Introduction
EU grants are one of the most powerful and underused funding sources for early-stage startups in Europe and beyond. With billions in public funding available every year, innovative founders in sectors like AI, DeepTech, HealthTech, and ClimateTech have the opportunity to raise serious capital — without giving up a single share of equity.
Creating a compelling grant application requires a strong business plan and clear financial projections. In this article, we break down the top 10 EU grant programs for startups in 2025, what they offer, who they’re for, and how to get started.
1. EIC Accelerator (European Innovation Council)
Funding: Up to €2.5M in non-dilutive grants + optional equity up to €15M
Best for: Highly innovative, market-ready startups with global impact potential
Status: Open multiple times/year (cut-off deadlines)
Why it stands out:
- Solo applicants accepted (no consortium needed)
- Offers both grants and blended finance
- Focused on DeepTech, breakthrough innovation, and scalability
Preparing an EIC Accelerator application? Our AI-powered presentation generator can help you create compelling pitch materials to impress evaluators.
2. Horizon Europe (Cluster-Based Grants)
Funding: From €500K to €10M+ per project (shared among consortium partners)
Best for: Startups working in R&D with universities, corporates, or public institutions
Key Clusters for Startups:
- Cluster 4: Digital, Industry & Space
- Cluster 5: Climate, Energy & Mobility
- Cluster 1: Health
Why apply:
- Supports collaborative innovation
- Validates technology via large-scale pilots
- Elevates credibility for follow-on funding
Navigating complex Horizon Europe applications requires strategic planning. Learn how to approach venture capital and grant funding simultaneously for optimal results.
3. Cascade Funding (Financial Support to Third Parties)
Funding: €30K–€150K per project
Best for: Early-stage startups with pilots, MVPs, or integration use cases
How it works:
- Distributed by EU-funded projects and hubs (not directly from EC)
- Calls are simpler, lighter, and faster than Horizon or EIC
- Ideal entry point for first-time grant applicants
Examples of programs: DIH4AI, NGI Zero, DigiFed, SecurIT, AI4EU
New to the grant application process? Our step-by-step guide for startup founders can help you navigate the application requirements.
4. Eurostars (via Eureka Network)
Funding: Varies by country; up to €500K per project
Best for: SMEs engaged in cross-border R&D
Requirements: Project must include partners from at least two Eurostars countries
Why it’s useful:
- Supports early-stage innovation with clear commercial potential
- High success rates compared to Horizon
- Focused on close-to-market development
5. WomenTechEU
Funding: €75K grant for early-stage female-led deep tech startups
Best for: Women founders in DeepTech preparing for EIC or other funding
Extras: Business coaching, investor networking, and mentoring
Why it’s impactful:
- Designed to improve gender balance in European innovation
- Often leads to EIC Accelerator readiness
Female founders can leverage the AI startup founder’s co-pilot to streamline the application process and develop winning proposals.
6. EIT Digital Accelerator
Funding: Varies; support includes non-dilutive grants, coaching, and market access
Best for: Scaleups in digital transformation, AI, fintech, mobility, smart cities
What makes it special:
- Network of 200+ partners across Europe
- Entry point to larger EIT/Horizon projects
- Strategic business support and pilot opportunities
7. ERC Proof of Concept (PoC)
Funding: €150K
Best for: Startups or research teams with prior ERC funding
Purpose: Bridge the gap between research results and commercialization
Why it’s powerful:
- Leverages past public investment
- Perfect for spin-offs from academic institutions
Translating research into commercially viable projects requires thorough financial modeling to demonstrate market potential.
8. LIFE Programme (Environment & Climate)
Funding: Varies by topic; from €500K to €5M
Best for: Startups with environmental, climate resilience, or sustainability focus
Eligible areas: Circular economy, energy efficiency, biodiversity, climate adaptation
Why apply:
- Targets projects with measurable impact
- Aligns with Green Deal and ESG goals
9. National Innovation Grants (e.g. Portugal 2030, Bpifrance, Innosuisse)
Funding: Depends on country; typically €50K–€500K
Best for: Local startups or foreign founders with local presence/entity
Examples:
- Portugal 2030 (PT)
- Bpifrance Innovation Aid (FR)
- ZIM Programme (DE)
- Innosuisse (CH)
Why leverage national grants:
- Shorter application cycles
- Useful for co-financing EU-level grants
Looking to combine national grants with private investment? Check out our complete list of 370+ active investors in the EU & UK for your next funding round.
10. Startup Europe / European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs)
Funding: Often indirect (pilots, access to testing, mentorship, mini-grants)
Best for: Startups looking to enter EU markets, test tech, and build partnerships
Why it matters:
- A stepping stone to bigger grants
- Helps validate your solution with real-world customers and networks
How to Choose the Right Grant
Start with:
- Your stage (idea, prototype, MVP, scaling)
- Sector focus (AI, health, climate, etc.)
- Geography (EU entity vs. international)
- Team capacity (can you write the application?)
- Need for consortium or not
🧭 Not sure where to begin? We offer 1:1 strategy sessions to map your best-fit grants. Book here.
Final Tip: Don’t Miss the Deadlines
Each grant program has strict deadlines, sometimes just once a year. Apply early and prepare well in advance. Using PitchBob’s AI tools can streamline your application process and increase your chances of success.
📥 Want a full PDF list of 20 open grants in 2025? Request our EU Grant Cheatsheet here.
Let’s help you secure public funding — and build your startup without dilution. For more startup resources and AI-powered tools to help with your grant applications, visit PitchBob.io.
