To help support Ukraine’s innovation ecosystem during a time of conflict, the European Innovation Council (EIC) has announced a new €20 million funding initiative targeting Ukrainian deep-tech small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups
This latest round of EIC funding initiative hopes to drive the development of transformative technologies while strengthening Ukraine’s integration into the European innovation landscape.
Building on past support
The new EIC funding initiative builds on the groundwork established by the Seeds of Bravery project, a support program introduced under the EIC Work Programme 2022.
Launched in response to Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, Seeds of Bravery has provided financial aid and business support services needed by Ukrainian tech companies.
It has also played an important role in connecting these innovators with the European Union’s wider innovation ecosystem. The initiative has had some notable successes, which also highlights the need for more targeted assistance, especially for high-potential companies ready to scale up. The EIC’s funding initiative directly addresses this gap by offering more focused support that will help Ukrainian start-ups advance from early-stage research to market-ready technologies.
Focusing on high-impact deep-tech sectors
The new EIC funding initiative is designed to accelerate the development and commercialisation of high-impact innovations in priority sectors. These include artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, cybersecurity, and other areas crucial to Ukraine’s technological future.
Eligible companies will be able to apply for grants of up to €500,000 each, allowing them to develop their technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 to TRL 6–7. This phase covers the journey from proof of concept through to functional prototypes and real-world validation.
Approximately 40 projects are expected to receive funding through this plan, with a strong focus on solutions that can reshape markets and attract private investment.
Inclusion and market integration
An essential feature of the EIC funding initiative is its emphasis on inclusivity, particularly the promotion of women-led enterprises. The initiative recognises the underrepresentation of women in the tech sector and seeks to support greater diversity in Ukraine’s innovation space.
In addition to financial support, the program aims further to integrate Ukrainian start-ups into the European innovation ecosystem. This includes access to EU networks, collaborative opportunities, and enhanced pathways to commercialisation. By creating stronger cross-border ties, the initiative contributes to Ukraine’s long-term economic alignment with the European Union.
The focus on deep-tech sectors aligns with broader goals of resilience, technological sovereignty, and future economic competitiveness, helping to support Ukraine during a time of conflict.
This latest funding measure not only supports individual start-ups but also reinforces Ukraine’s vision of an innovation-led recovery. By backing pioneering technologies and inclusive growth, the EIC is helping to lay the foundation for a more sustainable and connected post-war economy.
The call for applications opens on August 12, 2025, with a submission deadline of November 26, 2025. Ukrainian start-ups and SMEs looking to scale their deep-tech solutions are encouraged to prepare early and take advantage of this opportunity to join Europe’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
