Library FAQ
What should the implementation plan include?
A clear plan with defined milestones, work packages and deliverables, together with realistic resources and timings.
When might the EIC Fund invest in a parent or holding company instead of the beneficiary?
If the parent or holding company fulfils all relevant criteria (including SME status, non-bankability for the EIC Accelerator purpose, and establishment in an EU Member State or Associated Country) and the EIC Fund Investment Guidelines are followed; applicant...
Which areas may have specific safeguards introduced in investment agreements?
Applications in the areas of AI, quantum, semiconductors and biotechnology may have specific safeguards in the investment agreement.
Are the budgets in the calls and topics final?
No; the budgets are indicative and final budgets may change following evaluation, with final figures able to change by up to 20% compared to the totals indicated.
Can amounts from Accelerator calls be used for follow-on investments?
Yes; amounts from Accelerator calls, including decommitted amounts, may be used for follow-on investments within the same budgetary year, subject to a valid financing decision and provision of information to the EIC and EIE Programme Committee.
Can previous grant beneficiaries use Fast Track to request grant-only support?
No; for previous beneficiaries of a grant the Fast Track scheme cannot be used to request grant-only support.
How much of the investment transfers is the EIC Fund’s administrative budget expected to represent on average?
The administrative budget to cover EIC Fund operations and administration will on average not exceed 10% of the budget transferred for investment purposes.
How will the expert group's work relate to the Horizon Europe mid-term review?
The expert group's work will be complementary to the Horizon Europe mid-term review, and its outputs are expected to feed into that review.
What additional advice will the expert group provide?
The group will advise on approaches to simplify operations and improve accessibility to funding and support for European innovation community stakeholders.
What are the main features of the EIC Accelerator budget and Next Generation EU funding?
The Accelerator is a continuously open call; its amount may be increased by previously committed but unallocated sums; the share between investments and grants will result from evaluation and due diligence; the Next Generation EU contribution will only be used...
What conditions must a project meet to be submitted via the Fast Track scheme?
The project review must conclude the proposal meets the first two EIC Accelerator criteria (excellence and impact), there is no duplication of funding with the existing grant, and the applicant meets EIC Accelerator eligibility criteria.
What happens to unused investment budget for the Accelerator?
If the full budget allocated for investments in year N is not committed by year N+1 at the latest, the unused budget may be reallocated to subsequent EIC Accelerator calls.
What is the estimated total budget shown in Annex 1?
The estimated total budget is EUR 1 206.31 million (Horizon Europe) and EUR 449.84 million (Next Generation EU), as shown in Annex 1.
What is the expected indicative budget under indirect management?
The indicative budget under indirect management is expected to be around EUR 571,000,000.
What is the Fast Track scheme for the EIC Accelerator?
The Fast Track scheme allows proposals resulting from existing Horizon Europe or Horizon 2020 projects to be reviewed by the responsible funding body, which can submit outcomes to the EIC Accelerator if certain conditions are met, rather than applying directly...
What is the indicative budget and timeline for the expert group action?
The indicative budget is EUR 250,000 and the indicative timeline is Q2 2023.
What is the rule on using a portion of call budgets for Booster grants?
A maximum of 1% of the budget dedicated to a call may be used for additional grants (Booster grants) to existing projects, each a fixed amount of EUR 50,000.
What payment will experts appointed in their personal capacity receive?
Experts appointed in their personal capacity acting independently and in the public interest will receive a special allowance of EUR 450 per day.
What support do Fast Track applicants receive and what is the timing for submission?
Fast Track applicants are invited to prepare a full proposal to a chosen cut-off date within the next 12 months, and receive support through the EIC AI-based IT platform and coaching; full proposals are assessed and treated the same as other full proposals.
What type of action covers the expert group's engagement?
Type of action: expert contracts.
What will the expert group review regarding the EIC's first three years?
The expert group will review the first three years of EIC implementation including its governance, institutional architecture and its relationship with the EIT and the EIE, and make recommendations for improvements where relevant.
Which funding bodies and schemes were eligible for Fast Track in 2023?
In 2023 eligibility included EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition projects managed by the Agency; relevant KIC schemes identified by each KIC; Eurostars-2 and the Partnership on Innovative SMEs; WomenTech.EU; and companies awarded Horizon 2020 EIC pilot Accelerat...
With which bodies is the expert group expected to interact?
The expert group is expected to interact with the EIC Board, the EIT Governing Board and the EIC Forum.
How are applications evaluated and are hearings part of the process?
The jury reviews and scores eligible applications and invites shortlisted applicants to a hearing in front of jury members to defend their application; the hearing may take place remotely.