The STEP scaleup programme is the new initiative for single startups and SMEs, small mid-caps, or investors working at the scale-up phase.
The Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) offers unprecedented support for innovative startups and SMEs across Europe:
What is the budget for the STEP Programme?
€300 million in budget for 2025: STEP Scale Up scheme will provide equity investments between €10-30 million to startups, SMEs, and small mid-caps.
The investment will be made through the Innovation Fund. STEP leverages resources from eleven EU funding programmes and is managed directly by the European Commission, including its executive agencies. The Commission is responsible for evaluating projects, signing grant agreements, monitoring implementation, and making payments for directly managed programmes under STEP.
What are the verticals for the STEP Programme?
Its focus is on Critical Technologies: Funding targets digital tech, clean technologies, and biotechnologies, aiming to boost EU’s competitiveness.
What are the eligibility criteria and the benefits of the STEP Programme?
Eligibility: The STEP Scale-up is open to single SMEs or small mid-caps (up to 499 employees) in EU Member States or Associated Countries.
Benefits:
- Access to global partners, coaches, and expertise,
- STEP Seal for qualifying companies, enhancing credibility,
- Potential pathway to additional EU funding programs.
The application process of the STEP
Applicants can submit their proposals anytime via the Funding & Tenders Portal with a business plan, pitch deck, and investor pre-commitment.
The EIC Accelerator and the STEP are the same?
No, the STEP Programme is not part of the EIC Accelerator, but it is closely related. The STEP Scale Up scheme is a separate initiative that complements the EIC Accelerator.
What are the differences between the EIC Accelerator and the STEP?
The main difference is found in the budget: while the EIC Accelerator offers funding of up to €2.5 million in grants and €10 million in equity investments, the STEP Scale Up scheme provides larger equity investments between €10 to €30 million specifically for scaling up innovations in Europe’s strategic technology sectors.
Also, although both programs are managed by the EIC Fund and aim to support innovative startups and SMEs, they have different focus areas and funding scales: the STEP Programme is designed to bridge the funding gap for high-risk innovations that require larger investments to scale up, particularly in digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies.
To know more about the STEP
If you want to learn more about the STEP Programme and unlock its full potential for your company, visit our funding portal and watch our latest webinar:
And if you want to download our exclusive slides from the webinar, fill in the following form:
