Looking for an easier path to EU grant funding for your startup? Cascade Funding (Financial Support to Third Parties) offers a simpler, faster alternative to traditional EU grants with lower barriers to entry. In 2025, numerous active calls offer up to €150,000 for startups in AI, robotics, cybersecurity, smart cities, and more.
What is Cascade Funding?
Cascade Funding is a decentralized funding mechanism where the European Commission distributes grants through intermediary organizations like accelerators, digital innovation hubs, universities, and R&D consortia, who then redistribute funds to startups and SMEs. Instead of applying directly to the EU, you apply to projects funded by the EU.
Why Cascade Funding is Great for Startups
- ✅ Low bureaucracy – Applications are short and straightforward
- ✅ Fast evaluation – Results in weeks, not months
- ✅ No consortium required – Solo applications welcome
- ✅ Great entry point – Ideal for first-time applicants
- ✅ Grants up to €150K – Some also include mentorship, testing, and pilot opportunities
Cascade calls often function similarly to startup accelerators with grant capital, but focus on real-world implementation of your technology.
What Can You Get Funded For?
Every Cascade Funding call has its own focus. Popular topics in 2025 include:
- AI model integration and testing
- Robotics and smart manufacturing
- Cybersecurity tools
- IoT and digital twin technologies
- Sustainable logistics and mobility
- Smart city pilots
- Data sovereignty and edge computing
These grants can help you with development of MVPs, proof of concepts, pilots, and real-world use cases with partners.
Who Can Apply?
Most calls are open to startups and SMEs based in EU or Associated Countries. Requirements are minimal, typically requiring:
- A short proposal (5-10 pages)
- Budget, timeline, and use case
- Optional pitch deck or video
Where to Find Cascade Funding Calls in 2025
Examples of active and upcoming Cascade calls include:
- DIGITbrain – Smart manufacturing and digital twins
- SecurIT – Cybersecurity pilot projects
- AI4EU – AI integration and tool development
- Better Factory – Collaboration between creatives and manufacturers
- DIH4AI – AI testing and deployment support
- NGI Zero – Open internet and privacy tools
- I4MS – Manufacturing and robotics pilots
You can track open calls via:
- EU Cascade Funding map
- FundingBox
- F6S
- PitchBob's curated updates
Real Example: ToDoor (Germany)
ToDoor, a last-mile delivery AI startup, applied to a call from the SecurIT Cascade Program in 2024:
- Use case: Secure data sharing between partners and drivers
- Funding received: €95,000
- Timeline: Submitted in 3 weeks, funded in under 3 months
- Key success factor: Clear real-world application and technical maturity
How to Apply – Step-by-Step
- Find a Relevant Call - Check eligibility, deadlines, and thematic focus
- Prepare a Simple Proposal - Most programs ask for an executive summary, problem & solution, technology explanation, and budget & KPIs
- Submit on the Platform - Platforms like F6S or FundingBox handle the submission
- Wait for Results - Evaluation typically takes 4-6 weeks
- Get Started - If selected, sign a funding agreement and kick off your pilot or MVP
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Submitting a vague or generic idea
❌ Not aligning with the topic of the call
❌ Underestimating technical depth or market potential
❌ Ignoring timelines or co-funding requirements
Bonus tip: Treat it like an investor pitch — clarity wins.
How We Can Help
At PitchBob + DeepSync_EU, we:
- Track all relevant Cascade Funding calls for 2025
- Help you shortlist the ones that fit your product
- Assist with writing and submission (optional)
- Support post-grant execution, KPI reporting, and scaling into larger EU programs (like Horizon Europe)
Final Thoughts
Cascade Funding is one of the fastest, easiest, and most founder-friendly ways to access EU funding. If you're early-stage, building an MVP, or piloting with a partner — this is your moment.
📞 Book a free discovery call with Sofia
📬 Or submit your project for a grant match
Take the first step. Let PitchBob's AI-powered tools help you win your first EU grant — without the red tape.
