The European Innovation Council (EIC) announced yesterday it will invest €1.4 billion in deep tech and scale-ups of strategic technologies by 2025. The initiative is part of the Horizon Europe program and focuses on high-potential innovative research and start-ups. With the investment, EIC aims to strengthen Europe’s position in innovation and technological development.
Strengthening European technological sovereignty.
EIC aims to reduce Europe’s dependence on external technologies. With an allocation of €300 million for the STEP Scale-up scheme in 2025 – an amount expected to increase to €900 million in 2027 – the EIC is committed to supporting companies engaged in critical technology areas. This financial injection is a clear signal of the EU’s commitment to building a stronger, more resilient innovation ecosystem.
The EIC already has an impressive track record of supporting more than 630 companies and more than 450 research projects to date. With a budget of over €10 billion for the period 2021-2027, it is having a substantial impact on the European innovation space. In fact, the EIC Fund has already invested €1 billion in deep technology start-ups and generated more than 4 times that amount in co-investments.
Innovation through targeted funding
The 2025 EIC program is distinguished by an increase of €200 million over the previous year. It focuses on three primary funding schemes: EIC Pathfinder, to develop breakthrough technologies; EIC Transition, to bring these technologies to market; and EIC Accelerator, to help start-ups and small businesses grow and internationalize.
These funding initiatives go hand in hand with business acceleration services, which connect innovators with experts, investors and industry partners. This not only provides capital, but also the essential support needed to turn ideas into viable products and services.
Expansion of the Trusted Investors Network
The EIC Trusted Investors Network plays a critical role in increasing EIC-supported companies’ access to venture capital. The establishment of the STEP regulation, which came into effect in March 2024, enables the EIC to invest more flexibly in strategic areas. This network of trusted investors serves as an important bridge between innovators and the market, smoothing the transition from grant to investment.
The EIC goes beyond providing funding. It serves as a catalyst for the entire innovation ecosystem by fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and promoting collaborations across borders and industries. With upcoming investments, the EIC will undoubtedly continue to play a key role in shaping the future of European innovation.
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