The EIC supports breakthrough technologies throughout the entire innovation journey—from early research to market-ready solutions. This integrated approach is enabling more ideas to survive the “valley of death” and turn into real businesses.

• €6 billion deployed across Horizon Europe (2021–2024) 
• 706 start-ups and SMEs funded through the EIC Accelerator
• 402 early-stage research projects supported via EIC Pathfinder
• 183 Transition projects helping research results reach the market
• 1,350+ unique innovations generated, with 75% targeting emerging markets
• 100+ new start-ups launched to commercialise deep tech results

What happens after companies receive EIC support? They grow, fast. The numbers are impressive and point to the program’s effectiveness in helping early-stage innovators thrive.

• 50% average employment growth

   

• 55% increase in revenue within two years of receiving EIC support
• The portfolio now includes 70+ “centaur” companies (valued at €100M+), and 6 with valuations above €500M
• Total combined valuation of EIC portfolio: €30+ billion

Europe’s future depends on its ability to lead in key technologies—and the EIC is strategically investing in those areas. Between 2021 and 2025, targeted funding was allocated to sectors aligned with European policy priorities:

These investments not only boost innovation but also position Europe as a self-sufficient leader in fields critical to both economic growth and security.

One of the EIC’s greatest strengths is its ability to attract private capital alongside public funding. It’s now one of Europe’s most active deep tech investors, bridging the gap between public risk-taking and private opportunity.

• €2.6 billion in additional private investment mobilised 
• For every €1 of EIC equity, €3 of co-investment is attracted
• 600+ private co-investors, including Europe’s 25 largest VCs
• 60+ investment rounds completed in 2024 alone
• 80% of equity deals include non-domestic (mostly European) investors
• Launch of the Trusted Investors Network (TIN) in 2024: → 100+ investors managing over €100 billion in assets

Beyond financial support, the EIC builds powerful connections between innovators, corporates, public buyers, and global markets. These services are accelerating time-to-market and unlocking commercial opportunities.

• 1,000+ companies and projects matched to corporates, investors, and buyers 
• 230 signed deals across the network
• €362 million raised through investor outreach activities
• EIC Scaling Club launched to support 120 high-potential scaleups
• International Trade Fair programs and Corporate Days opening global market access

Deep tech must be inclusive to succeed. The EIC has taken meaningful steps to empower women entrepreneurs and researchers, setting new standards for gender diversity in innovation.

• 30% of companies supported in 2024 were women-led (CEO/CTO/CSO) 
• 20%+ of project leaders in Pathfinder and Transition programs were women
• Initiatives like Women TechEU and the Women Leadership Programme are closing the gender gap
• 8 women-led projects from the Women TechEU initiative have scaled into EIC Accelerator-funded startups

If you’re interested in learning more about how the EIC is supporting female founders and scientists, be sure to check out our related blog post on the EIC Women Leadership Programme’s 5th Cohort.