The EIC Transition grant, part of the European Innovation Council’s Horizon Europe programme, offers substantial funding to support the maturation and validation of novel technologies. This grant is designed to help SMEs, start-ups, and research organisations bring their innovations from the lab to the market. With up to €2.5 million available per project, the EIC Transition grant is a golden opportunity for innovators to scale their technologies and develop sustainable business models.

Key Information Table

Funding Body	European Innovation Council (EIC)
Total Grant Funding Pot	€98 million
Amount Each Project Can Be Awarded	Up to €2.5 million
Grant Themes	Technology validation, business development, market readiness
Eligibility Criteria	SMEs, start-ups, spin-offs, research organisations, universities
Open Date	22 April 2025
Close Date	17 September 2025

EIC Transition Grant Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the EIC Transition grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• SMEs, start-ups, spin-offs, research organisations, or universities.
• Projects must build on results from eligible EU-funded projects.
• Technology must be at least at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3.
• Proposals must include a mix of technology development and business development activities.

The EIC Transition grant is specifically designed to support projects that have already demonstrated proof of concept and are ready to move towards market readiness. This means that the technology must have completed all elements of TRL 3 and be ready for further development and validation in relevant application environments.

Project Focus

The EIC Transition grant focuses on:

• Maturing and validating novel technologies: Projects should aim to develop and validate their technology beyond the experimental proof of principle in the laboratory. This includes prototyping, formulation, models, user testing, and other validation tests.
• Developing sustainable business plans and models: Applicants must explore and develop a viable business plan and business model towards commercialisation in high potential markets.
• Enhancing market readiness and commercial potential: Activities should include market research, value proposition refinement, intellectual property protection, and addressing regulatory, certification, and standardisation aspects.

Value of the Technology Provided by the Fund

The EIC Transition grant offers significant value to funded projects:

• Supports technology development from TRL 3 to TRL 6, ensuring that the technology is ready for market deployment.
• Provides up to €2.5 million in non-dilutive funding, allowing innovators to focus on development without worrying about equity dilution.
• Offers additional booster grants of up to €50,000 for complementary activities to explore potential pathways to commercialisation.
• Access to Business Acceleration Services (BAS) including coaching, mentoring, and global partnerships, which can help innovators navigate the commercialisation process and connect with potential investors and partners.

EIC Transition Grant Application Process

The application process for the EIC Transition grant includes the following steps:

1. Submit proposals via the Funding & Tenders Portal before the deadline of 17 September 2025.
2. Proposals are evaluated by EIC expert evaluators based on criteria such as technological breakthrough, impact, and quality of implementation.
3. Successful proposals are invited for an interview with the EIC Jury, where applicants pitch their project and answer questions about their proposal.
4. Final funding decisions are made based on the interview, and successful applicants can expect their grant agreement to be signed within six months from the call deadline.

Funding Information

• Total indicative budget: €98 million.
• Grant amount: €0.5 million to €2.5 million per project.
• Funding rate: 100% of eligible costs, covered as a lump sum.
• Eligible costs include all necessary expenses for the implementation of the project, determined during the evaluation process.

Additional Information

Projects funded by the EIC Transition grant must include specific milestones and KPIs to track progress towards market readiness. Proposals must demonstrate a credible pathway to market, including plans for intellectual property protection and addressing regulatory and certification requirements.

EIC Transition Grant Programme Background

The EIC Transition grant is part of the Horizon Europe programme, which aims to support high-potential innovations across various fields of science and technology. The grant focuses on both technology and business development to ensure that projects are ready for market deployment.

See a previous winner of the EIC Grant here.

Project Requirements

Projects funded by the EIC Transition grant must:

• Include technology development and validation activities: This involves further development of the technology achieved in a previous project and validation in relevant application environments.
• Involve market research and business model validation: Applicants must refine their value proposition, business plan, and business model to increase chances of commercial success.
• Address regulatory and certification requirements: Projects must consider aspects of regulation, certification, and standardisation to ensure market readiness.

How FI Group Can Help with the Innovation Funder Grants Service

FI Group offers comprehensive support for applicants, including:

• Assistance with proposal writing and submission: Our experts can help you craft a compelling proposal that meets all eligibility and evaluation criteria.
• Guidance on meeting eligibility and evaluation criteria: We provide detailed advice on how to ensure your project aligns with the requirements of the EIC Transition grant.
• Support with project management and reporting: FI Group can assist with managing your project and ensuring all reporting requirements are met.
• Access to a network of experts and partners: We connect you with a wide range of professionals who can provide additional support and guidance throughout your project.