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EU Funding for Startups: Top 10 Easiest Grants to Apply for in 2025

EU Funding for Startups: Top 10 Easiest Grants to Apply for in 2025
Starting a business in Europe can be challenging, but the European Union offers a variety of grants to support startups and SMEs.

These grants provide essential funding without diluting ownership, making them an attractive option for entrepreneurs.

Below is a list of the top 10 easiest grants to apply for in 2025, including eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and application deadlines.
Try our AI Grant Finder and Application Writer to quickly find an EU grant that is right for your startup, and have it write a draft of your application.

1. EIC Accelerator

  • Eligibility: Startups and SMEs with innovative products or services that can create new markets or disrupt existing ones.
  • Funding: Grants up to €2.5 million and equity investments ranging from €0.5 to €10 million.
  • Deadline: Continuous short applications; full application deadlines on 12 March 2025 and 1 October 2025.
  • Link: EIC Accelerator

2. EIC Pathfinder

  • Eligibility: Research teams working on visionary, multi-disciplinary research projects with breakthrough potential.
  • Funding: Grants up to €4 million.
  • Deadline: Check the EIC Pathfinder page for specific deadlines.
  • Link: EIC Pathfinder

3. EIC Transition

  • Eligibility: Projects following up on EIC Pathfinder or Horizon Europe results.
  • Funding: Grants up to €2.5 million.
  • Deadline: Check the EIC Transition page for specific deadlines.
  • Link: EIC Transition

4. EIT Urban Mobility Financial Support for Startups

  • Eligibility: Startups from RIS countries and others working on innovative urban mobility solutions.
  • Funding: Up to €2 million per company.
  • Deadline: Check the EIT Urban Mobility website for deadlines.
  • Link: EIT Urban Mobility

5. Horizon Europe – Digital Europe Programme

  • Eligibility: SMEs and startups working on AI, cybersecurity, and advanced digital skills.
  • Funding: Varies by project.
  • Deadline: Check the Digital Europe Programme page for deadlines.
  • Link: Digital Europe Programme
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6. Horizon Europe – Innovation Fund

  • Eligibility: Startups and SMEs working on climate-neutral solutions.
  • Funding: Varies by project.
  • Deadline: Check the Innovation Fund page for deadlines.
  • Link: Innovation Fund

7. EmpoWomen

  • Eligibility: Women-led startups in emerging European countries working on deep-tech innovations.
  • Funding: €45,000 per startup.
  • Deadline: Check the EmpoWomen website for deadlines.
  • Link: EmpoWomen

8. CBE JU (Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking)

  • Eligibility: Projects aligning with CBE JU’s strategic priorities, such as urban-industrial symbiosis and bio-based drop-ins.
  • Funding: €165 million across 13 topics.
  • Deadline: Check the CBE JU website for deadlines.
  • Link: CBE JU

9. Norec Grant «Exchange Cooperation»

  • Eligibility: Civil society organisations, public institutions, and private sector companies working on climate, climate adaptation, and food security.
  • Funding: NOK 40 million.
  • Deadline: Check the Norec Grant website for deadlines.
  • Link: Norec Grant

10. Forte Project Grants

  • Eligibility: Applicants with a doctoral degree working on high scientific quality research in health, working life, and welfare.
  • Funding: Up to SEK 5 million for three-year projects.
  • Deadline: Check the Forte Project Grants website for deadlines.
  • Link: Forte Project Grants
These grants provide invaluable support to startups and SMEs across Europe, enabling them to innovate, scale, and make a meaningful impact.

Be sure to explore the links provided for more details and to start your application process today!
2025-01-12 10:51 Top in 2025