EIC STEP (Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform) Scale-Up Call 2025

The STEP funding instrument was launched by the European Innovation Council (EIC) to provide European companies in strategic technology areas with the necessary financial support for scaling up and international expansion. This financing instrument is aimed at start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-cap companies that have already been successful in previous funding phases and now require larger rounds of capital to establish themselves as technology leaders in European and global markets. The STEP Scale-Up Call is designed to advance strategically important technologies and focuses on three core areas:

1. Digital technologies and deep tech – These include advanced semiconductor technologies, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, autonomous systems and robotics. These technologies are crucial for Europe's digital and technological sovereignty.
2. Clean and resource-efficient technologies – This category covers technologies that promote decarbonisation and resource efficiency in Europe, including solar and wind energy, battery technologies, and carbon storage and sequestration technologies. The aim is to support the European environmental agenda and promote sustainable technologies.
3. Biotechnologies – The focus here is on biotechnological applications for the health and industry, such as genomics, bioinformatics and sustainable biotechnological production processes. These innovations should strengthen Europe's competitiveness in biotechnology.

Scope and objective of the funding

The STEP instrument offers investment amounts between €10 million and €30 million per project. This capital injection is intended to fill funding gaps and support projects that often do not receive sufficient support from private investors due to their high risk. STEP aims to enable innovative European companies to bring strategic technologies to the market and make their solutions internationally competitive. In the long term, the aim is to strengthen Europe's technological autonomy in critical sectors.

Conditions of participation and application

• Target group: The STEP Scale-Up Call is open to start-ups, SMEs and mid-caps from EU Member States or associated countries that have already successfully completed initial significant financing rounds and show strong growth potential.
• Application process: Applications can be submitted at any time via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Applications will be evaluated on a regular basis, at least once per quarter. This continuous application process allows for flexibility for companies and ensures a timely review.
• Application requirements: The application must include a comprehensive business plan (maximum 50 pages), a pitch deck (15 pages), a pre-commitment from a qualified investor and a declaration of ownership. The business plan should include detailed information on market potential, technological progress, team competencies and investment needs.

Timetable and budget

A total budget of €300 million is available for the STEP instrument in 2025. The planned investments should enable to launch financing rounds of between €50 million and €150 million, with the STEP investments acting as a catalyst to increase private investment by a factor of three to five. This budget should ensure that companies in the key technology areas receive the necessary funding to successfully scale up their innovations and bring them to market in a sustainable way.

Business Acceleration Services (BAS)

In addition to financial support, the STEP instrument offers access to the EIC's Business Acceleration Services (BAS). These services include coaching, mentoring and matchmaking activities to help companies establish strategic networks and maximize their market opportunities. The BAS services are designed to help companies grow and increase their international competitiveness.

Summary of the benefits of the STEP instrument

The STEP instrument aims to promote European companies in strategic technology areas and strengthen their independence in key markets of the future. With a flexible application process, comprehensive investment opportunities and business acceleration services, STEP offers unique support for innovative companies that are ready to grow on a large scale and compete in the global market.

More information about the STEP Scale up Call on the web:

Website of the STEP Scale up
EIC Work Programme 2025
EU Funding & Tenders Portal
Guidance Note on STEP

For detailed information and support with the application process, please contact the SME advisory service at BayFOR.