EIC Accelerator Open – the basics

Unlike many of the EU Horizon Europe programmes that are based on a top-down funding scheme which dictates pre-determined research topics, the EIC Accelerator (previously “SME Instrument”) puts the focus on the company itself, and thus seeks to invest and further develop the applying company. The programme’s target audience is companies with high-impact innovations and the potential to scale up, create new markets, and/or disrupt existing ones. Due to the unique nature of this grant, it is important to gain a good understanding of this funding opportunity prior to beginning the application process. To help, this article will offer a comprehensive review of the EIC Accelerator Open funding scheme in terms of the application process, funding options, and evaluation criteria.