EU funding for startups: top 20 grants to apply for in 2026

How to start a tech company in 2026? Find a co-founder and get funded.

You probably heard this multiple times.

And you might have even tried that.

And then you realized that it's a lot more nuanced than that.

Then you are in the right place, at least for the second part of the formula.

German Grants for Startups in 2026 are here

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.

Top 20 EU Funding Programs for Startup Grants Currently Open for Submission

The European Union offers a wide range of funding programs to support startups and SMEs in their innovative endeavors. These programs provide grants, equity investments, and tailored support to help businesses scale and bring groundbreaking technologies to market. Below is a comprehensive list of the top 20 EU funding programs currently open for submission, including details and links to their respective websites.

1. EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator supports startups and SMEs with innovative products or services that can create new markets or disrupt existing ones. It offers grants up to €2.5 million and equity investments ranging from €0.5 to €10 million. The program includes both Open and Challenge calls, focusing on strategic technologies like generative AI, space tech, and future mobility.

Learn more about EIC Accelerator

2. EIC STEP Scale-Up

This program provides equity investments ranging from €10 to €30 million for SMEs and small mid-caps in strategic technology sectors such as digital, clean tech, and biotechnologies. It aims to bridge the funding gap for high-risk innovations.

Learn more about EIC STEP Scale-Up

3. EIC Pathfinder

EIC Pathfinder funds visionary, multi-disciplinary research projects with the potential for breakthrough technologies. Grants of up to €4 million are available for early-stage research.

Learn more about EIC Pathfinder

4. EIC Transition

This program supports turning research results into innovation opportunities. Grants of up to €2.5 million are available for projects following up on EIC Pathfinder or Horizon Europe results.

Learn more about EIC Transition

5. EIT Urban Mobility Financial Support for Startups

EIT Urban Mobility offers up to €2 million per company for innovative urban mobility solutions. The program focuses on sustainable cities, clean energy, and climate action and is open to startups from RIS countries and others.

Learn more about EIT Urban Mobility

6. Horizon Europe – Digital Europe Programme

This program accelerates the digital transformation of Europe, supporting projects in AI, cybersecurity, and advanced digital skills. It is open to SMEs and startups.

Learn more about Digital Europe Programme

7. Horizon Europe – Innovation Fund

The Innovation Fund supports the deployment of innovative net-zero technologies. It is open to startups and SMEs working on climate-neutral solutions.

Learn more about Innovation Fund

8. EIC Challenges 2026

EIC Challenges 2026 focuses on five key areas: advanced materials, low-emission food systems, generative AI, space tech, and future mobility. Each challenge has a budget of €50 million.

Learn more about EIC Challenges

9. EUopSTART

EUopSTART provides grants to cover 50% of the costs incurred in preparing Horizon Europe applications. It is open to Danish enterprises and research institutions.

Learn more about EUopSTART

10. EIC Business Acceleration Services (BAS)

EIC BAS offers tailored support, including coaching, mentoring, and access to global partners, for startups and SMEs funded under EIC programs.

Learn more about EIC BAS

11. EIC Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP)

STEP focuses on scaling up innovations in digital, clean, and biotechnologies. It offers equity investments and access to acceleration services.

Learn more about EIC STEP

12. EIC Seal of Excellence

The EIC Seal of Excellence awards recognition to high-quality projects that meet evaluation criteria but are not funded. It facilitates access to alternative funding sources.

Learn more about EIC Seal of Excellence

13. EIC Accelerator Open

EIC Accelerator Open is open to proposals in any field of technology, with a budget of €384 million in 2026. It supports startups and SMEs with high-risk innovations.

Learn more about EIC Accelerator Open

14. EIC Accelerator Challenges

EIC Accelerator Challenges focuses on specific topics like generative AI, space tech, and future mobility, with a budget of €250 million in 2026.

Learn more about EIC Accelerator Challenges

15. EIC Fund

The EIC Fund provides equity investments to startups and SMEs through the EIC Accelerator and STEP Scale-Up programs.

Learn more about EIC Fund

16. EIC Scaling Club

The EIC Scaling Club is an exclusive community of deep tech scale-ups supported by the EIC. It offers networking and funding opportunities.

