STEP Scale Up

Key Features

Catalyzing major funding rounds to scale up breakthrough innovations in the fields of digital, deep tech, clean tech & biotech.

Programme:     European Innovation Council

Award:     Share of up to EUR 300 million

Opens: 14th Mar 2025

Closes: 31st Oct 2025

Overview

The EIC STEP Scale Up scheme is part of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), offering financial support in the form of investments to startups, SMEs, and small mid-caps, between EUR 10 to 30 million.

Its goal is to scale-up  innovation in Europe’s strategic technology sectors, particularly in quantum technologies and semiconductors, thereby enhancing the EU´s economic and technological competitiveness. The EIC Step Up scheme will catalyze larger funding rounds, amplifying the impact of the initial investment.

Who can apply?

  • A single SME or small mid-cap (up to 499 employees) established within a Member State or an Associated Country.
  • An investor may submit a proposal on behalf of an eligible SME or small mid-cap as defined above,

Note: This scheme targets companies seeking major funding rounds, requiring proof of initial market interest from a qualified investor covering at least 20% of the total target funding round.

How to apply?

You can apply anytime via the Funding & Tenders Portal.

  1. Submit your proposal
    • a full business plan, including information on the company’s ownership and financial structure, STEP related objectives (maximum 50 pages)
    • a pitch-deck in PDF (15 pages maximum)
    • a pre-commitment from a qualified investor
    • an ownership control declaration.

    If your application meets the eligibility requirements, you will be invited to attend a jury interview.

    You will be informed about the interview in 4-6 weeks from the start of the evaluation process.

  2. EIC Jury interview
    • At the interview, you will be assessed by a Jury of maximum six members.
    • You will be informed about the result of the interview in 2 weeks from the date of the interview.

Companies, irrespective of whether they are retained for funding or not, that meet all evaluation criteria will be awarded the Sovereignty Seal and gain access to Business Acceleration Services.

Scope of innovation

  • Digital and Deep Tech: Includes semiconductor, AI, quantum, advanced connectivity, sensing, robotics, and autonomous systems.
  • Clean Technologies: Focus on net-zero solutions like solar, wind, battery storage, geothermal, hydrogen, biogas, carbon capture, nuclear, and circular economy.
  • Biotechnologies: Includes critical medicines, DNA/RNA, proteins, cell engineering, gene vectors, bioinformatics, and nanobiotechnology.
  • For details see the Guidance Note on STEP

Extensive support

Access  Business Acceleration Services (BAS):

  • Access to global partners
  • Access to coaches, mentors, expertise and training
  • Access to innovation ecosystem and peers

A STEP Seal for companies that meet the evaluation threshold, facilitating access to additional funding programs and investors.

Grant Funding

Budget
  • Total 2025 budget of EUR 300 million.
  • Minimum investment EUR 10 million, maximum EUR 30 million in 2025.
Equity only investments

Managed by the EIC Fund, the STEP Scale Up scheme aims to bridge the funding gap for high-risk innovations that cannot be fully financed by other investors.

Interested in applying for this competition?

Book an appointment to speak to one of our advisors to discuss your eligibility to apply for this Grant Funding opportunity.