The European Commission has announced two significant updates regarding the EIC Accelerator, a key European funding programme supporting innovative SMEs, which replaced the SME Instrument Phase II in October 2019.

In an unprecedented move, it has been decided that the May 2020 cut-off for this major instrument will focus exclusively on Green Deal macro-themes, as defined in the eight sustainability objectives of the European Commission's December 2019 Communication. The subsequent cut-off (7 October) will be open to all types of innovation.

A further change – which is permanent – concerns the focus on women-led companies. Starting from the May deadline, it must be ensured that at least 25% of the finalists for Accelerator projects are companies where a woman holds a key position (CEO or equivalent). Specifically, if the number of women-led companies is below 25% following the initial remote selection phase, the Commission states that additional interviews will be scheduled.

The Commission has also indicated that the EIC Work Programme will be revised shortly, with a final version expected by the end of March.

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