EIC selects 40 European startups to receive EIC funding: Meet the 4 companies from the Netherlands

The European Innovation Council (EIC) has selected 40 companies (startups and SMEs) to receive funding following its latest evaluation round.

Out of 150 proposals that reached the interview stage, these companies were chosen for their transformative technologies and strong commercial promise, securing a mix of grant and equity support. 

The proposed funding is around €230M.

Most beneficiaries, 87 per cent, will receive blended finance, which is a mix of grants and equity investment. Others will receive only grants or only equity support.

32% of companies are led by women

Notably, 32 per cent of the selected companies are led by women in key leadership roles such as CEO, CTO, or CSO, marking a step forward for gender diversity in deep tech and innovation.

The selected companies represent 16 EU and associated countries, with the highest number of selected companies coming from Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Sweden. 

Most grant agreements for the selected companies should be finalised in the next three months.

Equity investments will follow based on each company’s individual development and funding strategy.

The equity investments will come from the EIC Fund, the dedicated investment arm of the EIC, which also attracts other investors to bring the overall investment to over three times the EIC’s investment on average.

Additionally, a further 109 applications that were assessed positively by the EIC jury, but for which there was insufficient funding available, will be awarded a Seal of Excellence.

All 20 companies that reached the interview stage for the five EIC Accelerator challenges, regardless of whether they were ultimately selected for funding, will receive a STEP Seal.

This quality label is awarded to projects that contribute to at least one of the objectives of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP).

These recognitions will facilitate their access to complementary or alternative EU funding.

EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator programme supports individual Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly startups and spin-out companies, to develop and scale ground-breaking innovations.

The programme offers startups and SMEs grants of up to €2.5M combined with equity investments through the EIC Fund, ranging from €0.5M to €15M. 

In addition, EIC-selected companies also receive coaching, mentoring, access to investors and corporates, and other opportunities.

The next cut-off for full applications, as outlined in the EIC 2025 Work Programme, is on 1 October 2025. 

We have listed some innovative projects and companies from the Netherlands selected in the current cut-off.

Photosynthetic

HQ: Amsterdam

Recommended finance type: Blended Finance

Photosynthetic is revolutionising the microfabrication industry by removing barriers that prevent the mass production of complex microstructures. They are developing the first production-speed 3D printer that can print at a sub-micron resolution.

Groove Quantum

HQ:  Delft

Recommended finance type: Blended Finance

Groove Quantum is pioneering advancements in quantum computing by utilising the unique  properties of germanium. The company focuses on developing compact quantum chips that can accommodate millions of qubits, offering enhanced computational power.

Q* BIRD

HQ:  Delft

Recommended finance type: Blended Finance

Q*Bird has developed a unique quantum cryptography (QKD) product called Falqon, which is based on the fundamental laws of nature. It provides provable security against any attack, including those from future quantum computers. The Dutch company’s goal is to protect data communications and digital infrastructure, using patented technology that outperforms the competition on security and cost.

TargED Biopharmaceuticals

HQ: Utrecht

Recommended finance type: Blended Finance

TargED (Targeted Enzyme Delivery) Biopharmaceuticals develops biological drugs to improve the treatment of thrombosis.

The company develops its biological drugs using small antibodies (“VhH”) to deliver enzymes to sites of thrombosis, enabling ‘targeted’ thrombolysis. The lead compound is Microlyse, a proprietary clot-busting compound that binds to a protein present in all forms of thrombosis. 

TargED says it is the first compound to achieve targeted enzyme delivery, using a single domain antibody (VhH), directly to blood clots. It then dissolves faster and safer compared to standard care, and recently featured on the cover of the medical journal Blood.