EIC ACCESS+ Info Session #4: How to become an EIC Ecosystem Partner and access co-funded services
- ›The EIC ACCESS+ info session on 4 March 2025 explains how organisations can join the EIC Ecosystem Partnership and provide services to EIC-backed deep-tech innovators.
- ›EIC ACCESS+ offers co-funding of up to EUR 60,000 per beneficiary covering 50 percent of service costs drawn from the EIC Service Catalogue.
- ›The continuous open call began on 1 November 2024 and runs until 31 May 2026 with a total budget of EUR 3.45 million and support planned for up to 180 beneficiaries.
- ›Applications are assessed on a first-come, first-served basis using an electronic time stamp and are reviewed regularly in cohorts.
- ›Service delivery must be completed by 30 June 2026 in most cases and all applicants must meet specific eligibility rules such as being EIC Awardees or holders of a Seal of Excellence.
EIC ACCESS+ Info Session #4: Becoming an EIC Ecosystem Partner
The EIC Business Acceleration Services is running an online information session on 4 March 2025 to explain how companies can become EIC Ecosystem Partners and how EIC-backed innovators can access services from those partners with co-funding from the EIC ACCESS+ project. The session covers the EIC Service Catalogue, eligibility for ACCESS+ funding, the application process, examples of successful cooperation and a live question and answer segment.
Practical details for the info session
Date and time 4 March 2025, 16:00 to 17:15 CET. The event is online and registration remains open up to the start time. The webinar is aimed at companies that want to offer services to EIC beneficiaries and at EIC Awardees who are working with service providers that are not yet part of the EIC Ecosystem Partnership.
| Time | Agenda item | Notes |
| 16:00-16:05 | Welcome words and EIC Business Acceleration Services overview | |
| 16:05-16:20 | EIC Service Catalogue and how to become an EIC Ecosystem Partner | |
| 16:20-16:30 | EIC ACCESS+ and the rolling co-financing scheme | |
| 16:30-16:40 | How to apply for EIC funding opportunities via the EIC ACCESS+ Community Hub | |
| 16:40-16:55 | Success cases from partners who have cooperated with EIC companies | |
| 16:55-17:10 | Live Q and A | |
| 17:10-17:15 | Closing |
Speakers listed for this session include representatives from EIC Business Acceleration Services and at least four named speakers from partner organisations. Attendees are encouraged to register and to share the link with relevant service providers and contractors.
What EIC ACCESS+ funds and how much
EIC ACCESS+ is a co-funding scheme designed to help EIC Awardees and Seal of Excellence holders buy specialised services offered by vetted organisations listed in the EIC Service Catalogue. Grants can reimburse up to 50 percent of eligible service costs, with a maximum cumulative grant of EUR 60,000 per beneficiary. The overall budget for the open call is reported as €3.45 million and the programme expects to support up to 180 companies on a first-come, first-served basis.
| Service package | Maximum grant per beneficiary | Typical services covered |
| Research package | Up to EUR 60,000 | Access to infrastructure and R and 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, venture building, business planning, matchmaking, internationalisation |
| Access to funds | Up to EUR 30,000 | IP and legal, due diligence, fundraising support |
Who can apply and key eligibility rules
Eligible applicants are limited to EIC Awardees under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe from the EIC Pathfinder, EIC Transition and EIC Accelerator strands and to holders of a Seal of Excellence under Horizon Europe. Spin offs from EIC Awardees can be eligible if they provide legal proof of the link to the original project and the project coordinator supplies a written consent. The legal entity requesting the grant must be established in an EU Member State or an associated country as listed on the European Commission website.
Application, assessment and payments
The call is continuous and open for online submissions from 1 November 2024 until 31 May 2026 unless otherwise stated. Each application receives an electronic time stamp and the selection committee evaluates applications in cohorts every two weeks. Grants are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis subject to eligibility checks. When approved, beneficiaries sign a Financial Support to Third Parties agreement that sets out the deliverables and payment terms.
| Grant amount | Payment schedule | Reporting requirement |
| Up to EUR 10,000 | Single instalment after service completion upon invoice | Short report and satisfaction questionnaire before final payment |
| Over EUR 10,000 | Two instalments: 50 percent pre-financing and 50 percent after completion upon invoice | Short report and satisfaction questionnaire before final payment |
The EIC Service Catalogue and Ecosystem Partnership
The EIC Service Catalogue is a searchable platform hosted on the EIC Community Platform. It lists offers from organisations that have applied to become EIC Partners under the EIC Ecosystem Partnership Programme. These partners range from accelerators, incubators and venture builders to research infrastructures and specialised legal and IP advisers. The catalogue is designed to help EIC beneficiaries find sector and stage appropriate support.
Why partner with the EIC and what to expect
EIC Partners gain visibility among EIC Awardees and Seal of Excellence holders and the chance to pilot services with promising deep-tech companies. The EIC positions these partnerships as mutually beneficial and highlights the potential for follow on contracts or collaborations. Organisations working in deep-tech verticals such as health, energy, environment, advanced computing and defence are particularly encouraged to apply.
The EIC Business Acceleration Services promote their results with a range of metrics such as numbers of one to one meetings, deals and capital raised. These data points help make the case for partnering. At the same time readers should treat headline numbers with caution. Success rates and value created for individual beneficiaries vary, and outcomes depend on the quality of the match, the market readiness of the company and follow through from all parties involved.
Practical resources and contacts
Applicants and prospective partners should register on the EIC ACCESS+ Community Hub to create a profile, access the application form and download supporting templates and documents. Key downloadable documents include the Open Call Description, Application Form, FSTP Agreement template, Declaration of Honour and the published Eligibility Criteria. For technical or programme questions contact the EIC ACCESS+ helpdesk at info@eicaccessplus.eu or the EIC Partnerships helpdesk at eicpartnerships-helpdesk@eic-bas.eu. General enquiries can also be submitted through the EIC Community contact page under the category EIC Ecosystem Partnership Programme.
Quick checklist before applying
1. Confirm you are an eligible entity such as an EIC Awardee or Seal of Excellence holder and that your legal entity is registered in an EU or associated country. 2. Choose a vetted service provider from the EIC Service Catalogue and prepare a clear description of the requested services and expected impact. 3. Ensure requested costs are not already covered by other European or national funding. 4. Join the EIC ACCESS+ Community Hub and submit the application. 5. Be mindful that awards are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis so early submission matters.
What to watch for and limitations
The scheme offers useful co-funding but it is modest in absolute terms relative to deep-tech capital needs. The €3.45 million total budget and the 180 beneficiary target mean funds will run out if demand is high. The first-come, first-served model advantages applicants who are well connected to the EIC ecosystem and who can move quickly. The requirement to complete services by the end of June 2026 compresses timelines, particularly for infrastructure access and complex prototyping work. Providers and beneficiaries should plan schedules and contractual terms accordingly. Finally VAT treatment and national rules on public funding may affect the real value of the support for some applicants.
Attending the 4 March info session is a straightforward next step for organisations that want to offer services or to learn more about accessing co-funded services through EIC ACCESS+. The session will include examples of previously successful partner collaborations and a Q and A where specific implementation questions can be raised.
Useful links and where to register
Register for the info session on the EIC Community events page. Create a profile and apply via the EIC ACCESS+ Community Hub. Read the full open call details and download application templates from the EIC ACCESS+ website and consult the EIC Service Catalogue on the EIC Community Platform. For direct help use info@eicaccessplus.eu or eicpartnerships-helpdesk@eic-bas.eu.