Innovative startups and SMEs preparing an application to the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator can now benefit from a newly released resource designed to support the preparation of high-quality proposals.
The 2026 Annotated Template for the EIC Accelerator Full Proposal has been officially published, providing detailed guidance to help applicants better understand what evaluators expect in each section of the application. Developed with the contribution of the Access2EIC network of National Contact Points (NCPs), the document aims to improve the quality and clarity of proposals submitted to one of Europe’s most competitive innovation funding programmes under Horizon Europe.
A practical guide for EIC applicants
The updated annotated template offers practical explanations and recommendations to help companies structure their proposals effectively and present their innovations in a compelling way. The guide provides insights on how to demonstrate the three key evaluation criteria of the programme: excellence, impact and implementation.
Among the main elements included in the document are:
- Clear explanations of the objectives and expectations for each proposal section
- Practical tips and recommendations from experienced NCPs
- Guidance on presenting technology readiness levels (TRLs) and innovation maturity
- Advice on market analysis, business strategy and financial planning
- Considerations on intellectual property strategy and AI-related aspects in proposals
These insights are intended to help applicants better align their proposals with the evaluation process and strengthen the overall narrative of their innovation projects.
Access the document
Applicants and innovation support organisations can consult the 2026 EIC Accelerator Full Proposal Annotated Template at the following link: https://lnkd.in/dCArdnb3
