How can innovative start-ups from Berlin and Brandenburg successfully perform on the international stage? Mona Meyer zu Kniendorf, contact person for innovation promotion at the Enterprise Europe Network Berlin-Brandenburg (EEN-BB), addresses this question. In the interview, she explains the role played by the European Innovation Council (EIC) and, in particular, the EIC Accelerator—and how the EIC Masterclass supports companies in their quest for funding.

The EIC strengthens Europe as a location for innovation

“EIC stands for European Innovation Council,” explains Meyer zu Kniendorf. “It has been in existence since 2021 as part of Horizon Europe and is intended to create a European counterweight to strong innovation hubs such as the Silicon Valley and Asia.” The main dilemma is that it is difficult to obtain high-risk capital in Europe. The European Commission wants to keep bright, start-up talent in Europe and has created the EIC Accelerator for this purpose.

The EIC Accelerator – to provide up to €12.5 million for deep tech start-ups

The EIC Accelerator is aimed specifically at deep tech startups that have strong scaling potential on the one hand but also need to further develop their product with a high level of technical risk on the other. “Companies can receive up to €2.5 million in funding and up to €10 million in investment,” tells Meyer zu Kniendorf. “With the support of the EIC, companies can grow into leading scale-ups in Europe.”

The requirements for getting into the program are correspondingly high. Support is given to companies that want to create new markets or fundamentally change existing ones—in other words, those striving for genuine disruption. A mature prototype or beta version of the innovation is required. “The basic framework must be in place, but longer development times are certainly still to be expected,” says the innovation expert from EEN.

Three stage application process – 14 successful applicants from Berlin

Applying for the EIC Accelerator is challenging. In the first step, companies submit a short application with a pitch deck and video. It is evaluated by four reviewers, and at least three must say yes. “The application can be submitted at any time and is then reviewed on the first Tuesday of the month,” says Meyer zu Kniendorf. 

If the outcome is positive, the full application with a detailed work and financial plan follows. Six deadlines are scheduled for this in 2026. “The full application has just been shortened from 50 to 20 pages, but it is still time-consuming,” emphasizes the expert. Once this hurdle has been cleared, the third step follows: a personal interview in Brussels. 

The success rate for applications is around five percent. “It sounds like a small number, but it is achievable,” says Meyer zu Kniendorf. The figures prove it: since the program was launched in 2021, 14 companies from Berlin and one from Brandenburg have received funding, including LiveEO, Myopax, and Crocus Labs.

The EIC Masterclass: bundled expertise for start-ups

To encourage even more companies from the region to follow this path, EEN-BB initiated the EIC Masterclass in 2025. “We want to give the EIC in Berlin, as Europe's start-up capital, more momentum,” explains Meyer zu Kniendorf. What makes it special is that the Masterclass is run by EEN-BB in collaboration with the national contact point for the EIC Accelerator and Mali Baum, a member of the EIC Board and herself a successful entrepreneur and investor. 

As of February 2025, five masterclasses with a total of 47 participants have taken place. In the EIC Masterclass, the application process for the EIC Accelerator is explained step by step. In the small groups – usually consisting of five to ten companies – confidential exchange is at the core. 

Ongoing support for applicants through the EEN-BB

The EEN-BB also offers ongoing support: “We review applications and contribute our experience – in close cooperation with the national contact point. We can help with any questions free of charge,” emphasizes the EEN expert. The EIC Masterclass will continue in 2026: “Innovation needs good ideas and the right partners by your side,” says Meyer zu Kniendorf.