The change is especially relevant for growth-oriented start-ups and small and medium-sized companies developing innovative technologies. These can include technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, robotics, semiconductors and advanced materials. The aim of the funding is to help European companies grow and strengthen Europe's technological competitiveness.

Significant funding opportunities available

Companies can apply for funding through the EIC Accelerator programme. The programme offers grants of up to 2.5 million euros and equity investments of up to 30 million euros. The programme is aimed at companies that have an innovative product or technology with the potential to change the market and that has strong growth potential. These are projects that are still too risky to be financed by private investors alone.

• The EIC Accelerator call is open on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal until 17 December 2026.

Another option is EIC STEP Scale Up funding. It supports company growth through investments of up to 10–30 million euros. The programme aims to speed up the commercialisation and international growth of strategically important technologies.

• The EIC STEP Scale Up call is open on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal until 25 November 2026.

In June, a new 100 million euros EIC STEP Defence Scale Up funding call was also launched. Through this programme, companies can receive direct equity investments of up to 30 million euros to develop technologies such as drones, air defence systems and other critical defence technologies.

This is the first time an EU funding programme has made direct equity investments in companies in the defence sector.

• The EIC STEP Defence Scale Up call is open on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal until 28 October 2026.

Does your company have potential for international growth?

The Vaasa region is home to several companies developing technologies that can be used in different industries. The new EIC funding opportunities may offer an interesting way to support international growth and product development.

If your company is developing innovative technology and you would like to find out whether one of the EIC programmes could be suitable for you, contact the experts at VASEK. We are happy to help you identify suitable funding opportunities and guide you to the right services.