EIC appoints 10th Programme Manager to steer renewable fuels and resource exploitation portfolio

The European Innovation Council has welcomed Carina Faber as its tenth Programme Manager. Her portfolio covers renewable energy conversion and alternative resource exploitation. The EIC says she will focus on the production and use of alternative fuels and chemicals where renewable energy and simple feedstocks such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen or waste are used instead of fossil resources for energy and carbon inputs. The Agency frames the work as inspired by photosynthesis, where sunlight, water and carbon dioxide are converted into oxygen and sugars.

What an EIC Programme Manager does

Why the role matters and how it differs from traditional grant administration

EIC Programme Managers represent a shift from purely transactional grant management toward a portfolio and mission oriented model. Instead of simply disbursing funds to successful applicants, PMs are expected to identify thematic challenges, assemble coherent sets of projects with complementary skills, and broker services that help move technologies from early stage research toward commercialisation. The model aims to increase coherence across funded projects and to accelerate pathways to market by combining technical oversight with ecosystem building.

This approach can add value by fostering data sharing, coordinated roadmaps and joint portfolio actions. It also raises questions about accountability, measurability of success and independence. The EIC has put in place conflict of interest and confidentiality safeguards but the portfolio model concentrates influence in a small number of appointed experts. Outcomes will depend on how well PMs balance strategic steering with transparent selection and oversight.

Carina Faber's portfolio and technical focus

According to the EIC announcement, Carina Faber will focus on renewable energy conversion and alternative resource exploitation. A headline area is alternative fuels and chemicals produced from renewable electricity and simple feedstocks such as CO2, nitrogen and waste. The EIC describes the work as taking inspiration from photosynthesis, using renewable energy and simple feedstock to produce products used in daily life instead of relying on fossil carbon and energy.

The EIC frames the agenda as early stage and visionary work. Many of the underlying technologies remain at low technology readiness levels and require substantial work on scaling, feedstock logistics, lifecycle emissions verification and standards before they can displace incumbent fossil-based value chains.

Programme Managers in context and roster

Programme Managers operate at the interface of Horizon Europe research, the EIC funding instruments and the wider EU innovation ecosystem that includes the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, the European Research Council, national innovation agencies and private investors. They are intended to amplify the EIC's ability to identify and shepherd high risk high impact projects across early proof of concept stages.

The EIC notes that Carina Faber is the fourth female Programme Manager among the group. That is progress in a small roster but gender balance remains partial when the total number of PMs is ten.

Measured assessment and practical challenges

The portfolio approach that PMs embody has potential to better align early stage science with downstream commercial and policy needs. However the model faces practical constraints. Turning technologies that rely on novel feedstocks and energy inputs into profitable and scalable products requires coordination well beyond grants. Key barriers include scarcity and cost of low carbon feedstocks, infrastructure for CO2 or hydrogen transport and storage, regulatory approvals, certification and market creation. Public funding can de-risk early stages but private capital and industrial partners remain essential to finance scale up.

Implications for stakeholders

For researchers and startups: the PM-led portfolio approach can create coordinated opportunities beyond single grants, including coaching, business acceleration and investor matchmaking. Teams working on electrofuels, CO2 conversion, renewable hydrogen and waste valorisation should consider engaging with EIC Programme Managers to align proposals with portfolio roadmaps.

For investors and industry: the EIC is signalling priority areas that may produce investible companies in time. However investors should treat early stage claims with caution and demand independent validation of lifecycle benefits, feedstock supply models and unit economics.

For policymakers: if the objective is systemic decarbonisation of chemical and fuel supply chains then funding must be coupled with infrastructure planning, standards for carbon accounting and regulatory clarity to enable markets for alternative molecules.

What to watch next

Trackable indicators that will show whether the Programme Manager model is delivering include measurable portfolio outcomes such as technology readiness improvements, industry partnerships, follow on private investment, commercial deployments and clear evidence of collaboration across projects. Watch EIC calls and portfolio announcements where PMs are active, and the EISMEA communications on how PM-led activities translate into contractual or advisory support.

The appointment of Carina Faber expands the EIC's thematic reach into areas of energy and feedstock substitution that are strategically important for European climate and industrial policy. The policy and funding architecture around these emerging value chains will determine whether the vision can progress from inspirational analogy to industrial reality.