The actions under this Call, will reinforce the activities of the EIC programme, by targeting digital and deep tech startups that have received support from EIC to support their scale up in Europe. Also, the actions can support deep tech startups which have not yet been supported by the programme, including startups that have already received private investment or EU funding and therefore, raise their awareness of the opportunities on offer from the EIC. Additionally, these actions will connect local digital and deep tech startup ecosystems, supporting cross-border acceleration activities for startups. Among the startups ecosystems to be connected, specific attention will be given to including the ecosystems in Widening countries. Special attention will also be given to support digital and deep tech startups and scaleups, wherever they are situated in Europe, to access innovation procurement opportunities.

It is considered that the targeted startup communities will contribute to the development of applications that foster climate-neutrality, digital and circular economy, clean industry and user- centric technology development, while also encouraging inclusiveness, and incorporating European social and ethical values. The projects are also expected to increase the market footprint of European Startups in strategic digital technologies and deep tech innovation notably AI, Advanced Computing as well as Cybersecurity, Next Generation Internet, Blockchain, IoT, Greentech and Fintech.

Actions should also ensure the integration of startups with the Digital Europe Programme (for example from European Digital Innovation Hubs), the non-EIC parts of Horizon Europe (for example detected using Innovation Radar intelligence) and national programmes targeting startups.

Applicants must allocate at least 75% of the total proposed budget to financial support to third parties.