The updated 2020 Work Programme dedicates over €350 million under the EIC Accelerator pilot for start-ups and SMEs with breakthrough innovations addressing one or several Green Deal objectives, specifically concentrating on those innovations that fuel the societal transition towards sustainability, while supporting EU’s competitiveness and leadership in clean technologies.
The topic targets high-risk, high-potential small- and medium-sized enterprises (including start-ups) from any sector, provided that they contribute to one or more of the Green Deal goals.
All applicants submitting for the 19 May 2020 cut-off will need to demonstrate how their innovation contributes to the goals of The European Green Deal and the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
SMEs can apply for grant financing of up to €2.5 million each and an additional equity investment of up to €15 million.
Woman innovators opportunities
The EIC Work Programme also includes a targeted measure for woman innovators. For the final two cut-offs of the EIC accelerator (May and October), the Commission will ensure that at least 25% of the SMEs and start-ups invited to the final interview phase of the selection process will be led by women as the CEO or equivalent position.
Business acceleration services and coaching
The EIC pilot offers free coaching, business acceleration services and mentoring to help your business scale up and grow. These are open to all small businesses that are EIC clients, simultaneously to their grant.
Coaching covers business development, organisational development, cooperation, and financing. SMEs taking part in EIC Accelerator, FTI or Pathfinder are offered up to 12 coaching-days.
The Accelerator Green Deal Call is available from the Funding and Tenders Portal.
