests, construction of prototypes, pilot measures, scale-up, miniaturisation or design up to market implementation.
There are two options for funding:
- an exclusively grant-based funding between 0.5 and 2.5 million euros (grant-only) or
- blended financing consisting of a grant and capital financing, also for more extensive market activities. Blended financing consists of a non-repayable grant of between 0.5 and 2.5 million euros and equity capital of up to 15 million euros.
The funding rate is 70 %. In addition to coaching and mentoring offers, SMEs that have received an accelerator grant can take advantage of so-called Business Acceleration Services. These are support measures to facilitate market entry. The measures include a range of additional offers like training courses, contacts with investors, networking with other EIC SMEs or larger enterprises and programmes to participate in foreign trade fairs. Access to EU financial instruments (InnovFin) and/or private investors will also be facilitated.
Applications will be assessed in the review process according to the criteria of innovative strength (“Excellence”), marketability (“Impact”) and quality of implementation. The focus is on aspects such as risks and market potential, European added value (why EU funding instead of national funding?) and the unique selling proposition (USP). In addition, the implementation capacities and development potential of SMEs and their commercialisation strategy are assessed.
Applications for the EIC Accelerator Pilot can be submitted on an ongoing basis until the respective deadline. There are usually four deadlines per year. In 2020 these are 8th January, 8th March, 19th May and 7th October.
In the Accelerator, the evaluation is carried out in two stages. In the second stage, following the online procedure, particularly promising applicants are invited to Brussels for an interview in order to present the project to a panel of experts. The evaluation of the EIC Accelerator Pilot is organised by the Executive Agency for SMEs (EASME).