The European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund has taken the following steps toward strengthening Europe’s technological sovereignty by finalising its first two equity investments under the new EIC Step Scale Up scheme
IQM Quantum Computers and Zadient Technologies both show the fast-growing European scale-ups working at the forefront of quantum computing and advanced semiconductor materials.
These investments are essential to the Step Scale Up instrument, which is designed to support companies developing technologies considered vital to Europe’s future competitiveness and resilience.
Accelerating Europe’s quantum computing ambitions
Finland-based IQM Quantum Computers is one of Europe’s leading players in quantum technology.
IQM Quantum Computers specialises in creating advanced superconducting quantum processors and has set ambitious goals for the next decade. With support from the EIC Fund, IQM aims to dramatically expand its processor capabilities, scaling from today’s thousands of qubits to millions by 2030.
This scale-up push is considered critical as global competition in quantum computing intensifies. Europe hopes to position itself as a leader in developing quantum systems capable of delivering significant computational advantages for applications ranging from material science to secure communications. The new investment will allow IQM to accelerate research, expand production, and strengthen its role in the continent’s rapidly advancing quantum ecosystem.
Europe’s sovereign semiconductor capacity
The second Step Scale Up investment goes to Zadient Technologies, a French company pioneering an innovative approach to producing silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors. Silicon carbide is increasingly vital for next-generation power electronics used in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and defence applications.
Zadient is developing a production process that is more scalable and efficient than existing methods. With the EIC Fund’s support, the company plans to significantly increase manufacturing capacity and accelerate its move into full commercialisation. This aligns closely with Europe’s broader strategy to reinforce domestic supply chains for key semiconductor materials and reduce reliance on external suppliers.
Zadient’s technology is seen as a potential cornerstone of Europe’s transition to cleaner energy systems, as SiC components enable higher efficiency and better performance in high-power applications.
A high-demand programme addressing Europe’s deep tech funding gap
The EIC Step Scale Up scheme is part of a broader European effort to strengthen investment in strategic technologies. With a €300 million annual budget for both 2025 and 2026, the programme targets companies working in digital technologies, clean and resource-efficient solutions, including net-zero innovations, and advanced biotechnologies.
The initiative responds to an ongoing funding gap affecting deep tech scale-ups in Europe, which often struggle to secure the significant, later-stage investments needed to bring complex technologies to market. By offering substantial equity support, the EIC aims to foster the emergence of globally competitive European champions.
Demand for the programme has been strong since its launch. The call remains continuously open on the EU Funding and Tenders portal, with quarterly evaluation sessions planned. For 2026, proposals will be reviewed in batches on 11 February, 6 May, 9 September, and 25 November.
