EIC STEP Scale Up
The EIC STEP Scale Up call is a unique opportunity for ambitious scale-up companies (SMEs and small mid-caps) with game-changing innovations in Europe's critical technology areas. It offers substantial equity-only investments from the EIC Fund, designed to accelerate the development and market launch of breakthrough technologies. This program aims to bridge funding gaps, catalyze larger funding rounds, and reinforce the EU's strategic autonomy and security in vital technological domains.
Who is Funded
The EIC STEP Scale Up program targets SMEs and small mid-caps engaged in critical technologies within EU Member States and Associated Countries. Its primary objective is to drive the scale-up of high-risk innovations, enhancing Europe's strategic autonomy and economic growth.
What is Funded
The EIC STEP Scale Up funding is dedicated to projects focusing on strategically critical technologies, including digital, clean, resource-efficient, and biotechnologies. The funding is specifically designed for companies ready to scale up their innovations and bring them to market, rather than supporting early-stage research or initial feasibility studies.
Type and Scope of Funding
The EIC STEP Scale Up offers substantial equity-only investments ranging from EUR 10 million to EUR 30 million per project. This funding is designed to catalyze larger financial rounds, ensuring a significant boost to the scaling efforts of innovative companies.
Conditions and Requirements
Key conditions for applicants include meeting specific eligibility criteria for critical technology areas and demonstrating prior market interest through a pre-commitment from a qualified investor. The program also enforces strict rules regarding ownership and control to protect EU strategic interests, and provides a 'Sovereignty (STEP) Seal' as an additional benefit.
Application Procedure
The application process for EIC STEP Scale Up is a single-stage submission handled via the Electronic Submission Service. Evaluation and award procedures are detailed within the EIC Work Programme, providing a structured approach from submission to investment agreement.
Legal Basis
The EIC STEP Scale Up program operates under a robust legal framework, primarily based on the STEP regulation and the EIC Work Programme 2025. These foundational documents, along with other key EU financial and program regulations, govern its implementation and objectives.
Similar Programs
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Open
Maximum Amount:
30,000,000 €
Allocated Budget:
300,000,000 € for 2025 (expected to rise to 900,000,000 € for 2025-2027)
Deadline:
16.12.2025
Award Channel:
Financial Instruments
Region:
European Union, Associated Countries
Sectors:
Information and Communication Technology, Software Development, Energy Production and Supply, Renewable Energy, Water and Waste Management, Environmental and Climate Protection, Healthcare, Medical Technology, Pharmaceutical Industry, Research and Development, Other
Application Type:
Single Applicant
Funding Stages:
Scaling, Commercialization
Funding Provider
Program Level:
European Union
Funding Body:
European Commission
Managed By:
EIC Fund
Website: