The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program has once again raised the bar, making its October 2024 funding round the most competitive in history. As of February 2025, 71 game-changing companies have secured a total of €387 million in funding through the EIC Accelerator. The results reflect the program’s growing impact on breakthrough innovation in Europe.
An Unprecedented Level of Competition
With 1,211 proposals submitted, only 6% made the final cut. Out of those, 431 companies advanced to jury interviews before the final selection.
How Was the Funding Distributed?
Here’s how the €387 million was allocated:
- Blended finance (grant + equity): 56 companies (79%)
- Grant-only funding: 10 companies (14%)
- Equity-only funding: 5 companies (7%)
Blended finance is increasingly becoming the preferred model, ensuring companies receive both immediate capital and long-term investment.
Did you know some startups get a fast track to EIC Accelerator funding? The ‘Plug In’ scheme allows certified national and regional programs to submit top projects directly to the final application stage—helping innovators secure funding faster.
For the 330 companies that impressed the EIC jury but missed out due to limited funds, the Seal of Excellence opens doors to alternative funding like the Recovery and Resilience Funds and European Regional Development Funds.
Where Are the Winners From?
Innovation is happening all over Europe, but some countries stood out more than others.
The selected companies represent 16 countries, with Germany leading the way (21%), followed by the Netherlands (16%) and Sweden (10%). 21% of the funded startups are led by women (CEO, CSO, or CTO), showcasing a positive shift toward diversity. These results highlight the evolving landscape of innovation supported by the EIC Accelerator.
Which Sectors Are Shaping the Future?
The EIC is betting big on cutting-edge technologies that will redefine industries. Here’s where the money is going:
- Deep Tech: Quantum computing and advanced semiconductors
- AI & Data: AI security and synthetic data generation
- Healthcare & Biotech: Medical devices and gene therapy
- Energy & Sustainability: Green hydrogen and carbon capture technologies
Meet the Game-Changers: Startups to Watch
Among the winners, a few startups are making waves with their groundbreaking ideas:
- Brineworks: Extracting CO₂ and hydrogen from oceans in a sustainable way.
- MOA Biotech: Turning agrifood byproducts into high-value proteins.
- SICSAI: Developing an Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) model for robotics.
- CorPower Ocean: Secured up to €17.5 million to advance wave energy technology.
- BioThrust: Creating bioreactors that revolutionize large-scale cell production.
Which of these innovations excites you the most, and how could they change the world?
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Innovation?
With such an impressive lineup of startups, the future of European innovation looks bright. As these companies develop their technologies, they could transform industries like clean energy, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. Backed by the EIC Accelerator, these breakthroughs have the potential to drive significant impact across sectors.
Bridging the Gap: How Can Startups Improve Their Chances of Success?
As funding competition intensifies, how can startups improve their chances of success? One crucial factor is the ability to communicate their vision effectively through compelling grant applications, pitches, and investor proposals. This is where Typewiser comes in—helping innovators craft impactful submissions that resonate with evaluators and investors, especially in programs like the EIC Accelerator.
By offering AI-powered writing assistance tailored for startups and innovators, Typewiser helps craft persuasive, high-impact funding applications that maximize success rates. Whether refining a proposal or structuring a pitch, having the right words can make all the difference. If you’re looking to boost your startup’s chances in the next EIC round, Typewiser could be your secret weapon.
Stay tuned as we follow the journeys of these startups and witness the next big breakthroughs!
The content of this document was created with support from Typewiser.
