Empowering European Deep-Tech Innovators: the EIC ACCESS+ Open Call Supports startups and SMEs with Grants of up to EUR 60 000

 

The EIC ACCESS+ ongoing Open call is designed to empower Europe’s deep-tech startups and SMEs by offering co-funding support for specialised scaling services. This EIC BAS initiative provides eligible innovators up to EUR 60 000, covering 50% of the service costs listed in the EIC Service Catalogue.

The process for applying for co-funding for eligible startups and SMEs is detailed on the project’s website. The grants are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, following an eligibility check. Since the launch of the open call in November 2024, over 30 applications have been granted funding, out of which a few have already fully received the services they requested.

During the EIC ACCESS+ Info session #6, one of the EIC ACCESS+ beneficiaries shared their experience. InSpek, a French deep-tech company that develops optical chips used in sensors for chemical and biological monitoring, presented how the EIC ACCESS+ co-funded services from the A.P.I. Conseil contributed to advancing their intellectual property strategy. The company is building an integrated hardware and software system that requires comprehensive protection measures.

Jérôme Michon, CEO and co-founder of InSpek, explained:

“We are developing a piece of hardware that has a system with a software component. So there is a lot to protect. While we do this, we’ve been working with Ghislain Demonda at A.P.I. since starting the company. The EIC ACCESS+ grant was an opportunity for us to grow even faster in our IP strategy. 

We implemented three services under the programme. The first was a Freedom to Operate (FTO) analysis on an existing patent—an essential step to assess whether we can operate freely or if we need to seek licences for other patents that might block our operating freedom. This also allowed us to evaluate the strength and independence of our patent and explore further patenting opportunities. The second service was a patent landscape study, providing insights into market positioning and competitive intelligence. The third focused on patent applications: drafting and filing, aimed at innovation protection and valorisation.”

InSpek’s success story illustrates the practical benefits available to innovators through the EIC ACCESS+ Open Call.

 

About EIC ACCESS+

The EIC ACCESS+ project, an initiative within the European Innovation Council’s (EIC) Business Acceleration Services, supports Europe’s deep-tech innovators by offering up to EUR 60 000 per beneficiary to co-finance specialised scaling services. The EIC ACCESS+ Open Call, which runs until 31 May 2026, covers up to 50% of service costs for eligible EIC beneficiaries and Seal of Excellence holders under Horizon Europe.

Learn more about eligibility criteria and application procedures on the EIC ACCESS+ website.

 

About the EIC Service Catalogue

The EIC Service Catalogue, part of the EIC Ecosystem Partnership Programme, connects EIC beneficiaries with specialised sector-focused services provided by trusted partners, including accelerators, incubators, research institutions, and training organisations. This searchable platform ensures tailored support is readily accessible, effectively addressing the diverse scaling needs of Europe’s innovators.

 

For media inquiries:

EIC ACCESS+ Communications Team
Email: media@eicaccessplus.eu
www.eicaccessplus.eu