EIC ACCESS+ info session #2: recording and practical guide to choosing services and applying for co-funding
- ›Recording of the EIC ACCESS+ Info Session #2 (held 21 January 2025) is available for replay on the EIC Community YouTube channel.
- ›EIC ACCESS+ offers co-funding of up to EUR 60,000 per beneficiary to access vetted services from the EIC Service Catalogue, covering up to 50% of eligible costs.
- ›The open call runs continuously until 31 May 2026 and aims to support 180 companies with a total budget of about EUR 3.45 million, awarded on a first-come, first-served basis after eligibility checks.
- ›Applicants must be EIC Awardees or Seal of Excellence holders and choose service providers listed in the EIC Service Catalogue; services must be completed by 30 June 2026 and follow specific duration and reporting rules.
- ›Practical resources include a visual guide on selecting providers, the EIC ACCESS+ Community Hub application form, and a helpdesk for technical questions.
Recording and purpose of the info session
The EIC ACCESS+ Info Session #2 took place on 21 January 2025 and focused on how deep-tech startups and SMEs should choose service providers from the EIC Service Catalogue when applying for EIC ACCESS+ co-financing. The session offered step-by-step guidance, examples of successful provider matches, and question and answer time. A full recording is available for replay on the EIC Community YouTube channel.
What EIC ACCESS+ offers and why it matters
EIC ACCESS+ is a co-funding initiative run under the EIC Business Acceleration Services to help EIC Awardees and Seal of Excellence holders access specialised, sector-focused support provided by vetted partners in the EIC Service Catalogue. The scheme reimburses up to 50% of the cost of eligible services with a maximum grant of EUR 60,000 per beneficiary. The open call launched in November 2024 and is open until 31 May 2026, subject to available budget and the programme rules.
Eligibility and basic conditions
Not every startup can apply. Eligible applicants are EIC Awardees from the EIC Pathfinder, EIC Transition and EIC Accelerator streams, Seal of Excellence holders under Horizon Europe, and in defined cases spin-offs originating from EIC awardees where legal documentation and written consent from the project coordinator are provided. The applying legal entity must be registered in an EU Member State or an Associated Country. The co-funded 50% share of service costs must not already have been funded by other European, national or similar initiatives. The remaining 50% of service costs can be covered by other sources.
Funding structure and service packages
The grant covers up to 50% of eligible service costs. Each beneficiary can select one or more services from the catalogue, up to a cumulative grant of EUR 60,000. The programme organises services into four broad packages with distinct ceilings and typical contents.
| Package | Grant ceiling per beneficiary | Typical services covered |
| Research package | Up to EUR 60,000 | Access to infrastructure and R&D support, prototyping and proof of concept |
| Skills improvement | Up to EUR 10,000 | Coaching and mentoring, HR and talent support |
| Business acceleration | Up to EUR 30,000 | Acceleration, incubation and venture building, business planning, matchmaking and internationalisation |
| Access funds | Up to EUR 30,000 | Intellectual property and legal support, due diligence, fundraising support |
Application process and timelines
Applications are submitted through the EIC ACCESS+ Community Hub. Applicants should join the hub, download the required templates and documents, select one or more services from the EIC Service Catalogue and complete the application form. After submission an electronic time stamp is assigned and applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payments, reporting and compliance
Payment schedules depend on grant size. For grants of EUR 10,000 or less the payment is made in one instalment after the service is implemented, based on the service provider invoice. For grants above EUR 10,000 the grant is typically paid in two instalments, with 50 percent pre-financing and the remaining 50 percent after completion and submission of supporting invoices. A short report describing the service obtained, the results achieved and a satisfaction questionnaire must be submitted before the final payment is released.
About the EIC Service Catalogue and how to choose a provider
The EIC Service Catalogue is a searchable, member-only platform on the EIC Community where EIC beneficiaries can find partner organisations offering specialised services. The catalogue lists over 150 organisations and more than 440 services grouped in 12 categories. It is intended to give EIC Awardees and Seal of Excellence holders access to vetted providers including accelerators, incubators, research infrastructures and professional service firms.
Where to find documentation, help and contacts
Applicants can download required templates and documents from the project pages. Key documents include the Open Call Description, Application Form, FSTP Agreement, Declaration of Honour and the FAQ. The application form is available through the EIC ACCESS+ Community Hub. For questions, use the EIC ACCESS+ contact email info@eicaccessplus.eu or the EIC Ecosystem Partnership helpdesk at eicpartnerships-helpdesk@eic-bas.eu. For technical issues with EIC Community platform access consult the EIC Community help pages.
Context and implications for deep-tech startups
EIC ACCESS+ sits within the broader EIC Business Acceleration Services under Horizon Europe. The EIC aims to move deep-tech from lab to market by combining grants and non-financial support. The ACCESS+ grants are modest relative to typical scale-up capital but can lower barriers to accessing specialised services such as prototyping, legal IP work and investor readiness coaching. Given the total pot of around €3.45 million for roughly 180 beneficiaries the average supported sum is limited and demand is likely to exceed supply.
Practical checklist for applicants
1) Confirm eligibility: verify EIC award or Seal of Excellence status and legal registration in an EU or Associated Country. 2) Select appropriate services: search the EIC Service Catalogue, shortlist providers and request clarifications through the contact form. 3) Document outcomes: prepare a precise description of services, deliverables, timelines, and measurable impact for the application. 4) Budget and co-financing: ensure the non-EIC portion of service costs is secured and that no double funding occurs for the 50 percent covered by ACCESS+. 5) Apply early: use the EIC ACCESS+ Community Hub to submit the application and obtain the electronic time stamp. 6) Keep invoices and evidence: maintain invoices and reports required for payments and potential audits.
Final note and critical perspective
The EIC ACCESS+ initiative can reduce friction for deep-tech innovators seeking specialised services and validated providers. However, applicants should not conflate catalogue listing or co-funding with guaranteed long term commercial success. The scheme is small relative to the funding needs of scaling deep-tech companies. The first-come, first-served mechanism and the limited overall budget mean many eligible applicants may not receive support. Careful selection of providers, clear articulation of impact, and rigorous documentation will improve the chances of converting the grant into meaningful milestones that attract follow-on financing.
Useful links and contacts
Recording: EIC Community YouTube channel. Application and documentation: EIC ACCESS+ website and EIC ACCESS+ Community Hub. EIC Service Catalogue: searchable platform on the EIC Community platform for registered EIC beneficiaries. Help and contacts: info@eicaccessplus.eu and eicpartnerships-helpdesk@eic-bas.eu.