EIC STEP Scale Up scheme

About the grant

The EIC STEP Scale Up scheme is part of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) and offers financial support in the form of investments between 10 and 30 million euros to startups, SMEs and small mid-caps. The aim is to scale up innovations within Europe’s strategic technology sectors, especially quantum technologies and semiconductors, to strengthen the EU’s economic and technological competitiveness. The programme catalyses larger funding rounds and enhances the impact of the initial investment. The investment support is solely in the form of equity and is managed by the EIC Fund. The programme targets companies established in the EU or associated countries (excluding the United Kingdom) with fewer than 500 employees. The investment amount per company is between 10 and 30 million euros, and the funding round should total between 50 and 150 million euros with at least 20% pre-commitment from a qualified investor. Applications are submitted on a rolling basis via the Funding & Tenders Portal and include a business plan, pitch deck, investor commitment, financial plan, FTO analysis and CVs of key personnel. Companies meeting the criteria gain access to Business Acceleration Services and a STEP Seal which facilitates access to further financing and investors.

Requirements

• The company must be an SME or small mid-cap with fewer than 500 employees established in the EU or an associated country (excluding the United Kingdom).
• The funding round must be between 50 and 150 million euros.
• At least 20% of the funding round must be pre-committed by a qualified investor.
• The application must include a business plan, pitch deck, investor commitment, financial plan, FTO analysis and CVs of key personnel.

What types of project are suitable?

Source

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