The EU offers numerous funding programs, but here is a summary of the most important ones for businesses this year. Many of these programs and their calls are repeated annually.
EIC Accelerator
This program exclusively funds SMEs. The application process consists of two stages:
- A short application, including a Pitch Deck and a 3-minute video presentation.
- If approved, the company can submit a more comprehensive second-stage application.
The first-stage application can be submitted at any time. The program funds the development and scaling of radical breakthrough innovations.
- Eligible applicants: SMEs
- Maximum grant: €2.5 million (covers up to 70% of the budget)
- Additional funding: Up to €10 million in equity investment
- Second-stage application deadlines: March 12, 2025, and October 1, 2025
- More information
Eurostars
Eurostars supports SMEs and midcap companies (with a turnover below €300 million). Research institutes and large companies can also participate. The program funds various development activities.
- The project must involve at least two organizations from two EU or partner countries
- Grant percentage: 50% for Finnish SMEs, 40% for midcap companies
- Application deadlines: March 13, 2025, and typically again in September
- More information
Innovation Fund
The Innovation Fund finances projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Eligible applicants: Any organization, including large and small companies
- Minimum project budget: €2.5 million
- Purpose: To implement the first commercial-scale plant using new technology
- Grant coverage: 60% of project costs
- Application deadline: April 24, 2025
- More information
Cascade Funding
Cascade is a new EU funding model where grants are distributed in two phases. First, funding management entities are selected through a tender process. These entities then distribute smaller grants to final beneficiaries—mainly SMEs—through their own application processes.
Cascade funding is characterized by simplified applications, fast processing times, and grant amounts ranging from €50,000 to €300,000.
Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe funds research projects, with several hundred open calls at any given time. Key focus areas include:
- Environmental technology
- Health technology
- Digitalization
- And much more
- Browse available calls on the EU portal
LIFE Program
LIFE supports environmental protection and climate action projects.
- Eligible applicants: Small and large companies, as well as research organizations
- Grant coverage: Typically 60%
- Application period: Opens between April and June
- Application deadlines: Typically between September and November
- More information on the Ministry of the Environment website | LIFE program website
EIT (European Institute of Innovation & Technology)
EIT provides equity-based funding, which operates similarly to grants. It consists of EU co-funded thematic business accelerators in areas such as:
- Manufacturing
- Materials
- Mobility
- Climate
- Creativity
- Digital
- Food
- Health
- Energy
- More information
At Innovation Manager we have successfully raised EU funding and implemented EU projects for 60+ organisations including startups, universities, SMEs, and NGOs in different EU programs and received €50M+ in grants.
You can read more on our EU funding services and reference cases here and you can get in touch with us to help you prepare an EU funding application.