Money, contacts, opportunities: How the EU takes your startup to the next level!

Whether groundbreaking technology, green innovation, or international growth – the EU supports your innovative ideas with programs that offer more than just money: contacts, markets, knowledge. But what’s really worth it? And how do you find the right one? Here’s an overview of the most important programs:

1. EIC Accelerator – Funding program of the highest caliber

The EIC Accelerator is the champions league of EU funding for SMEs. Up to €2.5 million in grants plus up to €10 million as investment – that doesn’t just sound good, it is good! Perfect for startups that are shaking up markets with bold technologies and have a competent team in place. The requirement: Your idea must be scalable and bring a European dimension.

2. Other top programs for startups:

• Eureka Eurostars: For international research and development projects. Ideal if you want to collaborate with partners from other countries.
• Innovation Fund: Save CO₂, optimize energy, reach net zero – are these your topics? Then get funding for green innovations, from research to investment costs.
• European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT): Do you want more than just money? The EIT connects you with its knowledge and innovation communities (KICs) with top innovators, coaches, and investors in areas such as health, digitalization, or energy.
• Cascade Funding: Small, industry-specific projects? Get simple and fast financing directly from EU projects.
• Scale-up programs: For startups that are already ready for the next growth boost. EIC Fund, InvestEU or STEP Scale Up provide capital for your scaling.

3. Application process: How to reach your goal

The most important rules: A clear market strategy and preparation are everything! A strong application is clear, convincing, and shows why your idea moves Europe forward – whether in innovation, sustainability, or digitalization. Show how you’ll rock the market and present a realistic financial plan.

What counts:

• European added value: Show why your idea matters across all of Europe.
• Partner networks: International collaborations are always a plus.
• Follow the rules: Public procurement guidelines and proper use of funding must be clean.

Sounds complicated? No problem! Get help – for example from the SME consulting team at the Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) or the experts at the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)

4. Your partners: BayFOR and EEN

The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN): Europe’s largest advisory network for SMEs. From technology transfer to funding to international partnerships – here you get free support that really counts. The EEN network is active in over 35 countries and structured at the local level. In Bavaria, there are currently seven partners, including – alongside BayFOR – the Munich Chamber of Commerce, the Upper Bavaria Chamber of Commerce, and Bayern Innovativ. Here you can find new international contacts and the right business partners at matchmaking events.

The SME consulting service of the Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR): As an EEN partner, we are your funding coach in Bavaria for EU funding applications for research, development, and innovation! We help you select programs, guide you through the application process, and connect you with international partners – all free of charge. Even after approval, we stay by your side and support you with implementation, for example in project management or public relations.

In 2023 alone, we:

• Processed 100 inquiries from Bavaria,
• Supported 21 Bavarian EIC Accelerator applications
• Supported 15 additional Bavarian EU funding applications (e.g., Innovation Fund, Eurostars, etc.)
• Successfully launched 4 Bavarian projects
• Brought approximately €10 million in EU funding to Bavaria

Sounds like a good reason to get in touch, right?

Natalia García Mozo
Head of SME consulting at BayFOR
Phone: +49 89 9901888-171
Email: mozo@bayfor.org

Now is your time – use it!

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