Library FAQ
What are the eligibility requirements for applicants to STEP Scale Up?
A single company classified as an SME or small mid-cap (up to 499 employees) established in an EU Member State or Associated Country; a holding company is allowed if established in a Member State or Associated Country. An investor may submit a proposal on beha...
What funding can a company request under STEP Scale Up and what is the call's budget?
Applicants may request equity investments from EUR 10 million to EUR 30 million. The indicative budget for 2025 is EUR 300 million, expected to rise to EUR 900 million for 2025–2027.
What investment leverage is expected from STEP Scale Up applicants?
Applicants should co-invest in a funding round aiming to raise at least three to five times the amount of the requested EIC contribution, and the pre-commitment must represent at least 20% of the total target funding round.
What is the aim of the Breakthrough innovations for future mobility Challenge?
To support companies developing cost-effective and scalable deep tech breakthroughs that reduce mobility-related emissions across manufacture to use, and improve transport system efficiency via digital tools.
What is the EIC STEP Scale Up call?
A pilot call under the STEP Regulation providing significant equity investments to scale up companies commercialising strategic technologies in digital deep tech, cleantech or biotech, addressing a market gap in deep tech scale-up financing.
What is the evaluation process and timeline for STEP Scale Up applications?
Evaluations occur at regular intervals (at least quarterly). If eligible, applicants are invited to a jury interview typically within ~4–6 weeks from the start of evaluation; interview result is provided within ~2 weeks. Successful applicants undergo ownership...
What is the indicative budget for the Breakthrough innovations for future mobility Challenge?
EUR 50 million.
What outcomes and impacts are expected from this Challenge?
Increase competitiveness and economic autonomy of EU companies across the mobility value chain; support scaling of technologies that materially reduce mobility emissions with quantified impact; improve accessibility, safety, security, connectivity, flexibility...
What outcomes can the EIC Jury recommend after the interview?
GO and Sovereignty (STEP) Seal: recommended for potential equity investment and awarded STEP Seal with BAS access; NO GO and Sovereignty (STEP) Seal: meets criteria but not funded due to budget, still awarded STEP Seal and BAS access; NO GO: does not meet crit...
What ownership and control conditions apply to STEP Scale Up recipients?
Recipients must not be directly or indirectly controlled by a non-associated third country or by a legal entity established in a non-associated third country. Specific safeguards may also be introduced in the investment agreement.
What pre-commitment is required to apply to the STEP Scale Up call?
A pre-commitment from a qualified investor (per the template on the EIC website) representing at least 20% of the total target funding round.
What sustainability frameworks must projects consider?
Projects must take into account the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework, including Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and circularity approaches.
What technology areas are eligible under the STEP Scale Up call?
Digital and deep tech (advanced semiconductors, AI, quantum, advanced connectivity, sensing, robotics, autonomous systems), clean and resource-efficient technologies (solar, wind, batteries, heat pumps, hydrogen, sustainable fuels, CCUS, advanced materials, re...
Which areas of innovation does this Challenge focus on?
Design, manufacture, assembly and operation of vehicles and vessels to reduce environmental footprint; disruptive technologies for operational efficiencies and emission/noise reductions; sustainable fuels and retrofitting for hard-to-abate sectors; and digital...
Which European industrial partnerships will selected companies connect with?
Selected companies will become part of ecosystems under Clean Aviation, Towards zero-emission road transport (2ZERO), Connected, Cooperative and Automated Driving (CCAM), Zero-emission waterborne transport, Transforming Europe's rail system, and connections wi...
Who should consider applying to the STEP Scale Up call?
Scale-up SMEs and small mid-caps with game-changing innovations in STEP priority areas that have secured an initial investment, seek a major funding round, and whose commercialisation risks cannot be sufficiently financed by market investors.
Are digital tools like AI encouraged in biotechnology projects?
Yes, companies are encouraged to leverage digital tools such as AI to facilitate process development and integration into existing production systems.
How will companies supported under the Advanced Materials Challenge be integrated into the wider ecosystem?
Selected companies will become part of the wider advanced materials ecosystem fostered by actions in the Advanced Materials for Industrial Leadership communication, including the IAM4EU co-programmed partnership.
What are the expected impacts of the biotechnology challenge?
Improved sustainability, efficiency and resilience of the EU agri-food sector, support for Europe’s strategic autonomy, and enhanced competitiveness to face climate and environmental challenges.
What assessment and market considerations are required for biotechnology projects?
All projects must provide a lifecycle assessment (environmental, social and economic), consider regulatory aspects and consumer acceptance, and articulate strategies for market entry within and beyond the EU.
What is the budget for GenAI4EU?
EUR 50 million.
What is the indicative budget for the Advanced Materials Challenge?
EUR 50 million.
What is the indicative budget for the biotechnology low-emission food and feed challenge?
EUR 50 million.
What is the objective of GenAI4EU?
To support start-ups and SMEs developing transformative, human-centric generative AI solutions that embody EU values, advance trustworthy AI, and strengthen Europe’s tech sovereignty.