Investing in the European Industries of the future
The Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) is an EU initiative dedicated to boosting investment in critical technologies in Europe. It is designed to crowd in private investment by de-risking projects and improving their access to funding. For instance, a startup in semiconductors could secure an EU-backed guarantee, making it easier to attract venture capital.
If you are an institutional, public, or private investor interested in strategic technologies, we invite you to visit our website regularly to explore innovative projects and companies, discovering compelling investment opportunities. You can also reach out to us directly.
Projects with a label of excellence
The STEP Seal certificate is a mark of excellence, awarded to projects that pass the European Commission's stringent evaluation across the EU. For investors, it signifies quality and credibility, offering insights into leading strategic technologies in the EU and reflecting the European Commission's support and endorsement.
Since March 2024, the Commission has launched 88 STEP calls, under 5 directly managed programmes (Digital Europe Programme, European Defence Fund, EU4Health, Horizon Europe and Innovation Fund) and recognised more than 500 for their excellence and economic potential (last update November 2025).
Explore the STEP Seals dashboard and get to know more about some of the STEP Seal projects or register to the InvestEU Portal, where STEP projects are featured with a dedicated tag giving you an easy overview of these exciting opportunities.
Innovative companies behind the STEP Seal projects
The companies behind STEP Seal projects encompass a diverse array of organisations, varying in size and stage of maturity.
The universe of STEP Seals includes a range of organisations, from well-established firms pioneering advancements in strategic technologies to emerging companies. This diversity offers investors a broad spectrum of opportunities. A significant portion of these companies are startups and scale-ups, characterized by their innovative approaches and growth potential.
Explore a sample of 137 start-ups and scale-ups on EIC STEP Seals list | Dealflow.eu
Our partners
The EU’s financial institutions and bodies, particularly those involved in venture capital such as the European Innovation Council (EIC), the European Investment Bank, and the EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), play an active role in implementing the STEP initiative. Beyond providing financing, STEP partners organize match-making events and offer guidance to help navigate the complexities of the EU's cutting-edge project landscape. They also support project promoters with various aspects of project planning, including feasibility studies, risk assessment, and financial structuring.
Join the conversation and share your ideas
Are you an investor with questions, comments, or innovative ideas on how to make STEP a bigger success? Share your thoughts and help shape the future of STEP. Simply fill out this form to connect with us and let us work together to drive growth and innovation in Europe's critical technologies.
