EIC ACCESS+ Open Call update:
More time to apply and benefit from the grant

May 28, 2026

Looking to accelerate your deep-tech innovation journey? The EIC ACCESS+ Open Call timeline has been extended under updated conditions, creating additional opportunities for EIC Awardees, Seal of Excellence holders and eligible spin-offs to access up to EUR 60 000 in co-funding for specialised services from EIC Ecosystem Partners through the EIC Service Catalogue.

The EIC ACCESS+ team is pleased to announce that the project KPIs were met and surpassed. Over 350 applications have been submitted to date, of which 190+ projects have already been granted, and 95% of the funds have been committed. This serves as an official announcement that the open call application deadline is extended until the remaining available budget is exhausted.   

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Additional opportunity while funding remains available

The updated conditions provide more time and flexibility for applicants and beneficiaries. The Open call application deadline, previously set for 31 May 2026, has been extended to 30 September 2026, or until the remaining funds are exhausted. Approved services, which previously had to be completed by 30 June 2026, can now be completed by 30 October 2026.

This extension gives eligible innovators additional time to prepare their applications, identify the most relevant services, and complete approved collaborations with EIC Ecosystem Partners. It also supports smoother implementation, administrative processing and reporting for beneficiaries already progressing through the scheme. Learn how to select an EIC Partner from the EIC Service Catalogue.

The EIC ACCESS+ grant continues to cover up to 50% of eligible service costs, VAT excluded, with a maximum cumulative contribution of EUR 60 000 per beneficiary. Applicants may request support for one or more services, depending on their innovation needs and growth priorities.

Through this co-funding mechanism, deep-tech innovators can access tailored expertise to scale faster, enter new markets, secure investment, protect intellectual property and strengthen their innovation development pathways.

The available services are organised into four packages:

  • Research Package – supports access to infrastructure, R&D support, prototyping and Proof of Concept activities. 
  • Business Acceleration Package –  includes business planning, matchmaking, internationalisation, acceleration, incubation and venture-building services. 
  • Skills Improvement Package – provides coaching, mentoring, talent development and HR support. 
  • Access to Funds Package – offers fundraising assistance, IP and legal services and due diligence support.

Under the updated payment process, financial support is processed after the approved service is completed and the required documentation is submitted. Beneficiaries must submit service provider invoices by 30 November 2026. Grant payments remain subject to the availability of the Financial Support to Third Parties funds transferred by the European Commission and will be processed until 30 June 2027, or later.

Who can apply?  

The Open Call is addressed to: 

  • EIC Pathfinder Awardees 
  • EIC Transition Awardees 
  • EIC Accelerator Awardees 
  • Seal of Excellence holders under Horizon Europe 
  • Eligible spin-offs linked to EIC-funded projects 

 

Applicants must be based in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries and demonstrate a clear link between the requested service and their EIC-funded project or results. Read more about the eligibility criteria on the EIC ACCESS+ website

Please note that beneficiaries of the EIC Pre-Accelerator scheme are not eligible under the current EIC ACCESS+ Open Call. However, they are expected to be addressed through a new financial support scheme, likely to be launched in the first quarter of 2027. Pre-Accelerator beneficiaries will be informed once this new support opportunity becomes available.  

FAQ on the Open Call updates