Open call for EIC-funded projects to exhibit at the EIC Summit in Brussels
- ›The European Innovation Council opened an application to showcase EIC-funded projects at the EIC Summit on 7 and 8 December 2022 in Brussels.
- ›Participation is free and organisers will support logistics for 20 selected projects, reimbursing shipping for a showcased product and covering travel and accommodation for two representatives.
- ›Selected projects get a physical stand, promotion within the EIC network, access to plenaries and workshops, and photo and media opportunities including an official opening by Commissioner Gabriel.
- ›Deadline to apply was 12 August 2022, with evaluation in August and September and logistics arranged in October and November.
Open call for EIC-funded projects to exhibit at the EIC Summit
The European Innovation Council invited projects that have received EIC funding to apply for a place in a physical exhibition at the EIC Summit, scheduled for 7 and 8 December 2022 in Brussels. The call aims to produce an interactive exhibition that highlights concrete products emerging from the EIC portfolio.
What the call offers
The organisers planned to select 20 projects to occupy physical stands during the two day event. Participation would be free of charge. For each selected project, the organisers offered to refund shipping costs related to the showcased product and to cover travel and accommodation to and from Brussels for two project representatives. The exhibition was to be officially opened by Commissioner Gabriel and to include photo opportunities and media engagement designed to increase visibility.
Eligibility, expectations and selection
Only projects funded by the EIC programme were eligible to apply. The organisers expressed a preference for concrete products to be showcased during the event. The call invited project teams to apply via an online form. Twenty projects would be selected and logistics support arranged for them.
| Milestone | Date or period | Notes |
| Call launch | 4 July 2022 | Open call published by the EIC |
| Deadline for proposals | 12 August 2022 | Final date to submit the application form |
| Evaluation of proposals | August to September 2022 | Assessment of submissions to select 20 projects |
| Communication of results | October 2022 | Selected projects notified |
| Logistics arrangements | October to November 2022 | Organisation of stands, shipping and travel |
| EIC Summit | 7 to 8 December 2022 | Exhibition and Summit plenaries and workshops |
Practical application details
Applicants were asked to fill in an application form available on the EIC website. For questions and clarifications the organisers provided a contact address at EISMEA: EISMEA-EIC-SUMMIT@ec.europa.eu.
Context and practical considerations
The EIC Summit is positioned as a forum to connect EIC beneficiaries with potential investors and policy makers and to showcase outcomes of EU deep tech funding. In practice, the value of exhibiting depends on several factors including the strength of the project pitch, the fit between the product and the Summit audience, and the level of press and investor turnout during the event.
Organisers emphasised visibility and networking. These are legitimate benefits, but prospective applicants should be realistic about outcomes. Media mentions and investor meetings do not guarantee follow on funding or contracts. With only 20 exhibition slots available, competition would likely be strong. Teams whose projects are primarily software, services or early stage prototypes should consider how to demonstrate tangible results in a physical stand.
Why apply and what to prepare
Contact and next steps
To apply projects were asked to complete the form linked from the EIC website. For queries event organisers provided the email EISMEA-EIC-SUMMIT@ec.europa.eu. Applicants should review the application form carefully and prepare materials that demonstrate a tangible product or demonstrator suitable for a physical exhibition.
Key takeaways
The EIC Summit exhibition call offered a limited number of funded projects an opportunity to present physical products in Brussels with travel and shipping support. The benefits included visibility and access to Summit sessions. Applicants should weigh the potential visibility gains against the competitive selection and plan for concrete demonstrations and post event follow up to maximise the return on time invested in applying and attending.