The European Innovation Council has selected 38 startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in is latest EIC Accelerator funding round
The chosen companies were selected for their breakthrough technologies and strong potential for commercial scale-up across global markets.
Deciding on these 38 start-ups followed a long evaluation process, during which 87 proposals reached the final stage. In total, the selected companies will receive an estimated €292 million in combined support, reflecting both grant funding and equity investment designed to help high-potential deep-tech firms scale rapidly.
Focusing on blended finance and deep-tech innovation
A key feature of this funding round is the continued emphasis on blended finance. Around 84% of the selected companies will receive a combination of grants and equity investment, while the remaining firms will receive either grant-only or equity-only support depending on their stage of development and financing needs.
The grant component alone amounts to approximately €90 million. Equity investments will be managed through the EIC Fund, with follow-on private investment expected to significantly amplify the impact of public funding.
This approach is intended to reduce risk for early-stage innovators while also attracting private capital into strategic European technology sectors.
Geographic and gender representation
The selected companies cover 16 EU and associated countries; the highest representation comes from France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Women-led leadership remains a focus area, with 21% of the funded companies led by women in key executive roles, including CEO, CTO, or CSO. This highlights gradual progress in improving diversity within Europe’s deep-tech and start-up ecosystem, although the figure also indicates ongoing room for growth.
Some of the funded breakthrough technologies
Several selected companies stand out for their ambitious technological approaches:
Amatera Biosciences is developing an automated platform for single-cell regeneration and early screening, aiming to accelerate advances in crop genetics and agricultural resilience.
BTRY is developing an energy-dense solid-state battery that charges in approximately 1 minute, targeting next-generation energy storage solutions.
Cognirobotics focuses on cooperative hybrid-kinematic robots designed to improve efficiency in logistics and manufacturing environments.
Microamp Solutions is developing a wireless connectivity platform that aims to deliver ultra-high-speed, near-zero-latency communication beyond conventional network performance.
Planeteers is creating a reactor-based enhanced rock weathering system designed for carbon capture, measurement, and storage verification.
In addition to the 38 selected companies, a further 95 applicants who met evaluation thresholds but were not funded due to budget constraints will receive a Seal of Excellence. This recognition is intended to help them access alternative funding sources.
12 companies that meet the criteria for the EIC Accelerator challenges will also receive a STEP Seal, linked to the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP). This designation is intended to support access to complementary EU funding opportunities for strategic technologies.
Grant agreements for most selected companies are expected to be finalised within the next three months. Equity investments will be phased in line with individual company growth plans, with many recipients expected to attract significant additional private investment alongside EIC backing.
