EIC launches €20 million package to help Ukrainian deep tech firms scale, with grants up to €500,000
- ›The European Innovation Council is making €20 million available to Ukrainian deep tech start ups and SMEs to accelerate market deployment of technologies.
- ›Grants of up to €500,000 will support development steps that move technologies from TRL 4 to TRL 6 or 7, with around 40 projects expected to receive funding.
- ›The action builds on the Seeds of Bravery initiative and emphasises women led enterprises and integration of Ukrainian innovators into EU innovation ecosystems.
- ›Applications open on 12 August 2025 and close on 26 November 2025 via the EU Funding and Tenders Portal.
- ›The call involves standard EIC procedures including short and full proposals, coaching, remote evaluation and interviews, and may involve data sharing with partners for due diligence and follow up.
EIC expands targeted support for Ukrainian deep tech firms with a €20 million funding call
The European Innovation Council and the SMEs Executive Agency have announced a dedicated funding measure worth €20 million aimed at Ukrainian deep tech start ups and small and medium sized enterprises. The initiative is presented as a follow up to the Seeds of Bravery support measure introduced in the EIC Work Programme 2022. It targets companies ready to accelerate development toward market deployment in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology and cybersecurity.
What the new measure offers
Eligible Ukrainian companies can apply for grants of up to €500,000. The programme is specifically framed to help firms progress technology readiness from an incumbent development stage to near market readiness. The EIC expects to fund around 40 projects. The call includes a stated emphasis on women led enterprises in an effort to improve inclusivity in Ukraine's tech ecosystem.
Procedure and timelines
The call opens on 12 August 2025 and closes on 26 November 2025. Applicants must submit proposals via the EU Funding and Tenders Portal. The EIC standard selection process is expected to apply. This typically involves an initial short proposal and a video pitch, followed by an invitation to produce a full proposal for successful applicants. Selected candidates may receive coach support and could be invited to interviews with an EIC jury prior to final selection.
Where this fits in the EU response to Ukraine
This action is presented by the Commission as part of a broader EU policy to support Ukraine's innovation capacity during the ongoing Russian military invasion. Officials say the new funding builds on the earlier Seeds of Bravery instrument which provided financial help and business services after the full scale invasion began. The stated objectives include helping Ukrainian innovators enter European markets, attract private investment and align Ukraine economically with the EU.
Policy efforts to sustain and grow innovation in a conflict setting face many practical obstacles. Companies working under wartime conditions may lack stable infrastructure, staff, or access to financial and legal services that are prerequisites for scaling. At the same time, targeted EU funding can reduce barriers if it is combined with sustained follow up support, fast administrative processes and clear routes to co funding.
Data handling, partners and investment follow up
The EIC and the SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) manage the call and associated selection processes. Proposals and candidate data are handled through EIC IT platforms and the Funding and Tenders Portal. The EIC uses evaluators, coaches and jury members drawn from Horizon Europe expert databases and external partners for assessments. Applicants should expect standard personal data collection as part of the application, evaluation and contracting phases.
What to watch for and practical advice
The announcement is a targeted step to help firms cross the so called valley of death between prototype and market deployment. The grant sizes and TRL focus are aligned with that objective. However funding alone rarely guarantees scale. Successful commercialisation will depend on firms' access to follow on capital, market channels, regulatory alignment and operational capacity. The EIC and its partners will need to deliver timely assessments, coherent post award support and credible paths to private co investment if the programme is to deliver sustained impact.
| Item | Details | Notes |
| Total EIC allocation for the initiative | €20 000 000 | Targeted to Ukrainian deep tech start ups and SMEs |
| Maximum grant per company | Up to €500 000 | Intended for TRL progression to market readiness |
| Expected number of projects | Around 40 | Subject to selection outcomes |
| Technology readiness focus | From TRL 4 to TRL 6 or 7 | Lab validation to prototype demonstration in relevant environment |
| Priority sectors | AI, robotics, biotechnology, cybersecurity and other Ukraine priorities | EIC may consider other high impact deep tech areas |
| Emphasis on inclusivity | Special attention to women led enterprises | Part of the selection emphasis |
| Call opens | 12 August 2025 | Applications via EU Funding and Tenders Portal |
| Call deadline | 26 November 2025 | Check the Funding & Tenders Portal for conditions and templates |
| Application platform | EU Funding and Tenders Portal | Applicants require EU Login and Participant Identification Code |
| Implementing bodies and partners | EIC, EISMEA, EIC Fund, EIB and named contractors | May include third party dealflow and due diligence providers |
Context and caveats
The EIC is one of the EU's largest deep tech support instruments and routinely highlights leverage of private investment through its Fund. Past initiatives such as Seeds of Bravery provided immediate crisis support, and this measure aims at firms moving toward scale. Observers should note that headline figures do not guarantee sustained outcomes. The real test will be whether supported firms can secure follow on funding from private partners, access European markets effectively and overcome operational constraints caused by the conflict environment.
Prospective applicants and advisors should consult the official call page on the EU Funding and Tenders Portal for full eligibility rules, detailed selection criteria and mandatory documentation. Those with specific questions about data processing and privacy should consult the EISMEA data protection notice and the EIC guidance on the application process.
Key links and contacts
The EIC and EISMEA recommend applicants use the Funding and Tenders Portal for the official call text and submission. For questions about the application mechanics and data protection applicants can contact the EISMEA helpdesk. For investment related enquiries, note that EIC Fund processes may involve additional partners and specific consents.