Funding guide › Comparisons › SBIR/STTR Phase I vs EIC Accelerator

SBIR/STTR Phase I vs EIC Accelerator

US federal R&D grant vs EU grant + optional equity: estimated rate as of today, time to cash, eligibility and what you give up — side by side.

Key differences

  • They price differently, so compare the effective annual cost for your numbers in the calculator.
  • SBIR/STTR Phase I is usually faster to fund (about 5 months vs about 6 months).
  • Regions: SBIR/STTR Phase I covers US; EIC Accelerator covers EU.

Side by side

SBIR/STTR Phase IEIC Accelerator
ProductUS federal R&D grantEU grant + optional equity
Funding typeGrants & tax creditsGrants & tax credits
Estimated rate as of todayNo cost — non-repayableNo cost — non-repayable
Pricing sourceEstimated as of todayEstimated as of today
Time to cashAbout 5 monthsAbout 6 months
Typical sizeUp to $314KUp to $2.7M
Term——
RequirementsNo hard minimums listedNo hard minimums listed
RegionsUSEU
What they underwriteYour R&D proposalYour R&D proposal
CollateralNoneNone
How you repayNever (grant)Never (grant)
DilutionNoneNone

SBIR/STTR Phase I

2026 cap $314,363 over 6–12 months; agency-specific topics.

EIC Accelerator

Grant up to €2.5M, with optional EIC Fund equity on top.

SBIR/STTR Phase I vs EIC Accelerator FAQ

What is the difference between SBIR/STTR Phase I and EIC Accelerator?

They price differently, so compare the effective annual cost for your numbers in the calculator. SBIR/STTR Phase I is usually faster to fund (about 5 months vs about 6 months). Regions: SBIR/STTR Phase I covers US; EIC Accelerator covers EU.

Which is faster, SBIR/STTR Phase I or EIC Accelerator?

SBIR/STTR Phase I usually funds in about 5 months; EIC Accelerator takes about 6 months.

Which is cheaper for you?

The answer depends on your amount, term and revenue. The calculator prices both on the same basis — fees, warrants and dilution included.

Related comparisons

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