Horizon Europe (EIC & Cascade)Horizon Europe Funding Guide: EIC Accelerator, Pathfinder and Cascade Grants for SMEs
Horizon Europe is the EU's key research and innovation programme for 2021–2027, with a budget of about €95 billion. It funds everything from fundamental science to market-ready innovations and is open to universities, research centres, companies and public bodies.
Budget
€50k – €17.5M
Co-financing
70% – 100%
Who
Deep-tech startups, SMEs, research entities
Structure of the programme
Pillar 1 (Excellent Science) covers the European Research Council and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. Pillar 2 (Global Challenges) funds collaborative projects in six clusters such as health, digital, climate and food. Pillar 3 (Innovative Europe) hosts the European Innovation Council (EIC) for breakthrough startups and SMEs.
EIC Accelerator for startups and SMEs
The EIC Accelerator supports single companies with high-risk, high-impact innovations, offering grants of up to €2.5 million combined with optional equity investment of up to €15 million. Applications go through a short proposal, a full proposal and a jury interview.
Cascade funding: the easiest entry point
Many Horizon projects redistribute part of their budget to third parties through open calls (Financial Support to Third Parties). Applications are short, SMEs can apply alone and grants typically range from €50,000 to €150,000. It is an excellent way to build a track record before larger calls.
Funding rates and eligibility
Research and Innovation Actions are funded at 100% of eligible costs; Innovation Actions at 70% for for-profit organisations. Collaborative projects usually need at least three independent partners from three different EU Member States or associated countries. Türkiye is an associated country with full access.
Tips for a competitive proposal
Address the expected outcomes of the call word by word, quantify your impact pathway, show a credible exploitation plan and explain your Technology Readiness Level (TRL) progress. Success rates are often below 15%, so professional review before submission makes a measurable difference.
Frequently asked questions
Can a single company apply to Horizon Europe?
Yes — through the EIC Accelerator and most cascade funding calls. Collaborative cluster calls require a consortium.
Do Turkish companies get the same funding rate?
Yes. As an associated country, Turkish entities participate on the same terms as EU entities.
Let's prepare your application together
Our Brussels team will assess your eligibility for free.