The first EIC Pre-Accelerator call received 1 056 submissions from 30 Eligible Countries from the Horizon Europe widening and associated Countries and Outermost Regions * 

Altogether, applicants sought €479.4 million in funding (averaging €454 000 per proposal). The call drew a gender mix of 74% men- and 26% of women-led companies. 

This strong level of participation demonstrates the growing momentum of deep-tech innovation across widening countries, as well as the demand for targeted support to help early-stage companies scale and compete at European and global levels. 

Next steps 

The evaluation process is expected to be finalised in February 2026, with results communicated to applicants in late February–early March 2026. 

About the EIC Pre-Accelerator 

The EIC Pre-Accelerator aims to boost the capacity of SMEs and start-ups to successfully apply for EIC Accelerator funding, attract private investment, and access national or regional support schemes, including Seal of Excellence programmes. The programme is designed to unlock the innovation potential of early-stage deep-tech companies in widening countries. 

The scheme offers: 

Up to €500 000 in funding per companyIntensive support to strengthen business, investor, and technology readinessTailored guidance to help start-ups secure follow-on funding 

The call is a joint initiative between the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area (WIDERA) programme, and is funded under the WIDERA Work Programme 2025. 

 

*The total number of proposals received was 1083. The final number of eligible proposals is subject to further eligibility checks.Â