Disparities in EU innovation funding are evident as 'widening countries' received only 7.1% of EIC Accelerator investment in 2022, with seven nations receiving none. Challenges include varied knowledge levels, insufficient local consultant support, perceived inefficiencies, and unconscious evaluation bias. The EIC Board's report urges addressing these issues to enhance participation from widening countries in the EIC Accelerator and bridge the innovation gap within the EU.

Discover how the evolving European Innovation Council (EIC) funding landscape impacts deep-tech startups. Learn about the 2024 EIC Accelerator changes, including fewer deadlines, stricter criteria, and the shift to lump-sum budgets. Find out how expert consultancy support can help startups navigate these challenges, streamline application processes, and enhance their chances of securing vital funding.

Consultants' success rates in highly competitive programs, such as the EIC Accelerator, used to be closely guarded secrets. Every consultant had their own estimates, but openly discussing them was often avoided. However, times have changed, and there's now a competitive trend among consultants to showcase the highest success rates in the industry for the EIC Accelerator as one single number, without context. How can you ascertain the authenticity of success rate claims and navigate potential misrepresentation?