European Innovation Council to provide €20 million to support Ukrainian deep-tech startups

Department Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine of the NRFU informs that the European Innovation Council (EIC) has announced the launch of a new call for Ukrainian start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises in the field of high technology (Support for the Ukrainian tech SMEs and start-ups (HORIZON-EIC-2025-UKRAINIANTECH-01). EUR 20 million will be allocated to support the development of breakthrough technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, cybersecurity, etc.

The funding is a continuation of Seeds of Bravery initiative and is aimed at supporting companies that are ready to scale up and enter European markets (from TRL 4 to TRL 6-7). SMEs will be able to receive grants of up to €500,000 to bring their developments to the stage of practical application. Special attention will be paid to start-ups led by women.

The application process will start on 12 August, with a deadline of 26 November 2025.

Details of the call for proposals are available here