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EIC Impact Report 2025: EIC Mobilises €2.6 Billion Additional Investment For Deep-Tech Innovation
The EIC Impact Report 2025 highlights that the European Investment Commission has facilitated €2.6 billion in co-investment, supported 70 companies with valuations over €100 million, and empowered over 1,000 women-led companies. The report was unveiled at the fourth anniversary EIC Summit on 2 and 3 April 2025. Here are key highlights from this year’s edition.
The European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund has become a leading early-stage technology investor in Europe since its launch in 2021. It has completed over 150 investment rounds in start-ups and SMEs, including 60 in 2024, attracting more than €1.6 billion in co-investment, primarily from private investors. This has resulted in over €3 of additional investment for every euro of EIC Fund’s direct investment.
The EIC has accelerated the growth of over 70 start-ups that have reached ‘centaur’ status, with valuations exceeding €100 million, and six of these companies valued over €500 million. EIC-backed companies typically see a 50% increase in both employment and turnover within two years, while 230 business deals have been facilitated through its Business Acceleration Services.
The EIC has been pivotal in driving innovation across Europe, with Pathfinder and Transition projects generating over 1300 innovations and more than 100 spinout companies. Nearly 100 projects commercialising results from the European Research Council have further showcased the EIC’s role in turning research into market-ready technologies.
The EIC's impact spans Horizon Europe’s portfolio, covering 706 start-ups, 402 advanced research projects, and 183 initiatives focused on commercialising research results from 2021 to 2024, while also assessing long-term impacts from earlier EIC pilot phases and its predecessor.
Key investments and cross-border support for startups
The EIC has attracted substantial investment, with billions of euros invested into companies within its portfolio. A large proportion of these investments come from venture capital, notably from non-domestic investors, underscoring the EIC’s international appeal. The total investment into EIC portfolio companies has reached impressive levels, with 70 companies achieving ‘centaur’ valuations, surpassing €100 million. Notably, six companies are valued above €500 million.
Furthermore, the EIC’s support has led to the establishment of over 100 start-ups that focus on commercialising EIC-funded innovations. The diversity of these companies reflects Europe’s commitment to nurturing innovations across various sectors, particularly those targeting emerging markets, with 75% of investments aiming to address challenges in these regions.
The EIC has concentrated its investments in several high-impact sectors, particularly those aligned with Europe's strategic goals. These include:
- €850 million in quantum and semiconductor technologies, supporting the Chips Act.
- €725 million in AI development and applications.
- €500 million in advanced materials.
- €700 million in energy generation and storage solutions.
- €625 million in biotechnology and biomanufacturing.
Women innovators at the forefront
The EIC has placed a significant emphasis on empowering women innovators. In 2024, over 1,000 women-led companies received support from the EIC, with women holding key leadership positions such as CEOs, CTOs, and CSOs.
Additionally, the EIC has seen more female researchers and project coordinators engaged in its funding initiatives, including those awarded under the prestigious Women Innovators Prize.
The EIC’s initiatives have resulted in tangible benefits for female entrepreneurs and scientists, encouraging greater diversity and inclusion within the innovation space.
Creating a pipeline of new technologies
One of the cornerstones of the EIC's impact has been its focus on generating new technologies from Europe’s extensive research base. EIC Pathfinder and Transition projects have resulted in the development of over 1,300 innovations, leading to the creation of more than 100 spinout companies. These projects are pivotal in turning research outcomes into commercially viable products. Notably, nearly 100 of these projects are focused on commercialising results from the European Research Council (ERC), demonstrating the EIC's central role in translating cutting-edge research into market-ready technologies.
Long-term impacts and horizon Europe
The EIC’s support for start-ups and projects funded under Horizon Europe continues to have a profound impact on Europe’s innovation landscape. The report covers approximately 706 start-ups, 402 advanced research projects, and 183 projects focused on commercialising research results funded between 2021-2024. The EIC’s efforts are not limited to the current programme period; it also addresses the long-term effects of projects supported during the EIC pilot phase and its predecessor, Horizon 2020.
