Enhancing synergies between the EIC and Startup Europe

Last updated: 21.7.2025
Grant

The 'Enhancing synergies between the EIC and Startup Europe' program aimed to strengthen the European startup ecosystem by fostering collaboration between the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the Startup Europe initiative. Its primary objective was to catalyze the scaling of digital and deep tech companies across Europe, enabling them to deliver market-ready solutions that bolster the EU's competitiveness and strategic autonomy in critical technology sectors. The program supported actions that reinforced EIC activities and promoted cross-border acceleration, contributing to a climate-neutral, digital, and circular economy while upholding European social and ethical values.

Who is Funded by EIC & Startup Europe Synergy Program

The 'Enhancing synergies between the EIC and Startup Europe' program primarily targets organizations that build and support startup ecosystems across Europe, focusing on digital and deep tech ventures. It aims to scale these companies, boost European competitiveness, and ensure strategic autonomy in key technological areas. The program's geographic scope encompasses EU Member States and Associated Countries, with a strategic objective to connect local ecosystems and promote cross-border acceleration.

What Innovation and Startups are Funded

This funding program focuses on supporting Coordination and Support Actions (CSAs) that facilitate the growth and market readiness of digital and deep tech startups. Projects should align with European strategic objectives like climate-neutrality and circular economy, and primarily involve grants, with a significant portion of the budget dedicated to financial support for third parties. The program supports activities related to innovation and entrepreneurship across various technological and societal challenges.

Type and Scope of Funding for European Startups

The 'Enhancing synergies between the EIC and Startup Europe' program provides grant funding for Coordination and Support Actions, with a total indicative budget of EUR 6 million for 3-4 actions over two years (2022-2023). A substantial portion of this funding, at least 75%, is earmarked for financial support to third parties, enabling direct benefits to startups.

Conditions and Requirements for EIC Startup Europe Applicants

To be eligible for funding under the 'Enhancing synergies between the EIC and Startup Europe' program, applicants must adhere to specific legal, administrative, and financial conditions. These include requirements for electronic submission, consortium formation (optional), financial and operational capacity assessments, and strict adherence to EU financial regulations regarding double financing and exclusion criteria. Successful applicants must also ensure proper monitoring and reporting of the impact gained by third parties.

Application Procedure for EIC & Startup Europe Funding

The application process for the 'Enhancing synergies between the EIC and Startup Europe' program involves a single-stage electronic submission through the Funding & Tender Opportunities Portal. Proposals are rigorously evaluated against specific award criteria, focusing on excellence, impact, and implementation quality, with set thresholds for success.

The 'Enhancing synergies between the EIC and Startup Europe' program operates under the comprehensive legal framework of Horizon Europe, particularly the EIC Work Programme 2021. It is also governed by broader EU financial regulations that dictate eligibility, financial management, and ethical conduct.

Similar Programs

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Funding Overview

Funding Status

Funding Status:

Closed

Allocated Budget

Allocated Budget:

6,000,000 €

Deadline

Deadline:

18.11.2021

Open Until

Open Until:

31.12.2023

Award Channel

Award Channel:

Framework Programme Call

Region

Region:

European Union (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden), Associated Countries, and in exceptional cases, other third countries as specified in the EIC Work Programme 2021.

Sectors

Sectors:

Information and Communication Technology, Software Development, Financial Technology, Green Technology, Research and Development, Service Sector, Creative Industries, Environmental and Climate Protection

Application Type

Application Type:

Optional Consortium

Funding Stages

Funding Stages:

Market Introduction, Scaling, Commercialization

Funding Provider

Program Level:

European Union

Funding Body:

European Innovation Council (EIC), European Commission

Managed By:

Unknown

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