Raise investment for your strategic technology

The EIC STEP Scale-Up Programme is a strategic initiative within the European Innovation Council (EIC) aimed at accelerating the growth of high-potential companies in digital and deep-tech, biotech, and cleantech sectors. This programme helps scale transformative technologies that are vital to Europe’s industrial competitiveness and autonomy. It is meant to help companies commercialize and scale up their innovations which are still at risk of attracting further investment.

Why Apply to the EIC STEP Scale-Up?

The EIC STEP Scale-Up Programme is designed to help companies with game-changing innovations grow faster by providing access to significant funding and strategic resources.

Equity investments: Receive €10M to €30M in equity to scale your business by catalyzing investments rounds 3 to 5 times larger than the EIC investment (€30-150 million total round).
Strategic focus: Designed for companies working on critical technologies that reduce Europe’s strategic dependencies and strengthen the EU’s innovation landscape.
Fast-track growth: Secure funding to bring your technology to market faster, with the goal of international expansion.

EIC STEP Scale-Up Programme 2025

For 2025, the EIC STEP Scale-Up Programme offers substantial funding to help companies scale their technologies. Below are the key details:

Open to: Single Applicants (SMEs or small mid caps, from EU Member States or Associated countries or investors on behalf of eligible companies)

Total budget: €300M for 2025, increasing to €900M by 2027.

Funding available:

Equity investments: Companies can receive equity-only investments between €10M and €30M.
These investments will target larger funding rounds, between €50M and €150M, at least 3-5 times the EIC investment.

Deadlines: Proposals can be submitted anytime, but evaluations will be held at regular intervals, with at least one per quarter.

Evaluation workflow and timing:

First batch February 25 2024: Batches every 3 months
Eligibility check from EISMEA and EIB in parallel): 2 weeks.
March 11- April 4: preparation of interviews by EISMEA – 4 weeks
April 7-11 Interview week with jury remotely (EIB and PM observer)
April 25 information to applicants.
2 weeks after the interview, invitation letters to applicants sent manually.

Who Can Apply?

The EIC STEP Scale-Up Programme is open to:

SMEs or small mid-caps established in EU Member States or Associated Countries.
Companies with strategic technologies that have already secured initial investments and aiming to raise a major funding round (e.g. €30-150 M) to scale and become a global leader.
Businesses that have a pre-commitment from a qualified lead investor, representing at least 20% of the total target funding round.
Investors on behalf of eligible companies

Applicants must demonstrate a clear plan to scale their innovation and reduce the Union’s strategic dependencies.

How to Apply for EIC STEP Scale-Up Funding

To apply, companies need a strategic business plan that highlights the innovation, scalability, and market potential of their technology. Proposals are evaluated based on their impact on Europe’s competitiveness, the pre-commitment from a lead investor, and the potential to scale the innovation. Our consultancy can guide you through the application process to maximize your chances of success. Contact us today to get started!

Find out more about the programme

Check out the official website of the European Commission

More information

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Download our EIC STEP-Scale Up Guide

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Evolution: Your Strategic Ally for EIC Success

Boost your chances of success in the EIC STEP Scale-Up Programme by partnering with our experienced team. With over 20 years of expertise in R&D and EU funding, we’ve helped businesses secure more than €200 million in EU grants. Our team of 50+ experts offers tailored support, guiding you through every step of the application process to craft a winning proposal and secure the funding needed to scale your innovation. Let us help you navigate the complexities of the EIC STEP Scale-Up Programme and take your business to the next level.

Contact us today to get started!

EIC STEP Scale-Up