The European Innovation Council Accelerator has undergone its most significant redesign since 2021. If you are preparing an application for the 2025 cycle, the following changes will directly affect your strategy.
Grant-only cap remains at €2.5M, but equity threshold raised
The maximum grant component is unchanged at €2.5 million. However, the EIC Fund has raised its minimum equity ticket from €500K to €1M for blended finance awardees. This means companies seeking the blended option must now demonstrate a more mature investment readiness profile. Applicants who prefer grant-only should clearly state this in the application to avoid being automatically considered for blended finance.
Remote pitching eliminated — all interviews are in-person
Starting with the 2025 cycle, all candidates invited to the Interview Stage must attend in person in Brussels. The EIC removed the remote option after internal evaluations found that remote pitches scored consistently lower and generated more appeals. Budget for travel and accommodation when planning your timeline.
Step 1 short application now includes a video pitch
The revised Step 1 format requires a 3-minute video pitch in addition to the written application form. The video must be submitted as an unlisted YouTube link and should cover: the problem, your solution, and why your team is uniquely positioned to succeed. Production quality is not evaluated — content is. Keep it simple and direct.
Thematic open calls versus targeted calls
The 2025 programme distinguishes more clearly between open calls (any technology, any sector) and targeted calls (specific technology areas defined by the EIC Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda). Deep-tech companies in quantum, space, biotech and advanced materials should check whether a targeted call matches their profile, as these typically have higher success rates for eligible applicants.
Turkey now fully eligible
Following Turkey’s re-association to Horizon Europe in October 2024, Turkish SMEs are now eligible for all EIC Accelerator instruments on the same terms as EU Member State companies. This includes blended finance and EIC Fund equity investment — a significant change from the partial eligibility of 2022–2024.
Our recommendation
The 2025 calendar is aggressive. The Step 1 deadline is 9 April, with results in late May. Full proposals (Step 2) close 11 June. If you have not started your application, begin this week. The video pitch alone typically requires 2–3 rounds of rehearsal to reach the quality needed for a competitive submission.