Introduction
Are you a founder based in the US, Israel, UK, Canada, or any other non-EU country? Good news — you can still access EU grant funding for your startup.
From Horizon Europe to EIC Accelerator to Cascade Funding, many EU programs are open to international applicants — with the right structure, partners, or local presence.
In this article, we’ll break down how non-EU founders can legally and strategically access EU startup grants in 2025. The proper structure of your pitch deck will be critical for securing these grants.
Why the EU Funds International Startups
The European Union wants to:
- Collaborate with global innovators
- Attract R&D to the region
- Promote open science and technology exchange
- Solve global challenges (e.g., climate, health, digital)
That’s why many grant programs explicitly allow international participants — especially those willing to work with EU-based partners or set up a presence in Europe. Understanding how to secure funding for your startup in this context is essential.
3 Paths to Access EU Grants as a Non-EU Founder
1. Join a Consortium (Horizon Europe)
You can be part of a multi-partner project led by EU-based organizations.
- Your entity does not need to be in Europe
- You must show value in the project and commit resources
- Funding may be subject to rules of the call (some restrict funding to EU entities only)
Example: An Israeli AI startup joins a Horizon consortium led by TalTech (Estonia) and partners with a university in Portugal.
When preparing your Horizon Europe application, it’s crucial to explain why your project is relevant right now and how it aligns with current EU innovation priorities. Your application will need a compelling problem statement that addresses EU-specific challenges.
2. Establish a Legal Entity in the EU
Programs like the EIC Accelerator or Cascade often require applicants to be legally based in Europe. That said:
- You can create a local entity in countries like Estonia, Cyprus, Ireland, or the Netherlands
- You must operate (even partially) from that entity
- Many founders set up an Estonian OÜ (via e-Residency) to apply.
For international founders receiving EU grants, it’s important to consider startup visa options in European Union countries, which can significantly simplify project implementation. Once established, being able to effectively pitch to European investors becomes your next priority.
3. Apply Through Local Partners (Cascade Funding)
Some FSTP (Cascade) programs accept international applications as long as the activities are carried out with/for an EU partner.
- Partner with an EU client or research lab
- Propose a use case that brings value to the EU
When working with EU partners, having a clearly defined solution slide in your deck that showcases how your technology addresses European priorities is essential.
What Grants Are Open to International Applicants?
- Horizon Europe – Consortium-based, open globally (with exceptions)
- EIC Accelerator – Requires EU/Associated Country entity
- Cascade Funding – Some open globally, many prefer EU startups
- EUREKA / Eurostars – Supports global R&D cooperation
- EIT Digital – International-friendly, especially for market expansion
Always read the specific call eligibility rules before applying. Having a strong traction slide that showcases any previous European collaborations can significantly boost your application.
Legal Considerations
If you set up a European entity:
- You’ll need a tax ID, legal address, and sometimes a local representative
- Be mindful of VAT registration and grant accounting rules
- Some countries (e.g. Estonia) allow for full remote incorporation
If you don’t set up an entity:
- You may need to apply via an EU partner
- In Horizon Europe, you may receive funding as a third-country beneficiary (with limits)
EU grant programs require a detailed business plan with step-by-step project development, which is a mandatory element of the application. Your plan should include a solid business model slide that shows sustainability beyond the grant period.
Tips to Increase Your Chances
✅ Highlight how your solution benefits EU society, industry, or policy goals
✅ Show you understand GDPR, AI Act, and other EU regulations
✅ Mention previous collaborations or pilots in Europe
✅ Be ready to open an EU branch quickly if invited to next stage (especially in EIC)
When preparing your EU grant application, pay special attention to describing your project’s market opportunity, as this is one of the key evaluation criteria. Your competition analysis should focus specifically on the European market landscape.
Real Case Study: Freen (Estonia via Ukraine)
Freen, a sustainable hardware startup originally based in Ukraine:
- Opened an Estonian OÜ in 2022
- Joined a Horizon consortium in energy tech
- Secured €880K for pilot deployment in three cities
Their key advantage: European presence + local pilot partners.
For creating compelling presentations for EU grants, you can use an AI pitch deck generator to effectively structure information about your project. A strong team slide highlighting any EU connections or experience is particularly valuable.
How We Support International Founders
At PitchBob + DeepSync_EU, we:
- Advise on eligibility and the best entry point for non-EU teams
- Help set up legal entities in EU startup-friendly countries
- Connect you with local partners, labs, and clients
- Prepare your pitch and grant applications for submission
EU grant applications require a detailed financial model. Tools for creating financial models can significantly simplify this process and ensure professional presentation of your financial forecasts. Learning how to create a comprehensive fundraising strategy will help you leverage EU grants as part of your broader funding approach.
Book a free intro call with Sofia.
Or submit your project.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be born in Europe to win EU funding — you just have to be smart about how you approach it.
Thousands of non-EU startups are already building inside Europe using Horizon grants, EIC support, and public-private partnerships.
If your innovation solves a real problem — and you’re ready to collaborate — the EU will likely want to fund you. Understanding how to create an effective pitch deck based on successful examples can give you a significant advantage.
Before submitting a full EU grant application, it’s recommended to prepare a concise one-page startup description that will help you get preliminary feedback and increase your chances of success. Don’t forget to include a compelling ask slide that clearly outlines what you need from the grant and how you’ll use the funds.
We’ll help make sure you do it right. Learn more about effective startup storytelling to make your EU grant application stand out from the competition.
