Library FAQ
Why are biohybrid microrobots strategically relevant for Europe?
They converge advanced materials, biotechnology, AI, and medical technologies, so strengthening European capacity could reduce dependence on non-European supply chains for high-value therapeutic delivery technologies and aligns with STEP priorities on cross-do...
Are there additional safeguards for investments in certain technologies?
Yes. For investment support in AI, quantum, semiconductors and biotechnology, specific safeguards will be introduced in the investment agreement (see Economic Security section and Annex 2).
Are there special eligibility rules if an Open call application falls within a Challenge topic?
Yes. If an Open call application falls within the scope of a Challenge topic, grant-only funding is subject to eligibility in accordance with the specific conditions applicable to those topics.
Can companies that received “Grant first” support get EIC Fund investments?
Yes. Companies that received “Grant first” support under EIC Work Programmes 2021–2023 may receive investments if they achieve the milestones set for proceeding with the investment component.
Can the EIC Fund invest in a parent or holding company instead of the beneficiary?
Yes. The EIC Fund may invest in a parent or holding company if applicants indicate such an entity in their application and the parent/holding company fulfils all relevant criteria and the EIC Fund Investment Guidelines are followed.
How is the grant agreement handled when the EIC Fund invests in a parent or holding company?
When there is a grant component, the grant agreement with the beneficiary will include the parent or holding company as an affiliated entity in its role as investee.
Under which circumstances will the EIC Fund provide follow-on investments?
Follow-on investments are limited to exceptional cases: where necessary to secure EU interests or for strategic investments, or if subsequent funding rounds would not proceed or would proceed on significantly less favourable terms without the EIC Fund’s invest...
What approvals and reviews are required for EIC Fund follow-on investments?
Follow-on investments require a project review by external experts (to ensure Accelerator evaluation criteria are met), an amended Award Decision by the European Commission, and a renewed assessment (due diligence) by the EIB as investment adviser.
What are the aims of the Biotech for Regenerating Agricultural Soils Challenge?
The Challenge aims to scale biotech deep tech solutions to improve soil health, restore polluted or degraded soils, increase soil organic carbon and fertility, reduce dependency on hazardous chemicals, and support sustainable agricultural production of food, f...
What are the objectives of the Advanced Materials for Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems Challenge?
The Challenge aims to scale startups and SMEs developing advanced materials for renewable energy generation and mid-long term energy storage, focusing on design, synthesis, characterisation, up-scaling and production while minimising use of resources and addre...
What conditions must a parent or holding company meet to be eligible for EIC Fund investment?
The parent or holding company must fulfil all relevant criteria, including SME status, non-bankability for the EIC Accelerator, and establishment in an EU Member State or Associated Country, and comply with the EIC Fund Investment Guidelines.
What does the Fusion Power Plants Challenge support and what are TRL expectations?
It supports SMEs and start-ups advancing alternative fusion concepts and key enabling technologies across the fusion value chain (e.g., materials, lasers, magnets, digital technologies). Applicant TRLs can vary but are expected to range from 4 to 6 at applicat...
What happens to unused funds reserved for follow-on investments?
If the budget reserved for follow-on investments is not fully used for its intended cases, the remaining amount will be transferred to the Accelerator Open call.
What is a follow-on investment by the EIC Fund?
A follow-on investment is an amount provided by the EIC Fund in addition to the original equity support awarded to a company, up to a maximum of EUR 10 million and subject to budget availability.
What is EIC Accelerator Open?
EIC Accelerator Open has no predefined thematic priorities and is open to proposals in any field of technology or application.
What is the indicative budget for the Advanced Materials Challenge?
Indicative budget: EUR 50 million.
What is the indicative budget for the Fusion Challenge and any geographic funding expectation?
Indicative budget: EUR 20 million. In view of the contribution transferred from Euratom, it is expected that at least 50% of the indicative budget will be provided to legal entities established in Member States or countries associated to both Euratom and Horiz...
What is the Sovereignty (STEP) Seal for Challenge applicants?
All Challenge applicants fall within the scope of the STEP legislation and will be awarded the Sovereignty (STEP) Seal in accordance with the provisions in Section V.
What is the total indicative budget for EIC Accelerator Challenges and what happens if underutilised?
The total indicative budget for EIC Accelerator Challenges is EUR 220 million. In case of underutilisation, the budget will be transferred to support projects submitted under the Open call aligned with the relevant Challenge scope.
Where does the budget for follow-on investments and “Grant first” subsequent investments come from?
Priority funding comes from the follow-on reserve budget indicated in Annex 1 or from returns generated by EIC Fund investments. If these are exhausted, amounts from the budget of this call or previous amounts allocated to the EIC Fund may be used.
Who manages the investment component of the EIC Accelerator?
The European Commission entrusted tasks related to the implementation and management of the investment component of the EIC Accelerator to the European Investment Bank as the implementing partner.
Can Seals of Excellence or STEP Seals receive funding?
Yes. Seals of Excellence and Sovereignty (STEP) Seals may be funded by national or European programmes for grant and investment components and may also be supported only for the grant component, even if selected for blended finance.
How will the funded portfolio be composed?
The portfolio will ensure coverage across three categories: Cognitive Function Capability (reasoning, abstraction, planning), Technological Approach (variety of approaches including neuro-symbolic and novel frameworks), and Use Case/Application Domain (industr...
What additional requirements must proposals follow regarding data, models and results?
Proposals must follow the FAIR principles: ensure data, models, and results are Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable to maximise transparency, reproducibility, and impact.