EIC extends Overseas Trade Fairs 2.0 application deadline for CES 2022 and Arab Health 2022
- ›The EIC extended the application deadline for its Overseas Trade Fairs Programme 2.0 to 9 September 2021 for CES 2022 and Arab Health 2022.
- ›Eligible participants are EIC-funded SMEs, startups and scaleups who can apply to exhibit at the EU-EIC Pavilion and access business support.
- ›Participants receive a free booth at the EU-EIC Pavilion, pitching and matchmaking support, mentoring and reimbursement of 50 percent of expenses up to EUR 1,000.
- ›Applications and more information are available via the EIC Community platform and queries should be sent to the EIC Community Helpdesk with specific event categories.
- ›The financial contribution is modest relative to typical trade fair costs and applicants should weigh selection risks, travel logistics and market readiness before applying.
EIC extends Overseas Trade Fairs 2.0 application deadline for CES 2022 and Arab Health 2022
The European Innovation Council announced an extension to the submission deadline for two calls under its Overseas Trade Fairs Programme 2.0. EIC-funded small and medium sized enterprises, startups and scaleups now have until 9 September 2021 to apply for places at the EU-EIC Pavilion at the Consumer Electronics Show 2022 and Arab Health 2022. The programme aims to help EIC-backed firms commercialise innovations abroad and connect with international partners and customers.
What changed and who can apply
Organisers pushed back the application closure to give more time to prepare submissions for two high profile trade fairs scheduled for early 2022. The extension applies only to these specific calls within the EIC Overseas Trade Fairs Programme 2.0. Only companies that have already received EIC support are eligible to apply. That means startups, scaleups and SMEs from EU Member States and associated countries that are EIC beneficiaries should consider their readiness to participate.
What the EIC Overseas Trade Fairs package offers
Selected participants at the EU-EIC Pavilion receive a combination of in‑market visibility and business support services. The stated goal is to help EIC awardees strengthen networks, find customers and partners, and accelerate their international growth. The support bundle mixes pragmatic in‑country services with limited direct financial aid.
| Support element | What it covers | Notes |
| Exhibition space | Free booth at the EU-EIC Pavilion | Onsite visibility within the EIC curated presence |
| Business services | Pitching, matchmaking, mentoring, coaching | Includes pre-departure briefings and onsite assistance |
| Financial contribution | Reimbursement of 50 percent of expenses up to EUR 1,000 | Modest relative to total trade fair costs |
| Application support | Information and FAQs via EIC Community platform | Questions handled through the EIC Community Helpdesk using event-specific categories |
About the two trade fairs
Both events are among the international meeting points for industry, investors and customers in their sectors. The Consumer Electronics Show is a major technology showcase that attracts global tech buyers, corporates and media in January each year. Arab Health is the flagship healthcare trade fair in the Middle East, bringing together medical device firms, healthcare providers and national delegations. Exhibiting at either event can provide market signals and potential leads but converting exposure into sales requires follow up and market readiness.
How to apply and where to get information
Applications and more details are available on the EIC Community platform. Interested firms should use the platform to access application forms, FAQs and guidance documents. For event specific questions applicants are asked to contact the EIC Community Helpdesk and select the category labelled either "EVENT - EIC OTF Programme - Arab Health" or "EVENT - EIC OTF Programme - CES LAS VEGAS" so queries are routed correctly.
Practical tips for applicants
Start with a clear commercial objective for exhibiting. Trade fairs are expensive in time and money so define measurable goals such as number of qualified meetings, pilot agreements or distributor leads. Prepare a compact pitch and demonstration tailored to the target market. Use the EIC coaching and matchmaking offers early to structure meetings in advance. Account for logistics, shipment of hardware, travel restrictions and visa requirements. Track expected costs against the EUR 1,000 reimbursement and plan for additional funding if necessary.
Risks and critical considerations
The EIC support package is useful for visibility and curated access but it has limits. The reimbursement cap of EUR 1,000 covers only a fraction of typical trade fair expenses for travel, shipping and preparations. Selection is competitive and receiving EIC funding previously does not guarantee a place. Travel or public health restrictions could affect participation at short notice. Intellectual property exposure and confidentiality should be managed when demonstrating prototypes in public. Firms should treat pavilion participation as one element of a broader market entry strategy rather than a guaranteed path to contracts.
Contacts and disclaimer
For further information applicants should consult the EIC Community platform and submit targeted queries through the EIC Community Helpdesk using the event specific categories. The EIC Community note includes a standard disclaimer that the information is for knowledge sharing and should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission or other organisations.
Conclusion
The deadline extension gives EIC beneficiaries extra time to prepare applications for two high profile 2022 trade fairs. The package combines curated visibility and business services with only a modest financial contribution. Applicants should weigh the marketing benefits against the real costs and operational risks of trade fair participation and use the EIC coaching and matchmaking support to maximise the chance that exhibiting leads to concrete business outcomes.