The 2025 EIC STEP Scale-Up Results for its second cut-off : Key Insights
At Evolution Europe, we specialize in supporting deep-tech innovators through every stage of EU funding. In this article, we break down the EIC STEP Scale-Up Results Second Cut-Off for 2025, covering success rates, sector focus, and the winning companies.
EIC STEP Scale Up Results for the second cut-off in 2025
The EIC STEP Scale-Up Results for the second cut-off of the year show the programme’s competitive nature. A total of 19 proposals were submitted in this round. Out of those, 5 proposals (26%) advanced to the jury interview phase. Ultimately, 4 companies (21%) passed the final evaluation and are now proceeding to the EIC Fund, subject to due diligence.
- 📨 19 proposals submitted
- 👥 5 invited to jury interviews (26%)
- ✅ 14 deemed ineligible or inadmissible (74%)
- 🏅 4 selected for EIC Fund consideration (21% of total, 80% of those interviewed)
What These Results Reveal
The second cut-off results reflect the programme’s high selectivity and strategic alignment with the EIC’s deep-tech vision. The successful companies come from Bulgaria, Germany, Israel, and Spain, highlighting geographic diversity. Notably, Germany is the only country with a company that also succeeded in the first EIC STEP cut-off.
Meet the Winners of the EIC STEP Scale-Up Second Cut-Off
Here are the four standout companies selected in the second 2025 evaluation round:
| Company | Country | Sector/ Focus |
| Dronamics | Bulgaria | Digital technologies and deep-tech innovation (cargo drones) |
| HyImpulse Technologies | Germany | Clean/resource-efficient tech (satellite launch services) |
| Classiq Technologies | Israel | Digital technologies and deep-tech innovation (quantum software) |
| Multiverse Computing | Spain | Digital technologies and deep-tech innovation (quantum/AI) |
These winners exemplify the level of innovation and market scalability required to succeed in the EIC STEP Scale-Up programme.
Cumulative EIC STEP Scale-Up Results for 2025
Taking both 2025 cut-offs into account, the cumulative results reveal broader trends in success rates and country representation:
- 53 proposals submitted to date
- 27 companies (51%) invited to jury interviews
- 26 companies (49%) were deemed inadmissible or ineligible.
- 11 companies (21%) passed the evaluation phase
- Selected companies from 7 different countries
- 73% previously received EIC Accelerator funding
| Company | Country | STEP Sector / Focus | EIC Accelerator |
| Dronamics | Bulgaria | Digital tech – Cargo drones for logistics | Yes |
| HyImpulse Technologies | Germany | Clean tech – Satellite launch services | Yes |
| Classiq Technologies | Israel | Digital tech – Quantum software | No |
| Multiverse Computing | Spain | Digital tech – Quantum / AI solutions | Yes |
| Axelera AI | Netherlands | Digital tech – AI hardware accelerators for generative AI | Yes |
| Focused Energy | Germany | Clean tech – Fusion energy from seawater and lithium | No |
| Infinite Orbits | France | Digital tech – In-orbit satellite servicing & surveillance | Yes |
| IQM | Finland | Digital tech – Quantum computers (scaling to 1M qubits) | Yes |
| Pasqal | France | Digital tech – Full-stack quantum simulation technology | Yes |
| Xeltis | Netherlands | Biotech – Regenerative implants using Nobel-winning chemistry | Yes |
| Zadient Technologies | France | Clean tech – Ultra-pure SiC wafers for semiconductors, EVs | No |
The EIC STEP Scale-Up Results from the first and second cut-offs in 2025 highlight a strong concentration in digital technologies, which make up 64% of funded companies, primarily in quantum computing, AI, and satellite tech. Clean tech accounts for 27%, while biotech is minimally represented at 9%.
Importantly, 73% of the selected companies were previously funded under the EIC Accelerator. This data indicates that the STEP Scale-Up is not a standalone funding pathway, but often a logical progression for EIC Accelerator winners seeking larger equity-based funding rounds to scale their innovations further.
| Category | Count | Percentage |
| Previously EIC Accelerator Funded | 8 | 73% |
| Digital Technologies | 7 | 64% |
| Clean Technologies | 3 | 27% |
| Biotechnologies | 1 | 9% |
What’s Next After the EIC STEP Scale-Up Results Second Cut-Off?
The four selected companies from this round will now enter due diligence for final investment decisions by the EIC Fund. For future applicants, this serves as a strong reminder:
- 1 in 5 proposals make it through—early preparation is critical
- Previous EIC experience is a major advantage
- Proposals must demonstrate scalable tech, market traction, and equity-readiness
The next deadlines are coming soon: July 1st for Step 1 and October 1st for Step 2.
At Evolution Europe, our team provides strategic, hands-on support for deep-tech startups preparing for EIC STEP Scale-Up. From application writing to mock interviews, we’re here to boost your chances of joining the next round of success stories.
👉Find out more about the EIC STEP Programme
👉Read our insights about the EIC STEP’s First Cut-off Results
