EU grants for startups: where to start
Four routes to EU grant money for a startup: the EIC Accelerator, Horizon Europe, Eurostars and national schemes. Which fits depends on whether you apply alone.
The EIC Accelerator
The EIC Accelerator funds single startups and SMEs with deep tech: a grant below €2.5 million, equity of €1 million to €10 million, or both.
Do I need a consortium?
Not always. The EIC Accelerator is for one company, Eurostars needs two partners from two countries, and most Horizon Europe calls need three.
Horizon Europe for startups
Horizon Europe is the EU's research programme for 2021 to 2027. A startup can be a partner or the coordinator, but most calls need three organisations.
How long an EU grant takes, and when you are paid
For a Horizon Europe call, count on up to eight months from the deadline to a signed grant. By default, the first payment follows within 30 days.
EU grants FAQ
Short answers, with last night's numbers from every open call. Being eligible is the first step, not the hard one.