This webinar focuses on the EIC Pre-Accelerator, a joint scheme of the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area (WIDERA) programme, funded under the WIDERA Work Programme 2025. The session will present the scheme’s purpose, design and key features, and provide ample time for audience questions.

The currently open EIC Pre-Accelerator call aims to raise the innovation potential of early-stage deep-tech start-ups in widening countries by strengthening their business, investor and technology readiness. The objective is to help teams reach a maturity level that enables them to compete successfully for EIC Accelerator support, secure private investment, or obtain national and regional funding (including through Seal of Excellence mechanisms).

Speakers will offer a practical overview of how the scheme works, who it is for, expected outcomes, and how to apply—so participants can decide the best route to funding and scale.

Our speakers will be:

Ewa Kocińska-Lange, Policy Officer at EIC Unit, DG R&I, European Commission

Nancy Herrera Ortiz, Project Adviser, EISMEA

Roxana Nedelescu, Project Adviser, EISMEA