EU programme overview - EU programmes

EU programmes: direct funding.

European programmes have different objectives, eligible applicants and deadlines. First we select the specific topic and cycle.

Per programmeOverview updated October 2026.

EIC Accelerator.

Start-ups and SMEs with high-risk technological innovation. Grant component of up to €2.5 million, with a possible equity component. The next full-application deadline in 2026 is 4 November, following a positively evaluated short application.

Large enterprises are not eligible for the Accelerator grant

Horizon Europe.

Research and innovation under specific topics. Large enterprises can take part, often in an international consortium.

Amount and deadline are set by each call

Innovation Fund and LIFE.

The Innovation Fund supports innovative decarbonisation, up to 60% of relevant costs. LIFE covers environment and climate.

Large enterprises too, subject to the terms of each call

IPCEI and programme status.

IPCEI projects go through national selection and European coordination. The programmes have no single deadline and no universal support amount.

First, select the specific cycle

Eligible costs.

  • Research and innovation under specific topics. Large enterprises can take part, often in an international consortium.

What to check before deciding.

  • Large enterprises are not eligible for the Accelerator grant
  • Costs, the project start and other aid must comply with the instrument's rules.
Programme radar. The LIFE SAP 2026 and Innovation Fund NZT 2025 deadlines have passed. Current status is checked per specific topic.

How we prepare the project.

First we check the activity, the size of linked enterprises, the location, the costs and the start date. Then we align the budget, own funds and the evidence this instrument requires.

During preparation we agree the responsible people, documents and deadlines. After approval we track procurement, costs, reporting and indicators. See how we manage implementation.

  1. Eligibility check

    activity, company size, location, start date

  2. Budget and evidence

    costs, own funding, evidence

  3. Application

    responsible people, documents, deadlines

  4. Decision

    the competent authority decides on the award

  5. Implementation

    procurement, costs, reports, indicators

Sources and review date.

Reviewed: October 2026. The current call, its amendments and the official documentation prevail.

Related calls and instruments.

Tax reliefOpen

R&D tax relief

250–400% of costs as an additional reduction of the tax base

Sector
Activities with in-house research and development
Large enterprises
YES - subject to the call's terms
What can be funded
Staff, depreciation of research equipment, contract research, knowledge and patents, and other directly related eligible costs.
Deadline / availability
Application before the project starts
Terms, costs and preparation
Loan with capital rebateOpen

HBOR: energy efficiency

Loan up to €3 million; write-off up to 50%

Sector
Eligible manufacturing, commercial and service activities
Large enterprises
YES - subject to the call's terms
What can be funded
Energy-efficiency measures in processes and buildings, plus eligible renewable energy (RES). Energy savings must be verifiable.
Deadline / availability
Rolling, via commercial banks
Terms, costs and preparation
GrantUpcoming

STEP SPIN: strategic partnerships

Draft: €3–10 million

Sector
Strategic digital, clean and biotechnologies
Large enterprises
YES - subject to the call's terms
What can be funded
Development of STEP strategic technologies. Experimental development is mandatory, together with a regional value chain and technological maturity.
Deadline / availability
Consultation closed on 14 October 2026; application date not published
Terms, costs and preparation

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