Library FAQ
Will the results of the mapping exercise and certification be publicly available?
Yes, the result of the mapping exercise and the certification will be published on the EIC website.
Can an applicant apply to multiple prize categories?
Applicants eligible for several prize categories can only apply to one.
How are Women Innovators applications evaluated?
The jury reviews and scores eligible applications, invites shortlisted applicants to an interview (which may be remote), and follows further evaluation rules published in the contest rules.
How is the term 'woman' defined for the Women Innovators prize?
The Prize celebrates women in all their diversity; the word 'woman' equates to a cis woman or a transgender woman who is legally defined as a woman.
Is there an age limit for the Women Innovators category?
No. There is no age limit to apply for the Women Innovators category (or for the EIT Women Leadership category).
What age requirement applies to the Rising Innovators category?
Those applying for the Rising Innovators category must be aged under 35 at the start of the call year; the text specifies candidates must have been born on or after 1 January 1989.
What are key eligibility time and location requirements for procurement awards?
The awarded procurement/practice must have taken place in a Member State (including OCTs) or an Associated Country and must relate to initiatives started after 1 January 2019; for ongoing activities only work completed by the submission deadline will be consid...
What are the award criteria for the iCapital competition?
The cumulative criteria are Experimenting, Escalating, Ecosystem building, Expanding, City innovative vision, and Citizens' rights.
What are the award criteria for the Women Innovators prize?
The criteria are Breakthrough innovation (deep-tech/STEM, founded/co-founded organisation), Impact (addresses real need with socio‑economic/environmental benefit), and Inspiration (applicant as an empowering role model for women and girls).
What are the categories and prize amounts for the Innovation Procurement Awards?
Two categories: Innovation procurement initiative (including implementation) and Facing societal challenges – Net Zero Industry Procurement. Each category: 1st EUR 75,000; 2nd EUR 50,000; 3rd EUR 25,000.
What are the eligibility rules for cities applying to the iCapital categories?
Candidate towns and cities must be located in a Member State or an Associated Country to Horizon Europe. Capital category: minimum 250,000 inhabitants (in countries without such cities, the city closest to 250,000 with at least 50,000 inhabitants may apply if...
What are the prize amounts for the iCapital categories in 2024?
European Capital of Innovation winner EUR 1,000,000; two runners-up EUR 100,000 each. European Rising Innovative City winner EUR 500,000; two runners-up EUR 50,000 each.
What are the prize amounts for the Women Innovators and Rising Innovators categories?
Women Innovators: 1st EUR 100,000; 2nd EUR 70,000; 3rd EUR 50,000. Rising Innovators: 1st EUR 50,000; 2nd EUR 30,000; 3rd EUR 20,000.
What are the two categories of the European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital) in 2024?
European Capital of Innovation (cities with minimum 250,000 inhabitants) and European Rising Innovative City (towns/cities with 50,000 to 249,999 inhabitants).
What endorsement is required for a city to apply to iCapital?
Each application must contain a specific endorsement to apply signed by the city Mayor or the equivalent highest political representative.
What is the iCapital indicative timetable for 2024?
Opening Q1–Q2 2024; Deadline for submission Q2–Q3 2024; Award of the prize Q4 2024.
What is the indicative timetable for the Women/Rising Innovators contest in 2024–2025?
Opening of the contest Q1–Q2 2024; Deadline for submissions Q3–Q4 2024; Award of the prize Q1–Q2 2025.
What supporting materials must applicants provide with their written application?
Applicants must support their written application with an inspiring video message about themselves and their achievements, lasting no more than 90 seconds, and be prepared to provide proof of eligibility upon request.
Who is eligible to apply for the European Innovation Procurement Awards?
Any public and/or private procurer, individuals/natural persons and/or legal entities supporting the use of innovation procurement established in a Member State (including OCTs) or an Associated Country to Horizon Europe.
Who is ineligible for the iCapital awards?
Winners of former European Capital of Innovation editions and runners-up of the 2023 edition are not eligible; previous finalist cities remain eligible. Applicants who have already received an EU or Euratom prize cannot receive a second prize for the same acti...
Are there limits on the number of submissions to the EIC Accelerator?
Yes. After three unsuccessful submissions of the same or improved proposal by the same legal entity to the EIC Accelerator call, an applicant may not apply again under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme.
Can companies that received 'Grant first' support under 2021–2023 receive EIC Fund investments?
Yes, subject to these companies achieving the milestones set for proceeding with the investment component.
For Challenges, what must applicants from Associated Countries demonstrate?
They must demonstrate contributions to the EU internal market or reduction of strategic dependencies.
How is the grant agreement handled when the EIC Fund invests in a parent or holding company?
The grant agreement with the beneficiary will include the parent or holding company as an affiliated entity in its role as investee.