Financial support is available under the EIC ACCESS+ funding scheme, but only for services listed in the EIC Service Catalogue and delivered by official EIC Partners. Consultant services related to EIC Accelerator proposals (such as proposal writing or success-based fees) are not eligible unless they fall under one of the defined service categories (e.g., Business Planning or Fundraising) and are delivered by a listed provider. External consultants not featured in the catalogue cannot be funded.

Yes, financial support can be requested under the “Access to Funds” package, specifically under the “IP and Legal” service. However, this support is  limited to services provided by EIC Partners, which may include assistance with patent strategy, legal advice, or related IP support. Direct reimbursement of patent filing or renewal fees is not explicitly covered unless part of a service provided by an EIC Partner.

Yes, FTO studies may fall under the “IP &  Legal” services of the “Access to Funds” package, provided that the study is conducted by an official EIC Partner listed in the EIC Service Catalogue. As with all services, only those listed in the catalogue and delivered by registered providers are eligible for financial support.

The EIC ACCESS+ program provides support for fundraising under the “Access to Funds” package. This includes services like investment readiness, due diligence preparation, and direct fundraising support. The financial support covers up to 50% of the service costs, with a maximum cumulative grant of EUR 60 000 per beneficiary. Services must be chosen from the catalogue and delivered by a listed EIC Partner.

The EIC ACCESS+ grant covers up to 50% of the total eligible costs of the selected service, while the remaining 50% must be co-financed by the beneficiary. This co-financing can come from the applicant’s own funds, national or regional public support, or other EU public funding sources, including the Horizon Europe grant.
Importantly, the combined public support, including the EIC ACCESS+ grant, cannot exceed 100% of the service cost. For example, the 50% co-financing may be entirely covered by the applicant, shared with a national or regional fund, or adjusted in proportion to EU funding already received for the service. If another public source funds more than 50%, the EIC ACCESS+ contribution will be reduced to prevent exceeding the 100% threshold; if it funds less than 50%, the EIC ACCESS+ can top up the remainder up to the allowed 50%.

Only EIC Partners listed in the Service Catalogue are eligible to receive funding under EIC ACCESS+. The cost of services, whether hourly or flat rate, must be defined in a formal contract and approved as part of your application. You cannot apply for reimbursement after the fact. The grant is paid in lump sums directly to the applicant (not the provider) in either one or two instalments, depending on the amount. External consultants not listed in the catalogue are not eligible for funding under this program.

Applicants must apply in advance through the EIC ACCESS+ platform for each specific service. Retroactive applications or reimbursements for services already initiated are not allowed. You may apply for multiple services (across different categories) up to the total funding cap of EUR 60 000, but not for the same service multiple times.

The open call operates on a rolling “first come, first served” basis, and applications are accepted until May 31, 2026, however, this deadline may be brought forward if the total allocated ACCESS+ budget is exhausted earlier. Applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible to ensure access to funding. Once an application is submitted, evaluation typically takes a few weeks. If successful, applicants will sign a FSTP Grant Agreement, and all services must be fully delivered by the date indicated in the Agreement.

Once selected, you will sign a Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) Agreement. If the grant is EUR 10 000 or less, it is paid in one instalment after the service ends. For grants over EUR 10 000, 50% is paid after signing the agreement, and the remainder is disbursed upon completion of the service. You must provide basic documentation, including the signed service contract and a declaration of honour. Reporting requirements are simplified thanks to the lump-sum model, and quality will be assessed via a follow-up questionnaire six months after service delivery.