EIC STEP Scale Up

The EIC STEP Scale Up call offers equity-only investments to ambitious scale-up companies (SMEs and small mid-caps) with disruptive innovations in critical technology areas for Europe. With a targeted budget of EUR 300 million for 2026 (expanding to EUR 900 million for 2025-2027), the scheme aims to facilitate large funding rounds, supporting the development and market launch of game-changing technologies. Investments range from EUR 10 to EUR 30 million, catalysing total funding rounds of EUR 50 to 150 million, and are implemented by the EIC Fund. The programme fosters economic growth and job creation within Europe, offering strategic support and access to Business Acceleration Services.

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Agency	HORIZON (EU)
Region	EU
Country	N/A
Legal form	Company
Start date	6 Nov 2025
End date	25 Nov 2026
Max funding	Equity-only investment between EUR 10 million and EUR 30 million per company.
Budget	Indicative budget of EUR 300 million for 2026 (expected to reach EUR 900 million for the period 2025–2027).
Coverage	The EIC investment is designed to catalyse a funding round of EUR 50–150 million, at least 3–5 times the EIC contribution.

Grant application conditions

Eligible Applicant	A single company classified as an SME or small mid-cap (up to 499 employees) established within a Member State or an Associated Country.
Legal Structure	The company may have a holding entity also established in a Member State or Associated Country.
Scope of Innovation	Critical raw materials and advanced digital technologies, including semiconductor, artificial intelligence, quantum, advanced connectivity, robotics, autonomous systems, and deep tech. Clean and resource efficient technologies, including net-zero, renewable energy, batteries, hydrogen, carbon capture, grid technologies, and circular economy solutions. Biotechnologies, including critical medicines, DNA/RNA, proteins, cell and tissue culture, bioinformatics, nanobiotechnology.
Funding Round	The company must apply for EIC equity investment between EUR 10 million and EUR 30 million as part of a funding round ranging from EUR 50 million to EUR 150 million.
Investor Pre-commitment	A pre-commitment representing at least 20% of the planned funding round from a single qualified investor with proven market, technology and jurisdiction expertise, subject to KYC. The pre-committed investor may be existing and does not need to lead the investment round.
Use of Funds	For scaling up high-risk innovations in critical technology areas where funding needs cannot be fully met by other investors, including InvestEU instruments.
Geographic Focus	Most of the company’s value, including its IP, must remain in the EU or Associated Countries.
Documentation	https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-EIC-2026-STEP

Eligible expenses

Evaluation criteria

Business exclusions

Reporting

Application process

Application requirements