25 Nov 2025
First EIC Pre-Accelerator call receives 1,056 submissions
The European Commission has published the figures about the first EIC Pre-Accelerator call, a joint effort of the European Innovation Council and the "Widening Participation" part of the Horizon Europe programme “Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area” (WIDERA).
The Call received 1,056 submissions from 30 eligible countries from the Horizon Europe Widening and Associated Countries and Outermost Regions. In total, applicants requested €479.4 million in funding. Submissions came from 74% men-led and 26% from women-led companies.
The evaluation process is expected to be finalised in February 2026, with results communicated to applicants in late February to early March 2026.