EIC STEP Scale-up
The national STEP programme has been fully allocated. The European one has not.
Over the summer, Czech companies had a unique opportunity to apply for two OP TAK calls for proposals focused on critical technologies: STEP – Investment – Development and Production of Critical Technologies and STEP – Research and Development of Critical Technologies. As expected, these calls proved very popular, and the submission of applications closed shortly after the grace period had expired.
The figures speak for themselves. For the research and development call, with an allocation of CZK 1.85 billion, companies submitted 169 applications totalling CZK 5.6 billion – roughly three times the available funding. The oversubscription was even higher for the investment call for less developed regions. Only the investment call for transition regions remains open, until 15 October 2026.
We already know the schedule of OP TAK calls for the end of this year and next year, and it is certain that we will not see similar calls again. The programme is heading towards its closure. However, opportunities still exist for critical technologies and strategic projects. You just need to look one level higher, at the European level.
In my previous article, I introduced the EIC STEP Scale-up Defence call. Today, we’ll take a look at its civilian counterpart, EIC STEP Scale-up.
What is EIC STEP Scale-up?
EIC STEP Scale-up is part of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP). Unlike national calls, this is not a grant but a direct equity investment by the EIC Fund of between €10 million and €30 million. Through this, the EU acts as a co-investor in major funding rounds for companies developing breakthrough technologies, helping them to remain and grow in Europe.
The budget for 2026 is €300 million, and there are three areas of support:
- digital and deep-tech technologies (semiconductors, AI, quantum technologies, space),
- clean technologies (batteries, hydrogen, CO₂ capture, recycling),
- biotechnology.
From June 2026, the scheme will also be open to dual-use technologies. Purely defence technologies have their own call, STEP Scale-up Defence, which I introduced in my previous article.
Who can apply?
A single company: a start-up, an SME or a small mid-cap with fewer than 500 employees, based in the EU or in a country associated with the Horizon Europe programme. An application may even be submitted on behalf of the company by its investor.
A key condition is demonstrated market interest. Before submitting an application, the company must have a commitment from a qualified investor for at least 20 per cent of the target investment round. This must be worth between €50 million and €150 million and be at least 3–5 times larger than the EIC’s investment. This is where the bar is set highest: the scheme is not for companies that are still looking for an investor.
What do you need to prepare?
- a business plan (max. 50 pages) including a justification of the contribution to STEP’s objectives,
- a pitch deck (max. 15 pages), which the company will present to the judging panel,
- an investor’s pre-commitment on the official template,
- a financial plan, a freedom-to-operate analysis and CVs of key personnel.
The assessment is a single-round process. Eligible companies are invited to an interview with the judging panel within 4–6 weeks and are notified of the result within two weeks. This is followed by due diligence by the EIC Fund.
It’s worth it, even if you don’t succeed
Every company that meets the evaluation criteria receives the Sovereignty (STEP) Seal, even if there is no budget left for it. The seal facilitates access to further European and national resources. Companies also gain access to Business Acceleration Services: global partners, mentors and the EIC ecosystem.
What is the competition like?
In the February round, 44 companies applied and 8 were successful; in the May round, 24 applied and 6 were successful. Among those selected are, for example, the French processor manufacturer SiPearl, the German battery recycler Cylib and the Bulgarian satellite manufacturer EnduroSat. Roughly 80 per cent of the annual budget was thus allocated across these two rounds.
Who it’s suitable for and when to apply
EIC STEP Scale-up is not for everyone. It makes sense for technology companies that already have a product and traction, are preparing a major funding round, and have a significant investor behind them. For such companies, however, it is one of the few ways to raise capital in the tens of millions of euros in Europe – and at the same time a signal to other investors that the EU also believes in the technology.
This year’s final deadline is 25 November 2026. However, due to high demand in the early rounds, only a small portion of the budget remains in the call, so if you have an investor and a plan ready, there’s no time to waste. For others, now is the ideal time to start preparing for 2027.
And if you’re developing defence technologies, take a look at the separate EIC STEP Scale-up Defence call, with a budget of €100 million and a deadline of 28 October 2026, which I wrote about in my previous article.
Are you wondering whether this scheme might be suitable for your company? Drop me a line; I’d be happy to go through the conditions and the application process with you.
