Eligible Applicants:
Support is available to:

• Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Special focus is placed on startups and early-stage companies with high-growth ambitions

The program specifically supports high-risk, high-reward SMEs developing and commercializing new products, services, or business models, with the aim of boosting economic growth and creating new markets.
Startups led by women are especially encouraged to apply — meaning a female CEO or founder.

Amount of Support

• Up to €2,500,000 in grant funding
• Funding intensity: 70% to 100%

Eligibility Criteria

• The project must be technologically mature enough, ideally at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5–6 before submission.
• This means the innovation has already moved beyond the lab: a prototype or proof of concept has been validated in a relevant environment.
• At the time of submission, the project should already be in the demonstration and prototyping phase.
• The grant aims to support the journey to full market readiness.
• During the project, the technology should be developed further from TRL6 to TRL8.
• The funding supports activities up to TRL8, where the technology is fully integrated and tested in an operational environment, with validated functionality, and ready for commercial deployment.

Expected Outcomes
By the end of the project, the company must be ready to launch the product to market or be very close to commercialization.
The grant is intended to help bridge the gap between a prototype and a market-ready solution — for example, by supporting the development of a pilot line, conducting field tests or certification, and improving design and scalability to allow commercial manufacturing and sales.
The main deliverable is a new, competitive product or service that is market-ready and in demand among customers.

Impact Requirements
The project must demonstrate broad impact, which may include: Addressing societal challenges; Contributing to EU strategic goals

Examples of impact include:

• Environmental benefits (e.g., emissions reduction, circular economy promotion)
• Social benefits (e.g., improved public health, safety, quality of life)
• Technological sovereignty (e.g., European competitiveness in strategic industries)

The final result must have high export potential. Therefore, the project must demonstrate the ambition to scale internationally, with the potential to become a market leader in Europe or globally within its niche.

Priority Topics for 2025:

• Development and scaling of advanced new materials (in energy, mobility, electronics, and construction)
• Biotechnologies for climate-neutral food production
• Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions
• Innovative technologies for servicing space infrastructure
• Deep-tech innovations in future mobility

There are no strict sectoral restrictions, but preference is given to cross-sectoral, high value-added innovations that support:

• Europe’s green and digital transformation
• Health improvements
• New industrial solutions

Projects of military nature are not eligible — the innovation must have civilian applications.