May '25: Accelerating GenAI projects + your startup's financial reality check inside

You don't need a lot to stay on top of your funding game: Just a monthly check-in and a few curated opportunities that could transform your startup journey.

This month, we're diving into the GenAI funding landscape while giving you the tools to assess your own financial readiness. Plus, hear from a founder who discovered their perfect funding match through our grant database at GrantGPT!

🔥 Hottest Grant This Month

EIC Accelerator Challenge: GenAI4EU Creating European Champions in Generative AI

Funding: Up to €2.5 million (mix of grant and equity)
Submission: Rolling basis with cut-off dates in March and October
Perfect for: GenAI startups ready to scale across Europe

The EU's strategic play to create GenAI champions that can compete globally. Submit anytime – no rushing to arbitrary deadlines.

Eligible sectors: Healthcare (e.g., radiology/clinical workflows), Energy (e.g., grid management), Security, Public sector (e.g., service efficiency), Cultural/Creative industries, Manufacturing (e.g., automation/sustainability), Education (e.g., personalized learning), and Science (e.g., research productivity). Your GenAI models must go beyond current state-of-the-art and align with Trustworthy AI principles.

🧠 Brain Food

How to Prepare for EIC Accelerator Pitch Interviews: A Guide to Effective Responses

EIC evaluators focus on three key areas: European added value, risk mitigation strategies, and systematic scaling methodology. Practice explaining complex tech concepts clearly – the panel includes diverse expertise, and clarity beats complexity.

⚡ Quick Win

Financial Viability Simulation

This tool calculates key financial ratios (quick ratio, profitability, solvency) that EU evaluators use to assess your funding eligibility. Input your financial data to preview how evaluators will assess your capacity and spot potential issues before applying.

Perfect for understanding if you can handle typical (e.g., 40%) co-financing requirements.

🗓️ Event Pick

Horizon Europe Info Days – New European Bauhaus Facility 
Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 09:30 - 13:00 (CEST)

Perfect for startups in sustainable construction, urban innovation, or circular economy. Direct access to program officers and potential consortium partners.

💬 Startup Story: How one grant alert changed everything

In this month's interview, we chat with Deniz from Corporate Culture Community and Ceamless Events, an inspiring founder who discovered his funding match through GrantGPT's grant alert: He applied successfully for BEFuture under the Single Market Programme “Sustainable Growth and Building Resilience in Tourism: to support the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises”.

1. How did you discover this grant opportunity and decide to go for it?
“I met Iwa, the founder of GrantGPT, during an incubator program and was immediately curious about what she was building. After the program, I subscribed to her newsletter to stay in the loop. One day, I received a message from GrantGPT about a specific funding opportunity that matched my startup idea perfectly. I would have never found this accelerator on my own. That message truly made all the difference and led me to explore the program in depth. Eventually, I applied and got accepted.”

2. How did you tackle the grant process?
“I approached the application process step by step, but I have to admit I was surprised by how much effort it actually takes to put together a strong application. It was more time-consuming than I expected. Making sure everything was well-prepared, hitting the right tone, and not missing any deadlines required real commitment. It was a bit frustrating at times, especially balancing it with everything else going on in the startup, but ultimately it paid off.”

3. What were your learnings about yourself, your startup and the funding opportunity?
“One of my biggest takeaways was realizing how much value can come from staying connected with other founders and staying open to unexpected opportunities. For my startup, getting the funding felt like a huge validation. It showed me that others saw real potential in what we’re building. Personally, the process helped me sharpen how I present my vision and communicate our impact in a clear and compelling way.”

4. What advice would you give to fellow founders?
“Don’t underestimate the power of community and curated resources. Sign up, stay informed, and make it a habit to regularly check what’s out there. I personally use GrantGPT every month to scan for new programs and opportunities. Sometimes, all it takes is one message to completely change your trajectory. When you find a program that fits, go all in and treat the application as a chance to grow and clarify your own mission.”

Thank you for sharing your insights and funding journey with the startup community, dear Deniz!

☕ If you enjoy this newsletter, forward it to that one person with whom you are chatting about your start-up over a cup of coffee – everything is easier together!

For more updates, let’s connect on LinkedIn.

Here's to your next funding breakthrough!
Your GrantGPT team