The European Innovation Council has introduced its 2025 Work Programme, featuring major updates designed to strengthen Europe’s deep-tech sector and enhance support for innovative startups.This latest initiative includes its three flagship programs, the EIC Pathfinder, Transition, and Accelerator, as well as a new addition: the STEP Scale-Up Call. With a total budget of €1.4 billion, including the launch of a new STEP Scale-Up Call and increased investment for strategic technologies, the programme is set to enhance Europe’s competitive edge.

Here, we’ll break down everything you need to know.

1. New EIC STEP Scale-Up Call

Among the major changes is the introduction of the EIC STEP Scale-Up Call, offering larger investments between €10 million and €30 million to later-stage companies, in the strategic areas of:

• digital technologies (AI, quantum, semiconductors)
• clean technologies (renewable energy, carbon capture)
• biotechnologies (medicinal products, bioinformatics)

This new scheme complements the EIC Accelerator programme, providing a new avenue for scaling up. It is destined to help catalyze larger investment rounds 3-5 times larger than the EIC investment. Companies applying need to show that they have a pre-commitment of 20% of the round from a pre-committed investor.

2. More support for Underrepresented regions

One of the key updates for 2025 is the introduction of the EIC Pre-Accelerator, designed to provide early-stage startups in underrepresented widening countries with the resources needed to compete in the larger Accelerator programme. This initiative aims to close the innovation gap by helping startups from less developed regions in the EU build stronger business and investor readiness, giving them a greater chance to scale and secure funding. Further information about the specificities of this programme is pending publication.

3. EIC Accelerator budget, funding & evaluation changes

One of the most notable changes vs EIC WP 2024 is the reduction in the maximum investment amount available through the EIC Accelerator, which has decreased from €15 million to €10 million. This adjustment aligns with the new STEP call, which will cater to companies seeking larger investments. 

Additionally, to qualify for the Accelerator, 2025 applicants must now be at Technology Readiness Level 6 (before TRL 5 was also accepted). The evaluation process has also been streamlined, with monthly batching on the first Tuesday of each month the short application evaluation and results provided within 4-6 weeks, making the process more efficient for applicants.

The EIC Accelerator, will see a slight budget reduction, now allocated €634 million instead of the previous €675 million. As a result, competition for the standard Accelerator funding will likely intensify in 2025, raising the bar for applicants.

4. More seals: Seal of Excellence expanded & STEP Seal

The programme also expands the Seal of Excellence, now extending it to multi-beneficiary proposals if they meet evaluation thresholds, and introducing a new STEP or Sovereignty Seal for projects under the STEP call that align with Europe’s key strategic interests. These seals offer companies the potential to access regional and national funding, even if they are not selected for EIC funding, giving them an additional pathway to secure funding.

5. New Challenges for 2025

As per previous years, the EIC announced new “challenges” which tackle Europe’s strategic priorities. It allocates €120 million to Pathfinder Challenge projects targeting groundbreaking technologies, including biotech, generative AI for cancer treatment, autonomous robotics, and advanced recycling. Additionally, €250 million is dedicated to Accelerator Challenge projects in pivotal sectors such as advanced materials, generative AI, space technology, and future mobility. Transition Challenges, which were discontinued in 2024, will remain discontinued in 2025.

6.Business Acceleration and EIC-EIT Collaboration

Increased collaboration between the EIC and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) will also enable EIT-supported companies to fast-track into EIC Accelerator evaluations, ensuring that innovative startups get quicker access to crucial resources. There are also joint initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, such as a programme focused on women entrepreneurs.

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