HiSeedTech is proud to highlight that 4 out of 11 Portuguese companies selected for the EIC Pre-Accelerator are HiTech alumni, demonstrating the programme’s impact in supporting early-stage deep tech projects across Portugal.

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Pre-Accelerator supports 70 early-stage deep tech companies from Widening countries, of which 11 are from Portugal, selected through a highly competitive European process.

Among them, 4 teams have participated in HiTech, reinforcing the programme’s role in supporting teams in aligning their research with Horizon Europe’s goals to increase impact and strengthen dissemination and exploitation outcomes.

The selected HiTech alumni are:

• Exogenus Therapeutics
• GOTECH Antimicrobial
• SecretomeDx
• BreastScreening-AI

Congratulations to all selected teams for this important achievement.

What is the EIC Pre-Accelerator?

The EIC Pre-Accelerator aims to boost the capacity of SMEs and start-ups to successfully apply for EIC Accelerator funding, attract private investment, and access national or regional support schemes, including Seal of Excellence programmes. The programme is designed to unlock the innovation potential of early-stage deep tech companies in Widening countries.

The 2025 call offers:

• Up to €500,000 in funding per company
• Intensive support to strengthen business, investor, and technology readiness
• Tailored guidance to help start-ups secure follow-on funding

The call is a joint initiative between the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area (WIDERA) programme, funded under the WIDERA Work Programme 2025.

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