Learn more about EIC Scaling Club

17. EIC Pathfinder Challenges

EIC Pathfinder Challenges focuses on emerging technologies like autonomous construction robots and climate-resilient crops, with a budget of €120 million in 2026.

Learn more about EIC Pathfinder Challenges

18. EIC Transition Challenges

EIC Transition Challenges supports the transition of research results into market-ready innovations, with a budget of €98 million in 2026.

Learn more about EIC Transition Challenges

19. EIC Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Seal

The EIC STEP Seal awards recognition to projects meeting evaluation thresholds in STEP calls and facilitates access to additional funding.

Learn more about EIC STEP Seal

20. EIC Business Acceleration Services (BAS) for Widening Countries

EIC BAS for Widening Countries provides tailored support to startups from countries with lower research and innovation performance.

Learn more about EIC BAS for Widening Countries

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For a complete list of EU funding programs, including those not mentioned here, you can visit the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. This portal provides detailed information on all available funding opportunities, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines.

Whether you're working on cutting-edge technology, sustainable solutions, or digital transformation, these programs offer valuable resources to help your business grow and succeed. Be sure to explore the links provided for more details and to start your application process today!

FAQ about EU funding for startups in 2026

What types of startups can qualify for EU grants?

EU grants are tailored to support startups across various stages, from research-focused ventures to companies ready to deploy market-ready products. Innovators in cutting-edge fields like AI, biotechnology, and clean tech are particularly encouraged to apply, as these industries align with the EU's strategic priorities for technological advancement.

How competitive is the EU funding application process?

While competition is fierce, the application process is transparent and designed to give all qualified startups a fair chance. Applicants must provide well-prepared pitches and detailed business plans to demonstrate their impact potential and feasibility. Resources like AI tools that optimize application writing can greatly boost your chances.

Are EU grants only available for startups within the EU?

Most EU grants require startups to be based or operational within member states, but some programs extend eligibility to associated countries. Startups from RIS (Regional Innovation Scheme) nations often enjoy additional incentives aimed at bridging innovation gaps.

How much funding can startups receive through these programs?

Grant amounts vary but can range from €2.5 million for innovative products in the EIC Accelerator to €30 million for scaling high-potential technologies under the EIC STEP Scale-Up initiative. Programs like the Innovation Fund also offer substantial equity options for startups working toward net-zero goals.

Are there specific industries favored in EU funding for 2026?

Yes, industries such as generative AI, space tech, climate solutions, and future mobility are receiving enhanced focus this year. These align with global market trends and EU's mission to lead innovation in transformative technologies. Learn more about these disruptive technologies in our detailed guide on AI-Driven Startup Growth.

Do startups need to provide co-financing for EU grants?

In many cases, EU grants do not require co-financing, making them particularly appealing for startups with limited cash flow. However, certain programs may require partial co-financing to ease financial risks and maximize mutual commitment.

How long does it take to see the results of a funding application?

Timelines vary, but for major programs like Horizon Europe, decisions are typically rendered within months. Accelerating application processes with AI tools or professional grant writers can help ensure documents are submitted efficiently and accurately.

What additional support do EU programs offer beyond funding?

Beyond monetary grants, EU programs often provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to R&D partnerships. Programs like EIC BAS actively connect startups with global corporates, aiding them in navigating new markets and scaling faster.

How can startups improve grant application success rates?

Success hinges on a clear explanation of innovation, feasibility, and market impact, coupled with precise alignment to EU priorities. Using tools and resources like grant application writers or the EU Funding Portal can streamline the process and boost your submission quality.

Are grants the only type of funding available in EU programs?

No, in addition to grants, EU programs also offer equity investments, loans, and subsidies to startups aiming for scale-ups or commercial deployment. Hybrid models such as the EIC Accelerator combine direct funding with investment to maximize growth potential.

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. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain

Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.

CAD Sector:

Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.

IP Protection:

Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.

Blockchain:

Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.

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, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

Violetta likes to write about Startup News in Europe, Best startups of the year, Latest Startup News, Building your first startup, Startup News for Female Founders in Europe, News for Female Entrepreneurs and Engineering News

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
1,000 unique business ideas for women created

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.

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European funding for startups: top 20 grants to apply for in 2026