Top 25 Grants for Early-Stage Startups in Europe in 2025
As Europe continues to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, various grants are available to support early-stage startups in 2025. From technology-focused initiatives to sustainable solutions, funding is more accessible than ever. Here’s a comprehensive look at the Top 25 grants for early-stage startups in Europe in 2025, detailing each opportunity, funding amounts, eligibility criteria, and links for further information.
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1. European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator
Description: Provides funding for startups and SMEs to develop and scale up high-impact innovations that can create or disrupt markets.
Funding Type: Grants and equity investments
Grant Amount: Below €2.5 million
Investment Amount: €0.5 to €10 million (Higher amounts via STEP Scale-Up)
Eligibility: Startups and SMEs with innovative products or services (TRL 6-8)
Focus: Technology with market potential, including AI, new space, agritech, and future mobility.
Application Deadlines: Continuous short applications; full application on 12 March 2025 and 1 October 2025.
2. European Innovation Council (EIC) Pathfinder
Description: Supports research teams undertaking visionary, multi-disciplinary research projects with the potential for technology breakthroughs.
Funding Type: Grants
Grant Amount: Up to €4 million
Eligibility: Multi-disciplinary research teams.
Focus: Early-stage technology research and development with breakthrough potential.
Deadlines: Check the EIC Pathfinder for specific deadlines.
3. European Innovation Council (EIC) Transition
Description: Supports the transition of research results into market-ready innovations, building on EIC Pathfinder or Horizon Europe projects.
Funding Type: Grants
Grant Amount: Up to €2.5 million
Eligibility: Projects following up on EIC Pathfinder, ERC Proof of Concept projects, or Horizon Europe results.
Focus: Turning research findings into market opportunities.
Deadlines: Check the EIC Transition for specific deadlines.
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4. EIC Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Scale-Up
Description: Provides equity funding for companies developing strategic technologies in the EU.
Funding Type: Equity Investments
Investment Amount: €10 to €30 million
Eligibility: SMEs, startups, spin-offs, and small mid-caps in strategic technology areas.
Focus: Digital, clean tech, and biotech sectors, driving innovation in critical areas.
Deadlines: Applications accepted anytime via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
5. EIT Urban Mobility Financial Support for Startups
Description: Funding for startups working on innovative urban mobility solutions.
Funding Type: Grants
Amount: Up to €2 million per company
Eligibility: Startups from RIS countries and others focused on urban mobility solutions.
Focus: Sustainable mobility solutions for cities.
Deadlines: Check the EIT Urban Mobility website for specific deadlines.
6. Horizon Europe - Digital Europe Programme
Description: Funding for SMEs and startups working on AI, cybersecurity, and advanced digital skills.
Funding Type: Grants
Funding Amount: Varies by project.
Eligibility: SMEs and startups in the digital sector.
Focus: AI, cybersecurity, and digital skills development.
Deadlines: Check the Digital Europe Programme page for deadlines.
7. Horizon Europe - Innovation Fund
Description: Funding for startups and SMEs working on climate-neutral solutions.
Funding Type: Grants
Funding Amount: Varies by project.
Eligibility: Startups and SMEs developing climate-neutral technologies.
Focus: Climate-neutral technologies and solutions.
Deadlines: Check the Innovation Fund page for deadlines.
8. Deep Tech Venture Builder Programme
Description: Supports academic and research teams to accelerate their intellectual property towards market launch.
Funding Type: Grant
Amount: Up to €150,000
Eligibility: Academic and research teams with deep tech innovations.
Focus: Overcoming hurdles when launching deep tech to market.
Deadlines: Check the specific call for application details.
9. EIT Manufacturing Venture Building Programme
Description: Designed to support startups in the manufacturing sector.
Funding Type: Various (Grants, Investment)
Amount: Varies based on program needs
Eligibility: Early-stage startups in the manufacturing sector.
Focus: Manufacturing innovation.
Deadlines: Check the EIT Manufacturing website for details.
10. Various Calls for Specific Sectors
Description: Multiple open calls throughout the year focusing on specific sectors and challenges.
Funding Type: Mostly grants, can include other types.
Amount: Varies widely
Eligibility: Startups and SMEs that align with the specific call requirements.
Focus: From female entrepreneurs in deep tech to urban mobility and disability solutions.
Deadlines: Check each call individually.
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11. Cohesion Fund for Startups in Peripheral Regions
Description: Aims to provide additional financial help to startups in underdeveloped peripheral regions of Europe.
Funding Type: Grants
Funding Amount: Up to €1 million
Eligibility: Startups located in regions classified as less developed.
Focus: Economic development and job creation in regional economies.
Deadlines: Annually in December.
12. European Social Fund (ESF) Grants
Description: Offers grants to promote social inclusion and employment across Europe.
Funding Type: Grants
Amount: Varies depending on the local administration.
Eligibility: Startups addressing social challenges and looking for potential job creation.
Focus: Social innovation and workforce development.
Deadlines: Varies by member states.
13. Creative Europe Programme
Description: Funding aimed at the cultural and creative sectors, including innovative startup projects.
Funding Type: Grants
Funding Amount: Up to €500,000
Eligibility: Projects that promote culture, multilingualism, and innovation in the creative fields.
Focus: Cultural innovation and creative industries.
Deadlines: Check their website for specific calls.
14. LIFE Programme
Description: Provides grants for innovative solutions contributing to EU climate, biodiversity, and environment policies.
Funding Type: Grants
Funding Amount: Up to €1 million
Eligibility: Projects focusing on environmental conservation and ecological solutions.
Focus: Sustainability and environmental innovation.
Deadlines: Annually in April.
