Which EU funding programme fits me?

Find the row that best describes you, then read the matching section below. This is a starting point, not a final answer. Each call has its own rules, so always check them.

Which programme fits my company's stage?

Your situation	Look at first	Alone or with partners?	Type of money
I have a research idea or lab result, but no company yet	EIC Pathfinder; Horizon Europe collaborative projects	Usually with partners	Grant
I'm a researcher spinning out a company	EIC Transition; EIC Accelerator once the tech is validated	Single applicant or small consortium (check the call)	Grant (Accelerator: grant and/or equity)
I'm an early-stage startup testing my first product	Cascade-funding open calls; prizes	Usually alone	Smaller grants, prizes
I'm a deep-tech startup or SME ready to scale	EIC Accelerator	Alone	Grant, equity or both
I'm an SME that wants to adopt AI, cybersecurity or data tools	European Digital Innovation Hubs; Digital Europe calls	Varies	Services, grants
I'm an SME with a green, nature or climate project	LIFE; Horizon Europe climate and energy topics	Often with partners	Grant
I'm an SME that wants to join a bigger research project	Horizon Europe collaborative topics (join as a partner)	With partners	Grant
I'm an established SME needing a loan or growth capital	InvestEU-backed finance via your bank or a fund	Alone, via an intermediary	Loan, guarantee, equity
I run a cluster, hub or business-support organisation	Single Market Programme; Horizon Europe innovation-ecosystem calls	With partners	Grant

I only have an idea or research result. Where do I start?

Look at EIC Pathfinder for bold, early-stage technology, and at collaborative Horizon Europe topics in your field. These usually need a team of partners, often including a university or research centre. Joining an existing consortium as a partner is a good way to gain experience.

I'm spinning a company out of a university. What fits?

EIC Transition is designed to take research results toward a validated technology and a business case. Once your technology is validated and you're building a company to scale it, the EIC Accelerator becomes relevant. Your university's tech-transfer office can often help too.

I'm an early startup. Is there anything simpler?

Yes. Cascade-funding open calls are run by EU-funded projects that pass smaller grants on to startups. Applications are usually shorter and decisions faster. Prizes, such as the EIC's European Prize for Women Innovators, are another option. Our newsletter flags these when they open.

I'm scaling a deep-tech startup. What fits?

The EIC Accelerator is the EU's flagship scheme for single startups and SMEs with breakthrough technology ready to scale. It can offer a grant, an equity investment through the EIC Fund, or both, plus Business Acceleration Services. It's competitive, so prepare well. Amounts and the application process are in the EIC Work Programme 2026.

I want to digitalise my small business. Where do I go?

Start with your nearest European Digital Innovation Hub. These hubs offer SMEs services such as testing before investing, training and help finding finance. The Digital Europe Programme also has calls, though many are aimed at larger projects or support organisations.

My project is about the environment or climate. What fits?

The LIFE Programme funds nature, circular economy, climate and clean energy projects. See the current LIFE calls. Horizon Europe also has many climate, energy and mobility topics.

I need a loan or investment, not a grant. Where do I go?

EU-backed loans, guarantees and equity under InvestEU are provided by banks, funds and national promotional banks. Ask your bank whether it offers EU-guaranteed products, or contact your national promotional bank.

Still not sure?

Ask your National Contact Point. It's free. You can also search all open calls on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, or read our weekly newsletter, where every call has a "Good fit if…" line.

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