The device is a deep-tech innovation being scaled, with the kind of risk and impact the EIC Accelerator targets. The grant funds the remaining development and the bench testing needed to validate the clinical-grade design, the costs of finishing and proving the device, coming to about EUR 2.4 million. The company can additionally seek an equity investment from the EIC Fund to finance the scale-up and market entry, so the same instrument can cover both the last non-dilutive development step and the growth capital that follows.
The EIC Accelerator is a multi-stage, highly selective competition. A company first submits a short application, then a full business plan, and finally pitches to a jury in an interview; only proposals that pass each stage advance. It is aimed at innovations past early research, typically with a working prototype validated in a relevant environment, and it weighs the breakthrough nature of the technology, the strength of the team, and the market and impact potential. The grant can be sought on its own, or as blended finance together with an equity investment from the EIC Fund for the scale-up. Because the bar is high and the preparation substantial, a clear, evidence-backed case for both the innovation and the market is essential.
