EIC ACCESS+ launches co‑funding for deep‑tech awardees and publishes info session recording
- ›EIC ACCESS+ offers co‑funding for EIC Awardees and Seal of Excellence holders to access services from the EIC Service Catalogue.
- ›Eligible companies can receive up to EUR 60,000 per beneficiary covering up to 50% of service costs, within a total programme budget of EUR 3.45 million.
- ›The open call runs from 1 November 2024 until 31 May 2026 and is assessed on a first come first served basis in weekly cohorts.
- ›A recorded info session from 18 November 2024 is available on the EIC YouTube channel and explains the application steps and service options.
- ›Applicants should note practical limits such as VAT exclusion, FSTP contractual requirements, and the capacity bias inherent in first come first served selection.
EIC ACCESS+ co‑funding: what the scheme offers and how to apply
The European Innovation Council Business Acceleration Services has launched EIC ACCESS+ a co‑funding initiative aimed at helping deep tech startups and small and medium sized enterprises that have already received EIC Awards or a Seal of Excellence under Horizon Europe. The programme subsidises access to curated business and technical support listed in the EIC Service Catalogue. A recording of the first information session held on 18 November 2024 is available for replay on the EIC YouTube channel and on EIC community pages.
Who the scheme targets
Financial support details
The open call provides co‑funding of up to 50 percent of the costs for services selected from the EIC Service Catalogue. Grants are capped at a cumulative maximum of EUR 60,000 per beneficiary. The public documentation states that the scheme excludes VAT when calculating eligible costs. The overall budget made available for this call is €3.45 million.
| Package | Maximum grant per beneficiary | Typical services covered |
| Research Package | Up to EUR 60,000 | Access to infrastructure and R&D support, prototyping and proof of concept |
| Business Acceleration Package | Up to EUR 30,000 | Acceleration incubation venture building business planning matchmaking internationalisation |
| Skills Improvement Package | Up to EUR 10,000 | Coaching mentoring HR and talent support |
| Access to Funds Package | Up to EUR 30,000 | IP and legal support due diligence and fundraising assistance |
Application mechanics and timeline
Applications opened on 1 November 2024 and the public call is scheduled to remain open until 31 May 2026. Applicants must select a service provider from the EIC Service Catalogue and submit an online application via the EIC ACCESS+ Community Hub. Each submission receives an electronic time stamp and the assessment follows a first come first served rule. Applications are processed in weekly cohorts with evaluation completed within seven days from the last application date in each cohort. Successful applicants sign a Financial Support to Third Parties agreement and payments may be disbursed in one or two instalments depending on the service package.
Where to find more information and the info session recording
The recording of Info Session number one which covers funding details the application process and includes a Q and A from participants has been published on the EIC YouTube channel. The session took place on 18 November 2024 and is intended to give practical guidance to potential applicants on navigating the EIC Service Catalogue and preparing submissions. Complementary documentation such as the Open Call Description Application Form the FSTP Agreement Declaration of Honour and a FAQ pack are available for download from the EIC ACCESS+ project pages and the Community Hub.
Context in the EU innovation ecosystem
EIC ACCESS+ sits inside the EIC Business Acceleration Services that aim to bridge gaps between breakthrough research and market uptake. The EIC combines direct grant programmes and an EIC Fund which pursues co investment. The Service Catalogue is a searchable list of partner organisations brought together under the EIC Ecosystem Partnership Programme. Those partners typically include accelerators incubators research organisations and other specialised providers that offer sector focused and technical services to innovators.
Limitations caveats and practical considerations
The programme offers useful targeted support but applicants should be realistic about what EUR 60,000 can achieve for capital intensive deep tech projects. The first come first served model rewards preparedness rather than merit which may skew allocation toward organisations with administrative bandwidth. The exclusion of VAT from eligible costs reduces effective support in jurisdictions where VAT is not recoverable. The total envelope of €3.45 million may be oversubscribed depending on demand especially because the call stays open for more than a year and a half. Applicants should also factor in time to choose a suitable service provider from the EIC Service Catalogue and to satisfy FSTP contractual requirements.
Final notes and disclaimer
The EIC ACCESS+ materials include the standard disclaimer that information provided is for knowledge sharing and does not represent the official view of the European Commission or other bodies. The initiative is part of the Commission s wider effort to strengthen the European deep tech ecosystem but potential applicants should weigh the limits of the scheme against their operational needs and explore complementary funding and support options within the EIC and beyond.