How EIC Accelerator programme supported innovative deep tech companies in Slovakia.

By project UnicornQuest

Published on 25 February 2025

Slovakia

Bratislavský kraj

Bratislava

About this good practice

The EIC Accelerator is the European Commission’s flagship program for supporting breakthrough innovations with high growth potential.
Slovakia has selected the EIC Accelerator as a model for its national technology startup support approach. The EIC Accelerator is considered a suitable model for supporting startups due to its transparent evaluation, global reach, and proven results. Due to high demand and limited funding, the EIC Accelerator is one of the most competitive grant schemes in Europe, with a very low success rate. This challenge is even greater for Widening Countries – the EU member states with historically lower research and innovation performance, including Slovakia.
Slovakia found effective ways to support deep tech startups by linking national and European funding schemes. The proactive approach addressing the low success rate in the EIC Accelerator turned this challenge into an opportunity by launching the first national pilot scheme for Seal of Excellence holders. This scheme is designed for projects that have not applied for support directly from Brussels. This approach not only strengthens the domestic innovation ecosystem but also serves as an inspiration for other countries.
As of 2018, 38 Slovak startups have received grants through programmes complementary to the prestigious EIC Accelerator, although only four of them have received direct support from Brussels so far (Sensoneo, MultiplexDX, Glycanostics, and Powerful Medical).

Resources needed

Administrative support for Programme and Co-ordination. Program is managed by Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic.

Evidence of success

Based on above mentioned, strategic funding mechanisms for Seal of Excellence holders have been established, enabling startups to access funding at a national level. In 2021, the first calls were launched and so far 13 Slovak startups have received funding worth almost 30 million through this instrument. In 2024 a new national call for innovative startups that succeeded in the first stage of the EIC evaluation was launched in pilot mode, with 26 startups.

Potential for learning or transfer

Slovakia has selected the EIC Accelerator as a model for its national technology startup support approach for several key reasons. The programme operates a highly transparent, expert-led, and dynamic evaluation process, ensuring that only the most innovative startups with strong global market potential receive funding. Evaluations are conducted in collaboration with leading European experts, and the scheme continuously adapts to emerging trends and challenges.
The EIC Accelerator has already supported hundreds of European technology champions, providing not only prestigious funding but also follow-on investments and access to global markets.
This model offers a strong foundation for Slovakia’s innovation financing strategy, aligning the country with the European innovation ecosystem and supporting the rise of new technology leaders.