LookFundings
Free consultation

LookFundings · Expert grant support

EIC Pre-Accelerator

Get my free assessment Free consultation
Apply until:
November 18, 2027
Funding up to:
€1 000 000
If you are:
Startup; SME
Industry:
Any

Short description:

The EIC Pre-Accelerator 2027 call supports early-stage deep-tech startups and SMEs in Horizon Europe countries, to develop innovations and prepare for future scale-up. Backed jointly by the European Innovation Council and the WIDERA programme under Horizon Europe, the initiative targets validated technologies at TRL 4. The programme offers grants ranging from €500,000 to €1 million, for projects lasting up to two years.

The programme is open to innovations across technological fields and accepts applications from single SMEs and startups only - consortia are not eligible. Supported projects are expected to advance towards TRL 5–6, strengthen intellectual property and commercialisation strategies, validate market demand, and become ready to attract private investment or apply to the EIC Accelerator. The call deadline set for 18 November 2027.

Successful projects may also gain Fast Track access to the EIC Accelerator following a positive project review.

Eligibility Criterias:

Startups and SMEs can apply for grant funding through the EIC Pre-Accelerator. The programme offers between €500,000 and €1 million, to support technology development, prototyping, testing, market validation, intellectual property protection, and investment readiness.

In addition to financial support, beneficiaries gain access to tailored business acceleration services, including coaching, mentoring, investor matchmaking, and partnership opportunities. Successful projects may also gain Fast Track access to the EIC Accelerator following a positive project review.

The programme is open to:

- Single startups and SMEs established in a Horizon Europe country.

- Companies with a clear route to market, measurable milestones and KPIs, and a strong ambition to scale.

Applications follow a one-stage process:

- Submission deadline of 18 November 2027.

- Proposals are evaluated by three independent experts; there is no jury interview stage.

Proposals are evaluated on their excellence, impact, and the quality and efficiency of implementation.

Meet the teams behind the stories

Real founders.
In their own words.

Hear directly from clients about working with our grant consultancy team. From shaping an idea to preparing a funding application.

LookFundings client success

Ambitious teams.
Real funding stories.

Selected results from our EU grant consultancy work. The same team now brings its experience to your funding search and expert application support.

From your idea to a submitted application

A clear next step. At every stage.

  1. 01Now · about 15 minutesTell us about your ideaDetails +

    Complete a short questionnaire, or upload your pitch deck. No account or payment needed.

  2. 02Within 24 hours · completely freeReceive your personal assessmentDetails +

    Our expert reviews your project and confirms the best-fitting funding programmes, explaining the fit and any eligibility gaps.

  3. 03Your choice · no obligationDecide how to proceedDetails +

    Take time to review our assessment. If you want our support, we agree the contract type, scope and terms together.

  4. 0410 days · 3 human expertsWe prepare your applicationDetails +

    Three human experts prepare all application documents within 10 days of the agreed kickoff, once we have the required information.

  5. 05Your approvalReview and confirmDetails +

    You review the project, budget and application. We address your feedback before you approve the final version.

  6. 06SubmissionWe submit your projectDetails +

    With your approval and the required portal access, we submit the application to the selected funding programme.

BONUS: technical & financial reporting included

For projects we support under our agreement, we prepare technical and financial reports during and after the project at no additional cost.