EIC: funding opportunities for disruptive research and businesses

If you aspire to develop an entrepreneurial project in the deep tech industry or another innovative field, then you should be aware of the European Innovation Council (EIC), a new programme whose goal is to financially support game-changing and disruptive business ideas.

As an important component of the Horizon Europe strategy, the EIC is aimed at start-ups and SMEs throughout the European Union territory and, with a budget of € 10 billion for the period of 2021-2027, it represents a key opportunity to fund breakthrough technologies and research.

By taking advantage of different types of financial support, the EIC is also a strategic tool for innovative companies to scale up internationally and create new markets, while also addressing the main social, ecological, and digital challenges defined by the European Community.

Investment opportunities

Among the main financing opportunities, we should mention:

• EIC Pathfinder: provides support to research projects in the development of breakthrough technologies in innovative fields, such as artificial intelligence or green hydrogen.
• EIC Accelerator: seeks to develop and scale up high-risk innovations, driven by SMEs or start-ups. This measure grants access to technological development and validation grants of up to € 2.5 million, as well as equity to enable business growth of up to € 15 million.
• EIC Transition: ensures the financing of novel technologies and the development of a business case, in order to promote their transition from the research lab to the market.

Read more information about the EIC here and here. If you would like to live or invest in Portugal, then feel free to reach us anytime! Our team of experts will help you get settled and start your business.