Introduction
Raising early-stage funding is tough — especially when you’re building something innovative, research-heavy, or hard to explain to VCs. The good news? The European Union offers billions of euros in non-dilutive grant funding every year to support startups just like yours.
But how do you get started? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full process of applying for EU grants — from identifying the right opportunity to submitting a competitive application. Whether you’re aiming for Horizon Europe, EIC Accelerator, Cascade Funding, or national-level calls, this article will help you take the first confident steps. Using an AI-powered business plan generator can significantly streamline the preparation process, ensuring all critical documentation is professionally prepared.
Why EU Grants Matter for Startups
EU grants are some of the most powerful funding tools available for early-stage innovation:
- Non-dilutive – You don’t give up equity
- Large amounts – Grants can go from €50K (Cascade) to €2.5M+ (EIC)
- Global access – Some programs are open to international founders
- Prestige & validation – Adds credibility with future investors
EU grants are especially valuable for startups in DeepTech, AI, HealthTech, ClimateTech, Robotics, and other R&D-heavy fields. Understanding the importance of proper financial modeling is critical when pursuing these opportunities, as most grants require detailed financial projections.
Step 1: Understand the Landscape
Not all grants are created equal. Here are the major types:
- EIC Accelerator – Up to €2.5M in grants + equity for market-ready innovation
- Horizon Europe – Collaborative R&D projects with EU partners
- Cascade Funding – Small grants (€50K–€150K) with easier entry
- Eureka Eurostars – Bi- or multi-national innovation funding
- ERC Grants – For spin-offs and research commercialization
✅ Pro tip: Use tools like the EU Funding & Tenders Portal or grant discovery platforms like PitchBob + DeepSync_EU to match your startup with open calls. Beyond grants, many European startups pursue a mixed funding strategy. This database of active EU investors can help you identify potential venture capital partners to complement your grant funding.
Step 2: Check Eligibility and Timing
Every grant has specific rules:
- Does your company need to be EU-based?
- Do you need a consortium?
- What TRL (technology readiness level) is required?
- When is the next deadline?
You should also assess internal readiness:
- Do you have an MVP, or just an idea?
- Can you allocate time to write and manage the application?
- Do you have team members or advisors who can co-write or review?
📅 Some calls happen just once a year. Planning early gives you a major edge. Non-EU founders interested in establishing their startup in Europe should consider various startup visa programs. Startup visa application tools can help navigate the complex requirements for countries like Estonia, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
Step 3: Build or Join a Consortium (for Horizon Europe)
If you’re applying for Horizon Europe, you’ll need a consortium with:
- At least 3 organizations from 3 different EU/associated countries
- A mix of academia, industry, and end-users
Where to find partners:
- EU Funding Portal – search for projects looking for partners
- National contact points (NCPs)
- LinkedIn + community Slack/Discords
- Support from us (PitchBob + DeepSync_EU)
🤝 If you’re applying for EIC Accelerator or Cascade, you often don’t need a consortium. For developing your consortium value proposition, utilize a value proposition development tool to clearly articulate the unique benefits your partnership brings to the table.
Step 4: Prepare Your Application
Now the real work begins. Most EU grant applications include:
- Executive summary
- Problem & solution description
- Market analysis
- Technology explanation (with TRL)
- Business model & commercialization plan
- Consortium overview (if relevant)
- Impact assessment
- Budget & timeline
✍️ For EIC Accelerator, you’ll also need a video pitch and interview prep. Using a pitch deck creation tool can help you create compelling visual materials for your application. Many grants require detailed financial justifications, so having a solid financial modeling solution is essential for creating professional forecasts that demonstrate your project’s sustainability.
Our team helps you navigate this phase — with templates, review cycles, and co-writing if needed. Understanding effective pitch deck strategies can significantly improve the quality of your grant application materials.
Step 5: Submit and Track
Most submissions happen via:
- EU Funding & Tenders Portal
- Individual Cascade program platforms
After submission:
- You’ll get confirmation & tracking code
- Evaluation takes 3–6 months (some Cascade calls are faster)
- For some grants, interviews or clarifications follow
If selected:
- You’ll receive a grant agreement to sign
- You may need to pass due diligence (esp. for equity)
Step 6: Use the Funding — and Report Back
EU funds are reimbursed based on milestones, not just handed over. You’ll need to:
- Track KPIs
- Submit technical and financial reports
- Possibly audit results
But the benefit? You’re now a funded, validated, EU-backed innovator. To maximize your funding’s impact, consider leveraging market research capabilities to continuously validate your business decisions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying to the wrong grant
- Submitting low-effort or generic responses
- Not reading the call text carefully
- Weak budget justification
- Ignoring the impact or gender/inclusivity sections
Avoid these and other common fundraising mistakes that can derail your application. Many of the same principles apply to grant applications, particularly around financial projections and market sizing.
Tools & Support You Can Use
- PitchBob + DeepSync_EU: Full-cycle grant discovery, writing, and submission help
- Calendly Consultation: Book a free intro call with Sofia Drobyczewska → Book here
- Cheatsheet: Request our “Top 20 EU Grants in 2025” PDF
For founders looking to combine grant funding with other sources, PitchBob’s investor matching technology can help identify potential funding partners that complement your EU grant strategy.
Final Thoughts: You Can Do This
Most startup founders overlook grants. Don’t be one of them. The EU literally wants to fund your innovation, and you just need the right approach.
Even if you’ve never applied before, support exists — from consortium matchmaking to application writing to post-funding execution. Many successful startups use accelerator application assistants to help navigate both grant applications and accelerator programs, which often work hand-in-hand with EU funding initiatives.
For founders seeking a complete roadmap to funding, PitchBob’s comprehensive investment guide provides valuable insights that complement the EU grant application process.
📩 Want personalized help? Submit your project here.
Let’s get your startup funded — the smart way.
