EIC Best-Practice Session for Deep Tech Founders

​EIC Best-Practice Session: DeepTech Founders & EIC Accelerator 2026

​​On April 30 (11:00 – 13:00) we are hosting a EIC Best-Practice Session for selected deeptech founders at the EPFL AI Center in Lausanne.

​​This session will provide first-hand insights into the EIC Work Programme 2026, with a dedicated focus on the EIC Accelerator.

​​The discussion will be led by Cynthia Jurytko, EIC and Innosuisse Jury Member and senior advisor to deeptech scale-ups, who will share perspectives from the evaluation process, including what distinguishes successful applications and common pitfalls founders should avoid.

​​Joining the session is Dr. Klaus Fuchs, founder of Rockstar Recruiting, who works closely with venture-backed deeptech companies across Europe on building high-performance teams during critical scaling phases. He will share perspectives on how founders should think about hiring as they move from funding to scale.

​​Over a delightful apéro, founders will also have the opportunity to exchange experiences with a small group of peers building deeptech companies across Europe.

​​Please note: This is a curated session with limited seats. Registrations will be reviewed and confirmed individually.

​​Purpose of the Session

​​The European Innovation Council Accelerator is Europe’s flagship funding instrument for deeptech startups, offering up to €2.5M in non-dilutive grants and €10M in equity or quasi-equity investment.

​​In addition, the STEP Scale-Up scheme can provide follow-on investments of up to €30M for strategic technologies ready to scale.

​​With Switzerland now re-associated to Horizon Europe, Swiss startups are again eligible to apply.

​​This session aims to help founders better understand:

​​• how the EIC evaluates teams and technologies
• what differentiates successful applications
• how funding connects to scaling and team building

​​Who Should Attend

​​This session is designed for deeptech founders and C-level leaders who are:

​​• developing disruptive technologies at TRL 5 or higher
• preparing for commercialisation or scale-up within the next 12–24 months
• considering applying for the 2026 EIC Accelerator cut-offs
• thinking about team expansion after funding

​​Agenda

​​11:00 – 11:15
Arrival & apéro

​​11:15 – 11:45
EIC Work Programme 2026 – Insights from the Jury
• How the EIC evaluates teams and technologies
• Funding structure and evaluation logic
• Common pitfalls in applications

​11:45 – 12:00
From Funding to Scale – Hiring Strategies
• When to hire (and when not)
• Key early scaling roles
• Team signals the EIC Jury looks for

​12:00 – 12:30
Open discussion and peer exchange

​​How to Prepare

​​To get the most out of the session, we recommend:

​​• reviewing the EIC Accelerator programme
• reflecting on your team gaps for the next 12–18 months
• preparing specific questions for the discussion

​​Note: This is a confidential, non-recorded session.