EIC Fall-Winter School 2025: Online training on Talent and Culture for Growth for EIC beneficiaries
- ›The EIC Fall-Winter School 2025 takes place online on 31 October and 7 November, focusing on Talent and Culture for Growth.
- ›Applications open 9 September and close 30 September 2025 with a 40-person cap and priority for participants who attend both sessions.
- ›Session 1 addresses talent strategy, identifying high potential, feedback culture and leadership for growth.
- ›Session 2 focuses on future workforce trends, gender inclusiveness, well being, hybrid teams, and inclusive leadership.
- ›The programme is organised by EIC Business Acceleration Services as part of the EIC Community Programme and final agenda and speakers will appear in the 9 September open call.
EIC Fall-Winter School 2025: two online sessions on Talent and Culture for Growth
Save the dates 31 October and 7 November 2025. The European Innovation Council Business Acceleration Services is running an online edition of the EIC Fall-Winter School. The event is aimed at EIC beneficiaries and will focus on practical approaches to building organisational culture, recruiting and developing talent, and leading teams through transitions such as hybrid working. Participation is limited and applications will open on 9 September 2025.
What the two sessions will cover
The programme is organised as two half day online sessions each running from 09 00 to 13 00 Central European Summer Time. The format will combine interactive exercises, peer discussion and expert presentations. The organisers say the aim is to equip EIC-supported teams with tools to attract and retain talent and to shape cultures that support sustainable growth. That claim is aspirational and depends on participants being able to apply the learning in their own context after the school.
Participation, selection and logistics
Applications open on 9 September 2025 and close on Tuesday 30 September 2025. The organisers will publish the final agenda and speaker lineup with the open call on 9 September. Participation is capped at a maximum of 40 EIC attendees to preserve an interactive learning format. The organisers say they will prioritise applicants who plan to attend both sessions to ensure continuity and maximise learning impact.
| Item | Detail | Notes |
| Dates | 31 October 2025 and 7 November 2025 | Both sessions run 09 00 to 13 00 CEST online |
| Application window | 9 September 2025 to 30 September 2025 | Final agenda and speakers published 9 September |
| Capacity | Maximum 40 EIC attendees | Priority for participants attending both sessions |
| Target audience | EIC beneficiaries | Part of recurring EIC BAS activities |
Who runs it and what the wider programme is
The school is organised by the EIC Business Acceleration Services. It is delivered under the EIC Community Programme which is intended to provide peer learning workshops and tailored training for beneficiaries of the European Innovation Council. The Community Programme runs several recurrent activities including Winter and Summer Schools, Community Talks and welcome and coordinators days.
Programme content in context
The themes selected reflect persistent challenges across the European innovation ecosystem. Hiring and retaining senior talent remains difficult for deep tech and research intensive start ups that cannot match the salaries of large tech companies. Leadership and workplace culture are often limiting factors in scaling teams and moving from a founder centric organisation to a professionalised company. Inclusion and well being have become more central in policy conversations as hybrid working patterns spread and as the EU pushes for social fairness alongside competitiveness.
What to expect and what to watch for
For EIC beneficiaries the school offers a structured chance to reflect on people practices with peers and external experts. The small attendee cap may make sessions useful for deeper discussion. At the same time the direct impact of a short online course depends on what organisations do afterwards. Expect practical frameworks and peer exchange rather than guaranteed transformation of culture. There is also no public list yet of speakers or case studies which limits the ability to assess the exact level of expertise that will be offered.
Organisers have included a standard disclaimer stating that the information is for knowledge sharing and does not represent the official view of the European Commission or any other organisation.
How to apply and practical tips
Mark your calendar for the 9 September open call. When applications open review the final agenda and speaker list and apply early if you want to secure a place. If you represent an EIC funded project or company prepare to explain how attending both sessions will translate into concrete follow up actions inside your organisation. Given the 40 person cap you should expect selection to be competitive.
Consider the following preparatory actions to get more value from the school. Identify a small set of culture or talent challenges you want to address. Gather one or two short examples or data points from your team to discuss during peer learning. Plan immediate next steps you can commit to after the sessions so you can convert learning into measurable changes.
Final notes and implications for the EIC community
The EIC Fall-Winter School 2025 is another instance of capacity building provided to EIC beneficiaries. It aligns with broader EU priorities that combine competitiveness with social fairness and inclusion. The event will matter most for beneficiaries who can translate short term learning into sustained HR practices and leadership development. For the EIC Business Acceleration Services the challenge remains scaling tailored human capital support across a large and diverse beneficiary base while showing measurable outcomes.
For more details check the open call published on 9 September 2025 and register through the EIC Community channels if you are an eligible beneficiary.