The European Innovation Council (EIC) is set to boost its funding for deeptech startups in 2025 with a €1.4 billion allocation, aimed at bridging the gap between Europe and the US in terms of research and development, as well as venture capital. This funding, which marks a €200 million increase from 2024, will support high-potential startups and innovations, particularly in the critical sectors of AI, climate resilience, and future mobility.
Key Support for Founders
The EIC Work Programme for 2025 outlines several funding schemes targeting deeptech companies. Two key programs for startups include:
- EIC Accelerator: Allocating €634 million to support startups and SMEs looking to scale up disruptive innovations. This program provides grants of up to €2.5 million, alongside investments from the EIC Fund ranging from €500k to €10 million.
- EIC Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Scale-Up: With €300 million earmarked for investments between €10 million and €30 million, this initiative will fund companies advancing critical technologies. The STEP Scale-Up scheme is set to grow to €900 million between 2025 and 2027.
Additionally, the EIC’s funding will focus on emerging technologies such as autonomous construction robots and medical diagnostics, alongside €250 million designated for earlier-stage deeptech innovations, including GenAI and new space ventures.
Expanding Access Across Europe
While Europe has made progress in deeptech, challenges persist, particularly for startups outside major hubs like London, Paris, and Berlin. To address this, the EIC is prioritizing support for central and eastern European countries. The newly introduced EIC Pre-Accelerator will assist early-stage companies by helping them develop proof of concept, business maturity, and investment readiness.
Further, efforts to support women founders are being ramped up, with the launch of initiatives like the Gender Innovation Index to track female participation in deeptech and the Women TechEU scheme to provide funding and mentorship to female-led startups.
Opportunities for Investors
For deeptech investors, the EIC offers the Trusted Investors Network (TIN), a platform that connects investors with high-potential startups. This network, comprising 71 European investors managing over €90 billion in assets, is designed to facilitate co-investment opportunities and share best practices to strengthen Europe’s deeptech ecosystem.
What’s New in 2025?
In addition to the funding increase, the EIC will see changes in leadership. Ekaterina Zaharieva has been appointed as the European Commission’s first-ever commissioner for startups, signaling a strong commitment to developing startup ecosystems and supporting scaleups across Europe. Her role will focus on creating a strategy for innovation and establishing a regulatory framework to foster growth in the sector.
With its expanded funding and strategic initiatives, the EIC aims to bolster Europe’s deeptech sector in 2025, helping founders and investors overcome the challenges of scaling and accessing capital.
