What is the STEP?
The Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Scale Up call is an EU funding programme designed to support ambitious scale-up companies (SMEs and small mid-caps) that meet the following criteria:
- Have a breakthrough technology in digital/deep tech, cleantech, or biotech
- Have secured initial investment and want to raise a major funding round
- Face high risks that prevent full market financing
Who can apply?
You can apply if you meet the following eligibility criteria:
- An Israeli company legally registered in Israel that meets the EU definition of a Small-Medium Enterprise (SME) or a small mid-cap of up to 499 employees legally registered in Israel or EU member state or associated country.
- An investor applying on behalf of an eligible SME or a small mid-cap (if selected for funding, the contract will be signed with the eligible company).
- The company is focused on one of the strategic areas defined by the EU: Digital and deep tech, Cleantech, and Biotech.
- The company already has a pre-commitment for an investment of at least 20% of the funding round.
Funding and support
- Companies will receive an equity-only investment of €10 million – €30 million, covering 20%-33% of the funding round (total round €50 million – €150 million).
- Business Acceleration Services (BAS): tailored support to accelerate growth, including mentoring, coaching, market insights, investor matchmaking, and strategic guidance to scale your innovation across Europe.
How to apply for EIC STEP Scale up?
Application consists of 2 stages:
Stage 1 – Submission: Full business plan, pitch deck, pre-commitment from a qualified investor (≥20% of funding). Financial plan, CVs, FTO note. Eligibility checked quarterly in the following cutoffs: 11/02/2026; 06/05/2026; 09/09/2026; 25/11/2026. All eligible proposals will be invited to the second stage within approximately 4-6 weeks.
Stage 2 – Interview: A panel of up to 6 jury members will conduct a remote interview. The interview will consist of a pitch deck presentation by the company, followed by a Q&A session. Results are expected about 2 weeks following the interview.