16 Jun 2026
EIC selects 38 start-ups and SMEs for funding under latest round of EIC Accelerator
The European Innovation Council (EIC) has selected 38 innovative start-ups and SMEs to receive funding following its latest evaluation round. Out of 87 proposals that reached the interview stage. The total proposed funding amount for grants to the selected companies is €90 million, with 84% of beneficiaries eligible for blended finance—a combination of grants and equity investment—while others secured either grant-only or equity-only support.
The selected companies represent 16 EU and associated countries, with the highest number coming from France (6), United Kingdom (5), Germany (4), Sweden (4) and Switzerland (4). One of the selected companies is located in Austria. 21% of the companies are led by women in key leadership roles such as CEO, CTO, or CSO.
The grant agreements for most selected companies are expected to be finalised within the next three months. Equity investments will follow based on each company’s individual development and funding strategy.
A further 95 applications that were assessed above the threshold either at the remote stage or at the interview, but for which there was insufficient funding available, will be awarded a Seal of Excellence. In addition, all 12 companies that reached the threshold under the five EIC Accelerator challenges, regardless of whether they were eventually chosen for funding support, will receive a STEP Seal.
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