EIC Accelerator & Pre-Accelerator for Deep-Tech Startups

​What we'll cover:

• ​What EIC Accelerator and EIC Pre-Accelerator are, and how they differ

• ​Who is eligible for each programme (including "Widening countries" criteria for Pre-Accelerator)

• ​Funding formats: grant-only, equity-only, and blended finance

• ​The 3-step selection process — short proposal, full proposal, interview

• ​Using Pre-Accelerator as a stepping stone toward the full Accelerator

• ​What evaluators actually look for at the interview stage

• ​Common pitfalls for deep-tech startups applying

​Speaker

​Ayşegül GUNDUZ

​Aysegul Gunduz is an Innovation and Management Consultant with over 15 years of experience in innovation strategy, R&D project development, and technology commercialization. She holds a PhD in Bioengineering and has an interdisciplinary background spanning bioengineering, nanotechnology, textile engineering, environmental technologies, and sustainable energy and clean technologies.

​She supports startups, SMEs, and technology-driven companies in developing high-impact innovation projects and securing national and international funding, with particular expertise in the EIC Accelerator and Eurostars programmes. Her work focuses on helping innovative ventures develop strong funding applications, business and commercialization strategies, and transform breakthrough technologies into scalable, market-oriented solutions.