Library FAQ
Who evaluates Booster grant proposals and how are selection decisions made?
A mixed committee composed of an EIC Programme Manager, an external expert, and either an EIC Project Officer or a second external expert evaluates proposals. The committee assesses each award criterion and gives a GO or NO GO; proposals receiving at least two...
Will the Plug-in pilot scheme be reviewed?
Yes. The pilot Plug-in scheme will be subjected to an assessment after the first implementation to verify process effectiveness and proposal quality, to inform renewal and possible inclusion of other programmes.
How must applications be submitted and what forms should be used?
Applications must be submitted electronically via the Funding & Tenders Portal electronic submission system before the call deadline. Paper submissions are not possible. Applications must be submitted using the forms provided inside the electronic submission s...
What analytics and tools are required to support mainstreaming diversity?
Actionable analytics, exploitation, dissemination and communication tools and frameworks (e.g. country fiches, handbooks, templates for diversity reporting), benchmarking tools and data visualisation dashboards.
What are the expected impacts of the Gender & Diversity Index action?
Enhanced ability to identify and address diversity gaps at multiple levels; inputs to evidence-based policy and funding decisions at EU, national and organisational levels; comparative benchmarking across Member States and Associated Countries; contribution to...
What are the main deliverables expected for the Gender & Diversity Index action?
Upgrade and operationalise the GENDEX Scorecard into a broader Gender & Diversity Index; validate and harmonise methodologies, definitions and datasets (including sector-specific baselines and leadership role disaggregation); integrate multi-source datasets; d...
What are the page limits for applications?
Unless otherwise stated, the limit for a full application is 45 pages (30 pages for ‘Coordination and support’ actions). For topics using lump sum funding, the limit is 50 pages for ‘Research and Innovation’ and ‘Innovation’ actions and 33 pages for ‘Coordinat...
What dissemination outputs must the contractor produce?
Tailored dissemination products such as reports and infographics, a policy report with 5–6 expert articles, and a flagship synthesis report combining data and policy insights.
What does upgrading the GENDEX Scorecard involve?
Upgrading and operationalising the GENDEX Scorecard into a broader Gender & Diversity Index.
What features should the interactive dashboard provide?
User-friendly access, filtering and visualisation of data, and the ability to compare with EIC KPIs and data.
What is the objective of the Irish Presidency Conference supported under this programme?
To support organisation of a conference on the competitiveness and future direction of Europe’s startup and scaling ecosystem, including deeptech startups and scaleups, and how Europe can further enhance its ecosystem in a global context under the Choose Europ...
What is the Type of Action and indicative budget for the public procurement related to this work?
Type of Action: Public procurement. Indicative budget: EUR 700,000.
What is the Type of Action, beneficiary and budget for the conference grant?
Type of Action: Coordination and Support Action (CSA)/Grant to a named beneficiary (linked to an Irish Presidency event). Legal entity: University College Dublin. Indicative budget: EUR 300,000.
What outcomes are expected from the Irish Presidency Conference?
Discussion of progress on the Startup and Scaleup Strategy’s five thematic priorities; identification of bottlenecks and best practices for Europe’s deeptech and scaling ecosystem; identification of key success factors for startups in critical technology areas...
What reporting templates are expected to be produced?
Voluntary diversity reporting templates for start-ups, scale-ups and investors, including API-compatible formats.
What stakeholder engagement and coordination is required during implementation?
Interactions with the Commission and an advisory panel; organising workshops involving relevant users from the Commission and other stakeholders (e.g. investors); and engaging in data sharing with initiatives such as the She Figures contractor, JRC Indicators...
What tasks are entrusted to the European Investment Bank (EIB) and what is the funding arrangement?
Tasks related to the investment component of the EIC Accelerator (including EIC STEP Scale Up and reserve for follow-on investments) have been entrusted to the EIB as implementing partner; the EIB will receive an annual fee for these tasks. Type of Action: Con...
What types of datasets must be integrated for this action?
Multi-source datasets including public, commercial, EIC primary data and surveys, ensuring quality, privacy and consistency.
Where should applicants read the detailed annexes and guidance for calls and topics?
Applicants are invited to read the call documentation on the Funding & Tenders Portal topic page and the Annexes, and the Horizon Europe Programme Guide, the Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual, and the EU Grants AGA — Annotated Grant Agreement for clarific...
Which methodologies and data will be harmonised and validated?
Methodologies, definitions and datasets used in GENDEX and the EP Pilot Project, including integration of sector-specific gender baselines and leadership role disaggregation.
Who will organise the Irish Presidency Conference and when will it take place?
The conference will be organised by University College Dublin (UCD) in Q4 of 2026 during the Irish Presidency of the Council (July–December 2026). The topic text also states an indicative timeline of Q1 2026.
What activities are included in Action 3 to support EEN consortia in widening countries?
Drawing up and implementing a specific action plan based on needs, at least one training and exchange of best practice per EEN consortium, and at least two days of 1-to-1 cross-border coaching by more experienced peers/experts to draft EIC Accelerator proposal...
What are the admissibility rules for submitting applications to EIC calls?
Applications must be submitted before the call deadline electronically via the Funding & Tenders Opportunities portal or indirectly via the EIC Platform (no paper submissions); they must be readable, accessible, printable and complete using the provided forms....
What are the expected impacts for SMEs served by EEN under these actions?
Seventy percent of SMEs served will apply for the EIC Accelerator and 8% of served SMEs will receive EIC funding or a Seal of Excellence. For SoE projects, 50% of served SoE will apply for funding and 25% of these will receive funding.