How to Write a Winning Step 1 Application for the EIC Accelerator

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator is one of the most sought-after funding opportunities for startups and SMEs across Europe. With up to €17.5 million available in combined grants and equity investments, the program is tailored for companies developing breakthrough technologies with strong commercial potential. However, with fierce competition, standing out in the first step of the EIC Accelerator application process is critical.

In this article, we’ll give an idea of what it means to craft a winning Step 1 application, providing actionable insights to ensure your proposal meets the evaluators' expectations. Whether you are based in the UK, Israel, Germany, Spain, France, or any eligible region, this guide will simplify the process and help you maximize your chances of success.

Additionally, we’ll explore how Oroka’s Alberta platform can streamline your application and ensure it aligns with the EIC Accelerator’s strict evaluation criteria.

Understanding the Step 1 Application Process

The Step 1 Application is the initial stage of the EIC Accelerator’s three-step evaluation process. This step serves as a preliminary check to determine if your project aligns with the EIC’s objectives, has strong commercial potential, and represents a truly innovative solution.

The main goal is to convince the evaluators that your proposal is worth progressing to the full application (Step 2). It consists of three essential components:

1. A Short Proposal (up to 12 pages): A concise yet comprehensive document summarizing your project’s key aspects.

2. Pitch Deck: A presentation highlighting the problem, solution, market opportunity, and team.

3. 3-Minute Video: A compelling video pitch delivered by the CEO or key team member.

For official guidelines and eligibility, visit the European Innovation Council’s official website.

Key Components of a Winning Step 1 Application

1. The Short Proposal: Crafting a Strong Narrative

The 12-page proposal is the most critical part of your Step 1 application. It needs to be clear, compelling, and aligned with the EIC’s evaluation criteria: Excellence, Impact, and Implementation.

a) Excellence: Highlighting the Innovation

• Define the Problem: Clearly articulate the specific problem or gap in the market your innovation addresses.

• Present Your Solution: Explain how your technology or product is unique, groundbreaking, and beyond the current state-of-the-art.

• Demonstrate Feasibility: Provide evidence of technological feasibility, proof-of-concept, or early prototypes. Use Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) to position your project.

Example: If you are developing a new AI-driven diagnostic tool, showcase how it outperforms existing solutions, offers higher accuracy, and addresses a critical healthcare need.

b) Impact: Market Opportunity and Scalability

• Market Size and Growth: Quantify the market opportunity for your innovation. Use credible sources to outline market trends, potential customers, and revenue potential.

• Competitive Advantage: Highlight how your innovation differentiates itself from competitors and provides a unique value proposition.

• Societal and Economic Impact: Align your solution with EU priorities such as sustainability, digital transformation, or societal benefits.

c) Implementation: Show Execution Capability

• Project Plan: Outline the major project milestones, including technical development, validation, and commercialization.

• Team Strength: Showcase the skills, expertise, and experience of your team members. Include partnerships with relevant research or commercial organizations.

• Use of Funds: Provide a high-level explanation of how the EIC funding will be utilized to achieve project goals.

 Use clear headings, visuals, and concise language. Avoid jargon and ensure the proposal is easy to read.

2. The Pitch Deck: Visualizing Your Vision

Your pitch deck complements the written proposal and provides a visual representation of your project. It must be clear, visually engaging, and to the point. A strong pitch deck typically includes the following slides:

1. Title Slide: Project title, company name, and contact details.

2. Problem: Describe the challenge or need you are addressing.

3. Solution: Introduce your innovation and how it solves the problem.

4. Market Opportunity: Present the market size, target audience, and growth potential.

5. Technology: Explain the technology behind your solution and its readiness.

6. Business Model: Outline how you plan to commercialize and generate revenue.

7. Competitive Analysis: Highlight how your innovation stands out.

8. Project Milestones: Key project phases and deliverables.

9. Team: Showcase the qualifications of your team.

Keep the design professional and consistent. Avoid clutter and ensure each slide communicates one clear message.

Tools like Oroka’s Alberta can help generate polished, well-structured pitch decks tailored to the EIC Accelerator requirements.

3. The 3-Minute Video: Pitching with Impact

The video pitch is often underestimated, but it plays a crucial role in humanizing your application and showcasing the team’s passion and capability.

How to Structure Your Video:

1. Introduction: Introduce yourself and your company (10-15 seconds).

2. The Problem: Briefly describe the problem you are solving (30 seconds).

3. The Solution: Explain your innovation, emphasizing its uniqueness (60 seconds).

4. Market Opportunity: Highlight the size and commercial potential of your solution (30 seconds).

5. The Team: End with a strong message about your team’s expertise and commitment (30 seconds).

   
   

Tips for Success:

• Keep it concise, clear, and engaging.

• Speak directly to the camera and maintain eye contact.

• Avoid reading from a script; aim for a natural, confident delivery.

• Use high-quality visuals, but keep the focus on the speaker.

Alberta’s AI-powered suggestions can help script and optimize your video pitch for maximum impact.

Why Your Step 1 Application Matters

The Step 1 application acts as a gatekeeper to the full EIC Accelerator funding process. Only proposals that demonstrate strong potential, innovation, and market fit will move forward. If your Step 1 application is rejected, you can resubmit, but ensuring it is as strong as possible the first time will save valuable time and resources.

A winning Step 1 application requires:

• A clear and compelling narrative.

• Evidence of innovation and feasibility.

• A strong understanding of the market opportunity.

• A demonstration of your team’s ability to execute.

How Alberta Can Help You Win Step 1

Preparing a successful Step 1 application can be daunting, especially for first-time applicants. Oroka’s Alberta platform simplifies the process with AI-powered tools that:

1. Streamline Proposal Writing: Alberta guides you through each section, ensuring alignment with EIC criteria.

2. Optimize Pitch Decks: Alberta helps design professional, visually engaging pitch decks tailored to your innovation.

3. Refine Video Pitches: Alberta provides insights and scripting assistance to create a powerful, concise video presentation.

4. Save Time and Reduce Stress: With step-by-step support, Alberta minimizes the time and effort required to prepare your application.

   
   

Companies using Alberta benefit from higher-quality submissions, improved confidence, and increased chances of progressing to Step 2.

Learn more about Alberta and start your EIC Accelerator journey today by visiting Oroka’s website.

Final Thoughts

The EIC Accelerator represents a tremendous opportunity for innovative startups and SMEs to secure funding and scale groundbreaking technologies. A well-prepared Step 1 application is the foundation for success, ensuring you stand out in a competitive landscape.

By focusing on the core components—a strong proposal, a clear pitch deck, and an impactful video—you can create a winning application that captures the evaluators’ attention.

With tools like Oroka’s Alberta platform, you can simplify the process, refine your submission, and significantly improve your chances of securing EIC funding.

Start preparing your Step 1 application today and take the first step toward turning your innovation into a global success story.

For official EIC Accelerator guidelines, visit the European Innovation Council website.