European funding · EIC STEP Scale Up
€10–30m of EU equity to anchor a €50–150m funding round.
For fast-growing companies in strategic technologies (digital and deep tech, clean tech and biotech) with a lead investor already on board. Includes the Defence call.
Overview
What STEP Scale Up is
STEP Scale Up is the EIC’s largest ticket and part of the EU’s Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP). The EIC Fund invests €10–30 million in equity alongside private investors to catalyse major rounds in strategic sectors, with particular attention to quantum technologies and semiconductors. The 2026 budget is €300 million. One example: Axelera AI, backed first through the EIC Accelerator and then through STEP Scale Up, went on to secure more than €200 million.
A good fit if…
- You are an SME or small mid-cap with fewer than 500 employees in an EU Member State or eligible associated country (the UK is excluded)
- You are raising a €50–150 million round in digital or deep tech, clean tech or biotech
- A single qualified investor will pre-commit at least 20% of the round
- The round will be at least three to five times the EIC investment
Not the right fit yet if…
- You have no lead investor yet: the pre-commitment must come from one investor, not a group of small tickets
- You need a grant: STEP Scale Up is equity only
- Your round is below €50 million: the EIC Accelerator (up to €10m equity) is the closer match
Also available
STEP Scale Up Defence
The same €10–30 million equity for critical defence technologies such as air and missile defence, drones and counter-drone systems, with a 2026 budget of €100 million. It is open to companies in EU Member States, EEA countries associated to Horizon Europe and Ukraine. Companies controlled from other third countries are excluded unless approved guarantees are provided. The 2026 deadline was 28 October 2026.
MBA view
STEP amplifies a round; it does not replace one
The jury wants to see your round already forming, so secure the lead investor’s pre-commitment letter on the official template early: it is usually the hardest piece to obtain. Companies that meet all the evaluation criteria receive a STEP Seal and access to the Business Acceleration Services even if they are not funded, which is a useful signal for other investors.
DueDiligence.Management
A professional opinion before you apply
Business plan, financial plan and investor pack reviewed before they reach the EIC Jury.
Members’ guide
The full STEP Scale Up guide is for Founder Members
- Complete document checklist, including the Defence call
- Step-by-step process with the 2026 cut-offs
- What evaluators focus on and why proposals fail
- A readiness self-check for your round
- Official templates, guidance and the application portal link
Keep exploring
Other European funding programmes
Sources: European Innovation Council – STEP Scale Up and STEP Scale Up Defence. Summarised in our own words; information checked on 28 October 2026. Always confirm rules and dates on the official call page before applying. Monaco Business Angels and DueDiligence.Management are independent and are not affiliated with the European Commission.