Validate your technology for the next stages of funding
The Pre-Accelerator, a 2025 pilot funding initiative under WIDERA, is designed to support early-stage, high-potential deep-tech start-ups in Widening countries. This program offers grants of up to €500,000 and expert guidance to help start-ups mature their technology, strengthen their business case, and prepare for follow-on funding through the EIC Accelerator or other investment sources.
If your company is based in a widening country and has an innovative product or service with the potential to make a significant market impact, the Pre-Accelerator is an excellent funding opportunity for you.
2025 Pre-Accelerator Programme: Key Details
Objective: Advance start-ups from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 to TRL 5-6, improving their innovation, market readiness, and investor appeal.
Open to: This program is open to single-company SMEs from Horizon Europe Widening countries working on deep-tech innovations in physical, biological, or digital technologies.
Funding Overview:
- Grant Amount: From €300,000 to €500,000 (lump sum).
- Funding Rate: 70% of eligible costs, with the start-up covering the remaining 30%.
- Total Budget: €20 million, allocated to support start-ups in Widening countries.
Deadlines:
- Call Opening: 6 May 2025
- Application Deadline: 16 September 2025
Application Process: Single-stage document submission via the F&T portal, reviewed by three independent evaluators following the EIC Transition criteria.
Expected Outcomes of the Pre-Accelerator
Start-ups participating in the Pre-Accelerator will achieve key milestones by the end of the program, including:
- Technology Validation: Demonstrate that your technology has been validated in a relevant environment, reaching at least TRL 5.
- Investor and Market Readiness:
- Conduct thorough market research, refine your value proposition, and develop a scalable business model.
- Secure intellectual property, perform competitor analysis, and meet necessary regulatory or certification standards.
- Advance your technology from TRL 4 to TRL 6 through real-world validation.
By validating your technology and preparing for investment, funded projects will be eligible to apply directly for the EIC Accelerator or attract private and public investment. This could lead to licensing agreements, strategic collaborations, or opportunities for market deployment.
How to Apply for the Pre-Accelerator Programme
To apply for the Pre-Accelerator, your start-up must demonstrate high-impact innovation with the potential to disrupt markets or create new ones. Proposals are evaluated based on Innovation, Market Potential, the Scalability of the Business Model, the need of funding, and the Team‘s capacity to execute the project.
Our expert consultants at Evolution Europe provide tailored support to guide you through the application process. We help refine your business case and develop a compelling proposal that maximizes your chances of securing funding and attracting further investment.
Find out more about the programme
Evolution: Your Strategic Ally for Funding Success
At Evolution Europe, we have 20 years of experience in guiding innovative start-ups through the EU funding landscape, ensuring you make the most of funding opportunities like the Pre-Accelerator Programme. We’ve worked with clients across 30+ countries, including many widening countries on more than 700 projects. With our expertise in R&D funding and EU programmes, we will help you craft a compelling proposal, connect with the right resources, and maximize your chances of success.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support your journey toward securing Pre-Accelerator funding and scaling your business!