European Innovation Council allocates €20 million package for Ukrainian deep tech start-ups
- ›The European Innovation Council amended its 2022 work programme to deliver a €20 million package for Ukrainian deep tech start-ups.
- ›At least 200 Ukrainian start-ups will be eligible for up to €60,000 each plus non-financial services such as coaching and matchmaking.
- ›Funding will be distributed via a competitive call for a pan-European network of start-up associations working with Ukrainian stakeholders, with the call opening on 23 June 2022.
- ›The measure aims to preserve business continuity and help Ukrainian companies access the broader European innovation ecosystem and later EIC funding, which can reach up to €17.5 million combining grants and equity.
- ›Complementary EU measures include Horizon Europe association for Ukraine and a €25 million MSCA fellowship scheme for displaced researchers.
EIC launches €20 million action to support Ukrainian deep tech start-ups
On 9 June 2022 the European Commission announced a targeted amendment to the European Innovation Council work programme of 2022 to provide a dedicated €20 million action in support of the Ukrainian innovation community. The measure is aimed at sustaining Ukrainian deep tech start-ups facing disruption from the Russian invasion and at speeding their integration into European markets and financing channels.
What the package offers
The EIC action targets at least 200 Ukrainian deep tech start-ups. Each eligible start-up can receive up to €60,000 in direct support. In parallel, the EIC will deploy non-financial assistance such as business advisory, coaching, matchmaking with investors and partners, and other Business Acceleration Services designed to improve companies’ readiness to scale or to apply for standard EIC funding.
| Item | Value / Detail | Notes |
| Total envelope | €20,000,000 | Amendment to the 2022 EIC work programme |
| Targeted companies | At least 200 Ukrainian deep tech start-ups | Allocation conditional on competitive selection of a pan-European network |
| Per company grant | Up to €60,000 | Complemented by non-financial services |
| EIC Accelerator standard capacity | Up to €17.5 million | Combination of grants and equity available through EIC Fund for later-stage support |
| EIC work programme 2022 | Opens funding opportunities worth over €1.7 billion | EIC overall budget over €10 billion for 2021 to 2027 |
| MSCA displaced researchers scheme | €25 million | Fellowship scheme for displaced Ukrainian researchers |
| Ukraine financial participation in Horizon Europe for 2021 and 2022 | Waived, estimated around €20 million | Applies following Ukraine’s ratification of association agreements |
How this connects to existing EU innovation instruments
Context and related measures
The EIC package sits alongside other EU measures for Ukraine. Ukraine formally joined the Horizon Europe and Euratom programmes after ratification of the association agreement that entered into force in June 2022. The Commission also announced that Ukraine would participate in Horizon Europe and Euratom without having to contribute financially for 2021 and 2022, representing waived contributions estimated at about €20 million. The EU also launched schemes such as ERA4Ukraine, Horizon4Ukraine, ERC for Ukraine, and a €25 million Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions fellowship scheme for displaced researchers.
Official political framing
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen framed the action as an effort to preserve Ukraine’s economic capacity and help its start-ups integrate into European markets. Margrethe Vestager highlighted the mobilising of resources and the role of European innovation actors in supporting the Ukrainian deep tech community. Commissioner Mariya Gabriel noted the pre-war vibrancy of the Ukrainian start-up scene and the need to safeguard progress and link the country’s innovators to the European ecosystem.
Implementation questions and risks
The announced package addresses immediate liquidity and capacity needs for many early stage teams. At the same time the approach raises practical and oversight questions. The EIC will channel funds through intermediaries rather than issuing direct microgrants to firms. That can speed distribution and leverage local networks but it also creates points where funds and services may be diluted or delayed. Ensuring that a meaningful share reaches eligible Ukrainian teams depends on the design of the call, clear eligibility criteria, effective monitoring and transparent reporting.
Implications for Ukraine’s innovation ecosystem
If executed well the EIC action can stabilise teams, preserve talent and maintain links between Ukrainian innovators and European partners. Non-financial services such as coaching and matchmaking can increase the odds that start-ups follow through to larger financing rounds and international expansion. The measure also signals political support for keeping Ukraine integrated in European research and innovation frameworks as reconstruction proceeds.
But success will depend on operational details. The intermediated delivery model must be paired with clear transparency on beneficiaries, selection results and impact indicators. Complementary EU and national measures will be needed to cover the breadth of Ukrainian needs from basic operational support to capital intensive scaling and reconstruction related technology deployment.
| Timeline / Instrument | Date or status | Comment |
| EIC Action call opens | 23 June 2022 | Competitive call for pan-European network |
| EIC work programme amended | June 2022 | Targeted amendment to allocate €20 million for Ukraine |
| Horizon Europe association with Ukraine in force | June 2022 | Ukraine participates without financial contribution for 2021 and 2022 |
| MSCA for displaced researchers | Announced May 2022 | €25 million scheme for displaced Ukrainian researchers |
What to watch next
Watch for the call documentation and selection criteria for the pan-European network. Key signals will include eligibility rules, monitoring and reporting obligations placed on intermediary associations, transparency on beneficiary lists, and timelines for disbursement. Observers should also monitor how the EIC coordinates with national actors, the Enterprise Europe Network and other EU reconstruction planning to avoid fragmentation and to maximise long term impact.
The measure is an early support step within a larger EU package of policies for Ukraine. It is a pragmatic intervention aimed at keeping innovation capacity alive. Its ultimate value will depend on implementation and on whether the short term support can be converted into longer term investment, market access and technology deployment that contribute to Ukraine’s recovery and resilience.