EIC seeks up to six Programme Managers to steer Europe’s deep tech portfolios

The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency, EISMEA, launched a Call for Expression of Interest on 31 July 2025 to recruit up to six new EIC Programme Managers and to establish a reserve list for future hires. The call targets senior experts in deep tech fields from space and quantum to agrifood, renewable energy and construction. The stated objective is to bring high level scientific and innovation expertise into the EIC to guide high risk and potentially high impact projects through a more proactive portfolio management model.

What the EIC wants Programme Managers to do

The EIC positions Programme Managers as the visible, hands on leaders who will define technology visions and actively manage portfolios of funded projects. That management model departs from grant by exception and aims to steer multiple projects within a thematic portfolio toward common milestones, such as shared roadmaps, data sharing, market analysis and investor engagement. The role mixes scientific judgement, ecosystem convening, policy feedback and practical interventions to accelerate routes to market.

Who the call targets and essential eligibility

The call is open to candidates from any deep tech field who can demonstrate scientific credibility and practical experience in innovation or commercialisation. Candidates must be nationals of an EU Member State, hold at least a four year university diploma in a science or technology discipline, and meet standard EU temporary agent eligibility requirements including physical fitness for duty and fulfilment of national military obligations where applicable.

Application and selection process

Applicants must submit three documents to EISMEA - EIC - PM@ec.europa.eu: a CV limited to four pages, a motivation letter limited to three pages that explains how the candidate meets the selection criteria, and an 8 slide PDF that lays out a proposed deep tech challenge. The presentation must explain the opportunity, why now, the innovation ecosystem, key barriers, expected impacts and why the applicant is suited to lead the programme.

Portfolios mentioned and areas of interest

The recruitment is explicitly open to experts from any deep tech field. Candidates are asked to indicate if they are willing to take over one or more existing EIC portfolios. The Call lists specific portfolios the EIC currently manages and for which transfers may be expected. These include space systems and in space servicing, quantum and alternative quantum approaches, precision nutrition and food packaging in agrifood, construction and materials themes in architecture, engineering and construction, DNA based storage and responsible electronics, and several renewable energy conversion strands such as novel routes to green hydrogen, CO2 and N2 management, solar to X and waste to value.

What you should know about governance and partners

The EIC sits inside the Horizon Europe framework and the EISMEA agency implements EIC activities on behalf of the European Commission. The EIC operates alongside the EIC Fund which is intended to support equity investments in scale up companies. The data protection notice and recruitment documents name a set of external partners who will process applicant and beneficiary data under contract. These include the European Investment Bank acting as investment adviser, Alter Domus performing know your company checks and paymaster functions, and Dealflow.eu providing investor and due diligence support.

Data protection and operational safeguards

The EIC and EISMEA process candidate and applicant personal data under Regulation (EU) 2018/1725. Application data will be used for selection and for management of grants and investments. Some categories of personal data required for jury interviews include passport or ID numbers and proof of employment. Records are retained according to defined retention schedules with longer retention for funded beneficiaries. The recruitment and data notices name contracting parties and set out the legal bases and retention times. The EIC notes that AI tools may be used to facilitate processing but final decisions are taken by people.

Practical application checklist

Context and cautious perspective

The EIC presents this hiring round as part of a strategic shift to more active portfolio steering. That approach has theoretical advantages for aligning technical progress, investment and commercialisation. In practice proactive portfolio management is resource intensive and requires quick access to capital, robust governance and clear metrics to succeed. The advertised reserve list and the temporary nature of the contracts mean that this role can be high visibility while offering only limited long term job security. Candidates should weigh the opportunity to influence European deep tech agendas against the operational complexity and political dependencies that come with EU programme implementation.

How to raise questions or challenge decisions

If applicants believe the selection process contained an error they may request a review within 10 calendar days of the notification of the outcome. Complaints about adverse acts can be addressed to the Agency and may ultimately be brought before the General Court under the Staff Regulations or to the European Ombudsman after administrative remedies have been attempted. Data protection questions can be directed to the EISMEA data protection officer or to the European Data Protection Supervisor.

This Call for Expression of Interest is a chance for senior deep tech experts to join a high profile EU initiative that blends research, policy and investment. Applicants should prepare a concise, evidence based dossier that demonstrates both technical leadership and demonstrable experience in moving technical ideas toward market impact.