The 2027 changes at a glance
Pathfinder Open
2 stages
A short proposal first, followed by a full proposal and interview.
Accelerator
4 batches
Four application batches and two interview sessions in 2027.
Pre-Accelerator
€500k-€1m
Funding per company for eligible early-stage deep-tech SMEs.
STEP Scale Up
€10m-€30m
Equity investment for strategic technologies scaling in Europe.
EIC Pathfinder: a new two-stage route
EIC Pathfinder Open moves to a two-stage application process.
Stage 1 is a short proposal with a deadline of 25 February 2027.
Stage 2 requires a full proposal and interview, with a deadline of 16 September 2027.
No fixed score threshold: invitations will be issued by ranking until the total requested budget reaches approximately 2.5 times the call budget.
The Pathfinder Challenges have a deadline of 29 September 2027 and cover:
Advanced materials for future resilient, sustainable and efficient energy grids
Safe and controlled continual learning for reliable AI agents
Quantum Energetics
EIC Transition: one beneficiary, a shorter pitch
EIC Transition becomes a single-beneficiary instrument, while affiliated entities remain possible.
Applications include a 3-5 minute video pitch and a letter of intent.
Deadline: 16 September 2027
EIC Accelerator: four batches and new routes
The investment component is set at €1-10 million. The 2027 calendar includes four application batches and two interview sessions.
3 February
1 April
1 September
3 November
Dual-use projects are available.
A GO Reserve list is introduced for strong proposals that cannot be funded immediately.
Alongside Accelerator Open, the four Challenges are:
Advanced in-situ ocean observation
Climate-neutral and smart cities
Fusion power technologies
Carbon removal and circularity
EIC Pre-Accelerator: support for early-stage deep tech
The EIC Pre-Accelerator is aimed at early-stage deep-tech SMEs established in Horizon Europe Widening countries.
Per company
€500,000-€1 million
Total 2027 budget
€40 million
Selected companies gain access to Business Acceleration Services and a Fast Track pathway to the EIC Accelerator.
Call opening: 5 May 2027
Proposal deadline: 18 September 2027
EIC STEP Scale Up: larger equity tickets
EIC STEP Scale Up offers €10-30 million in equity investment for companies scaling strategic technologies in Europe.
Four application batches are proposed for 2027:
28 January
29 April
6 September
22 November
EIC STEP Scale Up Defence is presented as a standalone equity route for companies scaling critical defence technologies.
Scaleup Europe Fund: additional EIC contribution
The Scaleup Europe Fund targets major growth-stage investments in strategic European technology companies. An additional €400 million EIC contribution is planned for 2027, bringing the total EIC contribution to the Fund to €1 billion.
The fund is continuously open and implemented by the SEF fund manager.
Which EIC instrument fits your project?
Clarifying your technology maturity and the most relevant funding route is the first step towards a focused application strategy.
Is your innovation ready for EU funding?
I can help you test the eligibility, evidence and strategic case before you commit to a full application.
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