15. European Revolving Fund for Social Enterprises
Description: Facilitates loans and grants for social enterprises across the EU.
Funding Type: Loans and grants
Amount: Up to €300,000
Eligibility: Social enterprises that create jobs and have a social impact.
Focus: Social innovation and employment creation.
Deadlines: Continuous applications.
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16. Horizon Europe - Health Programme
Description: Funding specifically aimed at health-related research and innovation.
Funding Type: Grants
Funding Amount: Varies by project.
Eligibility: Startups focused on healthcare technology and innovation.
Focus: Health research and public health solutions.
Deadlines: Check the Health Programme page for details.
17. ClimAccelerator Programme
Description: An initiative designed to support climate-tech startups.
Funding Type: Grants and mentorship
Amount: Up to €150,000
Eligibility: Startups working on innovative solutions to climate change.
Focus: Climate action and sustainability.
Deadlines: Applications accepted year-round.
18. Startup Europe Partnership Initiative
Description: Connects startups with potential corporate partners to facilitate growth and innovation.
Funding Type: Matching grants and collaborative projects
Amount: Varies
Eligibility: Startups from various industries looking to scale.
Focus: Partnership building and scaling opportunities.
Deadlines: Continuous calls throughout the year.
19. Green Deal Call
Description: Funding for innovations that align with the European Green Deal objectives.
Funding Type: Grants
Funding Amount: Varies by project.
Eligibility: Startups focusing on green technologies and solutions.
Focus: Supporting the EU’s climate goals.
Deadlines: Check the Green Deal Call for specific timelines.
20. Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD)
Description: Grants aimed at helping vulnerable groups through innovative startup initiatives.
Funding Type: Grants
Amount: Varies by project.
Eligibility: Startups addressing issues faced by vulnerable populations.
Focus: Social equity and inclusion.
Deadlines: Ongoing application process.
21. EU Research and Innovation Programme (Horizon 2020)
Description: Continues to support research and innovation projects across the EU.
Funding Type: Grants
Funding Amount: Varies depending on project scope.
Eligibility: Startups conducting innovative research.
Focus: A wide range of scientific and technological advancements.
Deadlines: Regular calls for proposals.
22. EIT Climate-KIC’s Accelerator Programme
Description: Supports startups working on sustainable solutions to climate change.
Funding Type: Grants and equity investments
Amount: Up to €100,000
Eligibility: Startups focused on climate innovation.
Focus: Climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Deadlines: Applications accepted throughout the year.
23. EIT Food Innovation Grants
Description: Funding for startups promoting innovation in food systems.
Funding Type: Grants
Amount: Up to €50,000
Eligibility: Startups in the agri-food sector.
Focus: Sustainable food practices and innovation.
Deadlines: Specific rounds throughout the year.
24. Urban Innovative Actions
Description: Grants aimed at innovative urban solutions that improve living conditions in cities.
Funding Type: Grants
Amount: Up to €5 million
Eligibility: Projects that promote innovative urban initiatives.
Focus: Urban innovation and community development.
Deadlines: Check their official website for submission dates.
25. Digital Innovation Hubs Funding
Description: Supports digital transformation projects for startups and SMEs.
Funding Type: Grants
Amount: Varies based on funding application.
Eligibility: Startups leveraging digital solutions.
Focus: Digital innovation and adoption.
Deadlines: Continuous open calls.
This extensive list highlights the diverse funding opportunities available for early-stage startups in Europe in 2025. By taking advantage of these grants, startups can secure the necessary resources to innovate and grow within a competitive landscape.
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FAQ
Q: What funding opportunities are available for early-stage startups in Europe?
A: The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator is a major funding source for startups with high-impact innovations. Learn more about EIC Accelerator.
Q: How much funding can startups receive from the EIC Pathfinder?
A: Startups can receive up to €4 million in funding under the EIC Pathfinder program for visionary research projects. Discover EIC Pathfinder.
Q: What is the purpose of the EIC Transition funding?
A: The EIC Transition funding helps turn research results into market-ready innovations, supporting projects from EIC Pathfinder or Horizon Europe results. Learn more about EIC Transition.
Q: What is the STEP Scale-Up funding initiative?
A: The EIC Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Scale-Up offers equity funding for startups developing strategic technologies in critical sectors. Explore EIC STEP Scale-Up.
Q: Who can apply for the EIT Urban Mobility Financial Support?
A: The EIT Urban Mobility program provides grants for startups working on innovative urban mobility solutions, especially those from RIS countries. Learn more about EIT Urban Mobility.
Q: What types of projects does the Horizon Europe Digital Programme focus on?
A: The Horizon Europe - Digital Europe Programme focuses on SMEs and startups engaged in AI, cybersecurity, and advanced digital skills development. Discover Digital Europe Programme.
Q: How does the Horizon Europe Innovation Fund support startups?
A: The Horizon Europe - Innovation Fund finances startups and SMEs working on climate-neutral solutions, with grant amounts varying by project. Check the Innovation Fund.
Q: What opportunities does the Deep Tech Venture Builder Programme provide?
A: The Deep Tech Venture Builder Programme assists academic and research teams in accelerating deep tech innovations, offering funding of up to €150,000. Visit EU Funding Portal.
Q: How does the EIT Manufacturing Venture Building Programme assist startups?
A: The EIT Manufacturing Venture Building Programme supports early-stage startups in the manufacturing sector with various funding options and investment strategies. Check EIT Manufacturing.
Q: Where can I find open calls for specific funding opportunities?
A: You can find various open calls for funding opportunities targeting specific sectors on the EU Funding Portal. Explore EU Funding Portal.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
