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Source verified September 21, 2026
Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator
Fast-track access to EIC Accelerator
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Latest source updateLast Update: September 19, 2026Latest change: Call 5 now shows the 31 August 2026 opening, the 25 September 2026 14:00 CEST deadline, updated eligibility, and a revised application and evaluation process.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 19, 2026
Latest change: Call 5 now shows the 31 August 2026 opening, the 25 September 2026 14:00 CEST deadline, updated eligibility, and a revised application and evaluation process.
Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator updated for Call 5
Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator – Call 5 now shows a 31 August 2026 opening and a 25 September 2026, 14:00 CEST submission deadline, together with updated eligibility tied to Eurostars-3 completion timing. The call also now describes the application portal, the 6-section form, the up-to-10-slide pitch deck, the three-expert review, panel pitching, GO/NO GO decisions, and the limit of 11 awardees for this call. The newly admitted expert guidelines add exclusion rules for parallel or already-running EIC applications and for applicants with three prior unsuccessful EIC Accelerator applications. They also newly set out the funding pathway details, including grant or blended support below EUR 2.5 million, investment from EUR 0.5 million to EUR 10 million, and a maximum 70% grant component.
Funding available
$ 10,000,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
EU Member States, Iceland, Israel, Norway, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Kingdom
Overview
Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator supports startups, SMEs and small mid-caps from eligible countries that have completed or are finalising a Eurostars-3 project. It helps them advance innovative, high-impact ideas toward the EIC Accelerator through a fast-track review for full-proposal access.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000,000 $
- Up to 70% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- EU Member States, Iceland, Israel, Norway, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Kingdom
Legal structures
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- $ 100,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- 499 employees maximum
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 3
Documents Needed
- An application form, containing 6 sections
- A pitch deck of up to 10 slides that briefly present the company and solution in English
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Startups, SMEs, and small mid-caps.
- Single companies established in an EU Member State, Iceland, Israel, Norway, Switzerland, Türkiye, or the United Kingdom.
- Companies that have finished or are finalising a Eurostars-3 project.
Who is not eligible
- Companies that are already applying to the EIC Accelerator directly or through other Plug-in or Fast Track schemes.
- Companies that are already receiving EIC Accelerator/EIC Accelerator pilot/SME Instrument funding for an ongoing project.
- Companies receiving funding for the same objectives in another ongoing Horizon Europe or Eurostars project.
- Companies that have already submitted 3 unsuccessful applications to the EIC Accelerator from the start of 2024.
Eligible geographic areas
- EU Member States, Iceland, Israel, Norway, Switzerland, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom.
Selection criteria
- Novelty and breakthrough nature of the innovation
- Technology readiness level
- Timing
- Competitiveness and demand
- Market development
- Broader impact
How to apply
- Create an account on the application portal and select the open call you want to apply to.
- Complete an application form, containing 6 sections, and a pitch deck of up to 10 slides that briefly present the company and solution in English.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are checked for eligibility before moving to expert evaluation.
- Eligible applications are assessed by three independent experts.
- Top-scoring applicants are invited to pitch to a panel of three EIC experts.
- The panel makes a GO/NO GO decision on each application.
- EISMEA invites awardees to submit a full proposal to the EIC Accelerator.
- Awarded projects will undergo further project review conducted by EISMEA.
Additional information
- The call for applications is open two times a year.
- If successful, EISMEA will invite awardees to submit a full proposal to the EIC Accelerator.
- Successful companies may submit a full proposal to any of the remaining cut-offs in 2026 or 2027.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator Program
What is the Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator?
Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator supports startups, SMEs and small mid-caps from eligible countries that have completed or are finalising a Eurostars-3 project. It helps them advance innovative, high-impact ideas toward the EIC Accelerator through a fast-track review for full-proposal access.
How much funding can be received?
Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator Funds up to 70% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator program?
To be eligible for the Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator program, you must:
The applicant must be a legal entity established in an eligible country.
The applicant must be a startup, SME, or small mid-cap.
The applicant must have completed or be finalising a Eurostars-3 project within the specified timeframe.
Who can I contact for more information about the Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator?
You can contact Eureka Network (EUREKA) by email at applications-fasttrack@eurekanetwork.org.
Where is the Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator available?
The Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator program is available across Canada.
Is the Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator?
Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator is funded by Eureka Network (EUREKA)