Introduction to the EIC Accelerator Application Process

For startups and SMEs with breakthrough innovations, securing funding through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator can be a game-changer. With up to €17.5 million available in grants and equity funding, the EIC Accelerator empowers companies to bring disruptive technologies to market and scale globally. However, navigating the application process can feel complex and overwhelming for first-time applicants.

This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of the EIC Accelerator application process. Whether you’re exploring this funding opportunity for the first time or looking to refine your approach, this article will simplify the process and highlight tools like Oroka’s Alberta platform to improve your chances of success.

Let’s get started.

Understanding the EIC Accelerator: Key Features

The EIC Accelerator, part of the Horizon Europe program, is designed to support high-risk, high-potential innovations with strong commercial potential. The program offers two forms of financing:

1. Grant Funding: Up to €2.5 million for research, development, and technology validation.

2. Equity Investment: Up to €15 million to scale market-ready solutions and expand globally.

The EIC Accelerator targets startups and SMEs developing solutions that align with EU priorities, such as green technologies, health innovations, deep tech, and digital transformation.

For more information on eligibility and funding details, visit the European Innovation Council official website.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process

The EIC Accelerator application process is designed to identify and fund the most promising and innovative companies. It consists of three key stages: Short Application, Full Application, and Jury Interview.

Below, we’ll explore each stage in detail.

Step 1: The Short Application

The first step is to submit a short application, which serves as a preliminary overview of your project. The goal is to demonstrate that your innovation aligns with the EIC Accelerator’s funding priorities and evaluation criteria.

Components of the Short Application:

1. Pitch Deck: A short presentation summarizing your innovation, market potential, and business model.

2. Proposal Form: A 12 page written summary outlining your company, the problem you are solving, and the commercial potential of your innovation.

3. Video Presentation: A 3-minute video pitch where you (the CEO or founder) explain your project and its impact.

   
   

What to Focus On:

• Clearly articulate the problem your innovation solves.

• Highlight the uniqueness of your technology and how it disrupts the market.

• Demonstrate market demand and your strategy to address it.

• Show your team’s capability to execute the project successfully.

Once submitted, your short application will undergo a quick evaluation. If successful, you’ll receive an invitation to prepare the full application.

Pro Tip: Use Oroka’s Alberta platform to streamline the creation of a professional pitch deck and proposal. Alberta’s AI-powered tools ensure your application aligns with EIC criteria, saving time and improving quality.

Step 2: The Full Application

If your short application is approved, you will move on to the full application stage, where a more detailed proposal is required. This stage is far more comprehensive and requires in-depth information on your innovation, business plan, and project execution strategy.

Components of the Full Application:

1. Detailed Proposal: A complete, structured document covering all aspects of your project:

   • Problem Statement

   • Solution and Technology

   • Market Analysis and Business Model

   • Team Capabilities

   • Financial Projections

   • Project Milestones

   
   

2. Annexes: Supporting documents, such as technical details, letters of support, or financial statements.

   
   

3. Funding Request: A clear breakdown of how the grant and/or equity funding will be used to achieve project goals.

   
   

Key Evaluation Criteria:

Your proposal will be assessed based on three main criteria:

1. Excellence: The level of innovation, technical feasibility, and scientific merit of your project.

2. Impact: Market potential, scalability, and alignment with societal and economic goals.

3. Implementation: The project plan, milestones, and the team’s ability to execute.

Submission and Evaluation:

• Full applications are submitted via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

• Expert evaluators will review your proposal and provide feedback.

  
  

Pro Tip: Alberta’s AI tools help you structure your full application, ensuring it meets the strict evaluation criteria. Alberta provides tailored suggestions to improve clarity, consistency, and impact across all sections.

Step 3: The Jury Interview

If your full application passes the expert evaluation stage, you will be invited to the final step: the jury interview. This stage involves pitching your project to a panel of EIC-appointed experts and investors.

How the Jury Interview Works:

• You will deliver a 10-minute pitch, summarizing your project, innovation, and commercial potential.

• The pitch will be followed by a 20-minute Q&A session, where the jury will ask questions to assess your project’s feasibility and market readiness.

Tips for a Successful Jury Interview:

1. Know Your Pitch: Practice your pitch until it’s clear, concise, and compelling.

2. Be Ready for Questions: Prepare for questions on your technology, market strategy, financial projections, and implementation plan.

3. Show Confidence: Demonstrate your team’s expertise and passion for the project.

4. Highlight Impact: Emphasize how your innovation addresses market needs and delivers societal value.

   
   

Final Decision:

After the jury interview, you will receive the final funding decision. Successful applicants will receive funding offers and guidance on the next steps.

Pro Tip: Alberta’s interactive platform can help you prepare a polished pitch deck and rehearse your pitch to maximize confidence during the interview.

Why Use Alberta to Improve Your Application?

While the EIC Accelerator presents an incredible opportunity, the process is competitive and requires a high-quality application. This is where Oroka’s Alberta platform can help:

1. AI-Powered Writing Assistance: Alberta guides you step-by-step through the application process, helping you craft a professional proposal aligned with EIC criteria.

2. Higher Success Rates: By leveraging AI insights, Alberta optimizes your proposal, increasing your chances of securing funding.

3. Pitch Preparation: Alberta helps you prepare your pitch with the potential reviewer questions in mind.

To learn more about Alberta, visit Oroka’s website.

Final Thoughts

The EIC Accelerator offers unparalleled opportunities for innovative startups and SMEs to secure funding, scale operations, and bring groundbreaking technologies to market. While the application process is competitive, following a clear, step-by-step approach can help you navigate it successfully.

By leveraging tools like Oroka’s Alberta platform, you can streamline the process, reduce stress, and significantly improve your chances of success.

Start your EIC Accelerator journey today, and turn your innovation into a global success story.

For more information on the EIC Accelerator, visit the European Innovation Council website.