Most early-stage founders think funding means pitching a room full of VCs and giving away a piece of their company. It doesn't have to.

There's a whole world of funding that doesn't take equity, from accelerators and foundations to government funds. And one of the biggest sources is the European Union. The EU sets money aside for small companies; most of its calls come back every year, and a few deadlines are coming up very soon.

We went through 7 programmes worth knowing about, ordered from the most beginner-friendly to the most niche. Each one covers what it is, who it's for, how much you can get and when the next deadline is, with a link to the official page.

A quick decoder before you dive in

SME means small or medium-sized enterprise. If you've registered your startup, that's very likely you.

‍"Covers 70%" means the EU pays 70% of your project costs, and you cover the rest.

1. EIC Accelerator

For the big, bold, breakthrough idea. And good to know: the EIC says it particularly welcomes applications from startups with female CEOs.

What it is: Funding to develop and scale radical, breakthrough innovations

Who it's for: One SME, applying on its own

How much: Up to €2.5 million in grants (covering 70% of the budget), plus up to €10 million in equity investment

Deadline: Step 1 is open anytime: a short application, a pitch deck and a 3-minute video. If you pass, you send a full application. Step 2 deadlines in 2027 are 3 February, 1 April, 1 September and 3 November.

Read more: EIC Accelerator

2. Eurostars

Got a partner in another country? This one's for you.

What it is: Funding for any type of development project

Who it's for: Mainly SMEs, teaming up with at least one other organisation from another EU or partner country. Depending on the country, research organisations and large companies can join too.

How much: Usually covers 50% of costs

Deadline: 4 March 2027 (calls usually run every March and September)

Read more: Eureka open calls

3. EIT (European Institute of Innovation & Technology)

What it is: A group of EU co-funded business accelerators, each focused on one sector. They give grants and equity-type funding with conditions very similar to a grant. Each one works a little differently.
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Who it's for: Startups building in water, manufacturing, raw materials, urban mobility, climate, culture & creativity, digital, food, health or energy
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How much: Varies by accelerator and call
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Open now:

• EIT RawMaterials: projects across the supply and processing chain of raw materials. Next deadline 16 October 2026 (two calls a year).
• EIT Urban Mobility: logistics, mobility and cutting emissions in cities. Up to €2.5 million per startup, for startups already in a funding round. Next deadline 16 November 2026 (four calls a year).
• EIT Food: sustainable food production. Next deadline 30 November 2026 (four calls a year).
• EIT Culture & Creativity: projects in the creative industries. Two calls a year, so keep an eye out for the next one.

Read more: EIT

4. Horizon Europe

The biggest one, with hundreds of calls open at any time.

What it is: The EU's main programme for research-oriented projects. The biggest areas are environmental tech, health tech and digitalisation, but there are many more.

Who it's for: Depends on the call

How much: Varies by call

Deadline: Calls open all year round

Where to find it: Browse open calls in the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, or read about the programme on the Horizon Europe page.

5. LIFE

Building something for the planet? Put this one in your calendar.

What it is: Funding for projects that protect the environment or take on climate change

Who it's for: SMEs, large companies and research organisations

How much: Usually covers 60% of costs

Deadline: Calls open between April and June, with deadlines usually between September and November

Read more: LIFE programme

6. Innovation Fund

One for later, when your climate tech is ready to go big.

What it is: Funding to build the first commercial-scale facility for a new technology that cuts greenhouse gas emissions

Who it's for: One company, SME or large, with a project budget over €2.5 million

How much: Covers 60% of costs

Deadline: Spring 2027

Read more: Innovation Fund

7. European Defence Fund (EDF)

Niche, but worth knowing if you're building in defence or dual-use tech.

What it is: Funding for defence research and the development of new military technology, built on cooperation between EU countries

Who it's for: At least three organisations from three different EU or associated countries

How much: Covers 80 – 100% of costs, depending on how research-heavy the project is

Deadline: The most common call is open to all technologies, with a deadline in September every year

Read more: European Defence Fund

And this is just the EU. There's also a lot of non-equity funding made specifically for women founders, and we're rounding that up next, so keep an eye out.

Applying for funding can feel lonely, but it doesn't have to be. Want help figuring out which funding fits you, or getting your application in shape? That's exactly what our startup advisory is for.

Deadlines and details can change, so always double-check the official page before you apply. Last updated October 2026.