The EIC Accelerator is all about driving innovation that makes a real impact. Like other EU funding programs, EICA is here to back bold projects that create new markets or completely transform old ones.
In 2025, it’s all about “Challenge Calls” focusing on Europe’s top priorities.
What Are the EIC Accelerator Challenges?
The EIC Accelerator Challenges are all about pushing boundaries in tech and innovation. They tie into the big goals of EU funding programs like sustainability, technological independence, and staying competitive.
Each Challenge comes with a dedicated budget to back projects that drive real societal and industrial change. If your idea doesn’t fit a specific Challenge, the Open Call gives you the freedom to show its impact across EU initiatives.
Whether through a Challenge or the Open Call, the EIC Accelerator is here to help innovation thrive.
The Challenge Calls for 2025
The EIC Accelerator is setting the stage for 2025 with five impactful challenges, each designed to target critical areas of innovation. Here’s what’s on the agenda:
1. Acceleration of Advanced Materials Development and Upscaling Along the Value Chain
Indicative Budget: €50 million
The first challenge focuses on advanced materials shaping the future of energy, mobility, electronics, and construction. From additive manufacturing to AI-driven material design, it’s about turning scientific breakthroughs into scalable industrial solutions while embracing sustainable practices.
Goals & Results
The aim is to create a robust framework for developing cutting-edge materials within Europe, fostering collaboration across industries and reducing dependency on non-EU resources. The result? Faster industrial adoption of innovative materials, enabling Europe to lead in global sustainability and technological advancement.
2. Biotechnology-Driven Low-Emission Food and Feed Production Systems
Indicative Budget: €50 million
This challenge is all about reshaping agriculture through biotechnology, with an emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and boosting sustainability. Technologies like microbial fertilizers, biopesticides, bio-stimulants, precision farming tools, and methane-reducing livestock solutions are at the forefront.
Goals & Results
The goal is to create efficient, low-emission food production systems that promote sustainability across the EU. The result? Reduced emissions, enhanced biodiversity, and a more resilient European agri-food sector—advancing strategic autonomy and aligning with the EU’s climate and sustainability goals.
3. GenAI4EU: Creating European Champions in Generative AI
Indicative Budget: €50 million
Generative AI (GenAI) is reshaping industries, and the EIC Accelerator is here to ensure Europe leads the charge—ethically and responsibly. Supported by EU funding programs, this challenge backs projects that harness GenAI in transformative sectors like healthcare, energy, security, education, and manufacturing.
What does this mean? It could involve building new GenAI models, tailoring existing ones for specific industries, or weaving them seamlessly into real-world operations. At its core, the focus is on creating AI systems that are ethical, transparent, and trustworthy.
Goals & Results
The aim is clear: establish Europe as a frontrunner in human-centric GenAI. This challenge is about empowering smarter decision-making, boosting productivity, and reducing dependence on non-EU technologies—all while upholding EU values and ethical standards.
4. Pushing Boundaries in Space Tech
Budget: €50 million
Space innovation is taking a bold leap forward with this challenge. Think satellite repairs in orbit, cutting-edge tools to clean up debris, and advanced systems to keep space infrastructure secure and resilient. Projects will focus on autonomous solutions, secure connectivity, and innovative ways to extend satellite lifespans.
Goals & Results
Europe is gearing up to lead the charge in space innovation—driving smarter, cost-effective technologies, reducing space debris, and ensuring a stronger, more sustainable future for its space operations
5. Breakthrough Innovations for Future Mobility
Budget: €50 million
The future of transport is getting a major boost with this challenge. Backed by EU funding programs, it’s all about advancing low-emission solutions for vehicles, ships, and aircraft. From AI tools that enhance transport efficiency to smart charging systems and sustainable fuels for aviation and maritime sectors, this challenge focuses on transformative technologies that make mobility greener and smarter.
Goals & Results
These innovations are set to drive big changes—cutting emissions, boosting efficiency, and supporting Europe’s climate neutrality goals. It’s about creating a safer, more connected, and sustainable transport system for the future.
Take the first step towards funding your innovation
The 2025 EIC Accelerator Challenges bring a powerful opportunity to the table. With well-defined goals and substantial funding, they open doors for startups and SMEs to create solutions that drive impact. If your idea aligns, this could be your breakthrough moment in European innovation.
Don’t let grant writing slow you down. With Typewiser, our AI grant writing software, the EIC Accelerator application process becomes seamless. Expert-level proposals in minutes mean more time for you to innovate and scale.
Want to learn more about the EIC Accelerator?
Join us on the 17th at 15:00 CET for an exclusive webinar about the EIC Accelerator and how Typewiser can streamline your grant writing process. Don’t miss out—register here.
