Project Overview
EIC ACCESS+ (Advancing Cross-border Coaching and Economic support for Specialised Services) is a European initiative designed to foster innovation by providing EIC beneficiaries with access to high-quality external services through the EIC Service Catalogue. The programme aims to accelerate the development, market readiness, and scalability of deep-tech startups, SMEs, and research-driven organisations.
By combining financial support with a carefully selected network of service providers, EIC ACCESS+ enables beneficiaries to strengthen their business strategies, enhance innovation capabilities, and effectively bring their technologies to market.
In particular, EIC ACCESS+ offers co-funding of up to 50% of the costs for accessing essential business services available in the EIC Service Catalogue. Beneficiaries can receive up to €60,000 in financial support to accelerate their growth, enhance market readiness, and increase their ability to secure investment.
Our Role & Contribution
At INNOVA, we act as the Project Coordinator of EIC ACCESS+, leading the programme’s implementation, coordination, and overall delivery.
Our role includes:
- Managing the Open Call and application process
- Overseeing the evaluation and selection of beneficiaries
- Coordinating service delivery and the associated Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP)
- Engaging with EIC beneficiaries and service providers across Europe
Drawing on our experience in EU project management, innovation support, and ecosystem development, we ensure the programme operates smoothly and delivers meaningful impact across the EIC community.
The Challenge
Innovative startups and research organisations often face several key challenges, such as:
- Limited access to specialised expertise (e.g., intellectual property, regulatory frameworks, market entry)
- Difficulties in scaling innovations to market
- Fragmentation of innovation support services across Europe
EIC ACCESS+ addresses these challenges by offering co-funded access to high-quality services, ensuring that beneficiaries receive tailored support aligned with their stage of development.
Consultation Process
Impact & Results
EIC ACCESS+ contributes to:
- Accelerating the market uptake of deep-tech innovations
- Strengthening the European innovation ecosystem
- Supporting startups and SMEs in scaling their technologies
- Expanding access to specialised expertise and international networks
- Increasing the success rate of EIC-supported companies
Overall, EIC ACCESS+ supports the development of a more competitive, connected, and innovative-driven European landscape.
Project Information :
