Updated: April 22, 2026
Accelerator
Venture Capital
industry agnostic
European Innovation Council
Brussels, Belgium
The European Innovation Council provides grant and equity funding to startups and SMEs developing breakthrough, deep tech, and disruptive innovations with strong scaling potential.
Alumni startups
642
Total investments
1121
Successful exits
31
About the program
Program type
Investment stage
Investment focus areas
Description
The European Innovation Council aims to support top-class innovators, entrepreneurs, small companies, and researchers with bright ideas. The EIC co-invests alongside private investors in early-stage startups that have ESG impacts.
Location
Key dates
DurationUp to 24 months
Investment offer
Can lead rounds
Yes
OfferUp to €2.5 million in grant funding and up to €10 million in equity.
Details
Blended finance (grant + equity) or investment-only options. Grant component below EUR 2.5 million for innovation activities (TRL 6-8). Up to €10 million of equity investments for market launch and scale up.