Library FAQ
What specific objectives are expected from Micro-Nano-Bio Challenge projects?
Realise and validate integrated Micro-Nano-Bio devices/systems, accelerate discovery in cell or pathogen biology via advanced microfluidics/biosensing/biomaterials/AI/ML, automate clinical workflows, streamline therapy discovery/production while minimising ani...
Who can apply to the EIC Accelerator?
A single SME established in a Member State or Associated Country; a single small mid-cap (up to 499 employees) in exceptional rapid scale-up cases; or one or more natural persons or legal entities intending to establish or invest in an SME/small mid-cap in a M...
How and when are STEP Scale Up applications evaluated?
Applications can be submitted at any time via the Funding and Tenders Portal and are evaluated in four quarterly batches with deadlines 11/02/2026, 06/05/2026, 09/09/2026 and 25/11/2026.
How can deep tech start-ups and SMEs contribute to the CRMA objectives?
They can develop and commercialise innovations across exploration, extraction/refining and recycling of CRMs to strengthen primary supply, increase recovery rates of critical and strategic raw materials, and improve competitiveness and sustainability of second...
How will the EIC link funded climate adaptation solutions to on-the-ground actors?
Through Business Acceleration Services, especially the innovation procurement programme, the EIC will connect supported startups and SMEs with regions and local authorities engaged in the EU Mission on Adaptation to facilitate accelerated uptake; funded soluti...
Is deep-sea mining included in the CRM call?
No. Deep-sea mining does not fall within the scope of this call.
Is STEP Scale Up funding a grant or equity?
Support under STEP Scale Up is equity-only investments managed by the EIC Fund; applicants should request between EUR 10 and EUR 30 million and will not receive a grant component.
What additional support or recognition do successful STEP Scale Up applicants receive?
Beyond investment, companies receive Business Acceleration Services; applicants meeting evaluation thresholds are awarded a Sovereignty (STEP) Seal to facilitate access to funding/support from other EU programmes and funders; the EIC Fund will also take safegu...
What are the main aims of the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) adopted in 2024?
The CRMA aims to set 2030 benchmarks for domestic capacities of strategic raw materials, create secure and resilient supply chains, enhance supply risk preparedness and mitigation, improve sustainability and circularity of CRMs on the EU market, and diversify...
What climate risks for Europe does the Deep Tech for Climate Adaptation Challenge target?
The Challenge targets four IPCC-identified risks: heat-related mortality and ecosystem changes, heat and drought stress on crops, water scarcity, and flooding and sea level rise.
What documents must be submitted for a STEP Scale Up proposal?
Proposals must include a full business plan (max 50 pages), a pitch-deck (max 15 pages, pdf), the pre-commitment (official template), a financial plan and agreement document, results of a freedom to operate analysis or a max 2-page note if unavailable, and CVs...
What investment amounts are available under the EIC STEP Scale Up call?
Selected companies can receive equity-only investments ranging from EUR 10 to EUR 30 million to co-invest in a funding round sized EUR 50 to 150 million, with the EIC investment expected to catalyse at least 3–5 times the EIC contribution.
What is the EIC STEP Scale Up call designed to support?
STEP Scale Up supports ambitious scale-up SMEs and small mid-caps with game-changing strategic technologies in digital/deep tech, cleantech or biotech, providing equity investments to accelerate development, commercialisation and scaling to reinforce Europe’s...
What is the indicative budget for the CRM Challenge?
The indicative budget for the CRM Challenge is EUR 50 million.
What is the indicative budget for the Deep Tech for Climate Adaptation Challenge?
The indicative budget for the Deep Tech for Climate Adaptation Challenge is EUR 50 million.
What is the role of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) for Europe’s technological sovereignty?
Access to CRMs along all stages of the value chain is essential for Europe’s technological sovereignty and capacity to deliver the green and digital transitions; a subset are classed as strategic raw materials due to their use in strategic technologies and str...
What pre-commitment is required for STEP Scale Up applications?
A pre-commitment from a single qualified investor is required, using the official template; it must represent at least 20% of the total target funding round (which must be EUR 50–150 million) and is subject to KYC by the EIC Fund or the EIF.
What specific CRM-related activities are in scope for the Challenge supporting start-ups and SMEs?
In-scope activities include exploration (precision drilling, remote sensing, AI/big data, re-assessing mine tailings), extraction/processing/metallurgical refining (hydrometallurgy, bioleaching, phytomining, nano-filtration, electrified autonomous mining), and...
What sustainability and impact requirements apply to proposed CRM innovations?
Innovations must improve sustainability in line with EU principles for sustainable raw materials, justify the business case for targeted minerals, and measure environmental footprint with a life-cycle analysis including cost and social impact; applicants are e...
What types of deep tech solutions are sought for climate adaptation?
Solutions include nature-based solutions and engineering approaches reinforced by AI and other key enabling technologies, addressing urban heat, climate-smart agriculture, water scarcity (reuse, filtration, biotech), and flood and coastal protection (infrastru...
Who is eligible to apply to the STEP Scale Up call?
A single SME or small mid-cap (up to 499 employees) established in a Member State or an Associated Country (the company may have a holding entity also established in such countries); an investor may submit a proposal on behalf of an eligible company if a prior...
Why are restrictions on control by non-associated third countries applied to some beneficiaries?
To avoid technological dependency and safeguard Union strategic assets, beneficiaries of grant-only Accelerator funding must not be directly or indirectly controlled by a non-associated third country or legal entity established in a non-associated third countr...
How does FTQC differ from NISQ devices and what technologies does it use?
Unlike noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices that suffer high error rates and limited coherence, FTQC uses sophisticated quantum error correction codes (e.g., LDPC and surface codes) and more stable qubit architectures such as hybrid superconductor-s...
How is the EIC supporting the development of graph-driven and other cutting-edge AI technologies?
The EIC supports research and innovation to build Europe’s AI leadership by funding high-risk, high-reward projects, fostering collaboration among academia, industry, startups, and investors, prioritising safety, ethics, and regulatory alignment, and accelerat...