Library FAQ
Which specific technology areas does the food Challenge target?
The development and scaling up of interdisciplinary solutions in bacteria, yeast or fungi-based fermentation systems and macro- and micro-algae based novel aquaculture systems.
Who has access to EIC Business Acceleration Services (BAS)?
All EIC Awardees (from the EIC Accelerator, EIC Transition, EIC Pathfinder), Seal of Excellence holders, applicants to the EIC Accelerator who succeeded at the short application stage, EIC Scale Up 100 participants and Women TechEU Awardees.
Why is scaling up RES manufacturing and supply chains necessary for the EU?
To transform into a resource-efficient economy, minimize environmental impact and LCOE, reduce dependency on imports of enabling components including critical raw materials (CRM), and reach strategic net-zero manufacturing capacity and at least 40% of annual d...
Can the beneficiary provide financial support to third parties?
Yes. The beneficiary may provide financial support to third parties (ERC and EIC Pathfinder researchers).
How are internship costs reimbursed for researchers working on ERC actions?
All internship expenses for ERC action researchers will be reimbursed as financial support to third parties with a flat monthly reimbursement of EUR 4300 for PhD students and EUR 5300 for postdoctoral researchers for a maximum period of 3 months (internships m...
How many internships does the scheme aim to support and is there a minimum from EIC Pathfinder?
The scheme aims to support approximately 600 internships over the duration of the action, with a minimum of 150 researchers from EIC Pathfinder actions assuming high demand from all partner programmes.
How should the scheme be implemented in relation to the European Commission and partner programmes?
The scheme should be implemented in close cooperation with the European Commission and relevant funding bodies; the beneficiary is expected to interact regularly with partner programme representatives to receive strategic guidance and take account of their inp...
What approvals are required for interns selected for the internships?
Interns must have the necessary approvals from their institutions and project leaders/Principal Investigators to participate in the scheme when relevant.
What are the type of action, duration, budget and key dates for the internship scheme call?
Type of action: Coordination and support action (CSA); estimated duration: 24 months; number of projects expected: 1; call opening: July 2023; deadline for applications: 4 October 2023; indicative budget: EUR 4,000,000 with a funding rate of 100% of eligible c...
What experience and capabilities must the selected beneficiary demonstrate?
The beneficiary must demonstrate knowledge in H2020/HE funding programmes and experience in managing grants and multi-stakeholder projects under Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe; human resources advisory, recruitment and head-hunting for start-ups and spin-offs; an...
What financial support is available for researchers working on EIC Pathfinder actions?
Personnel costs are eligible under the Pathfinder grant; an additional mobility allowance of EUR 2300 per month for a maximum of 3 months can be reimbursed as financial support to third parties if the internship is more than [150km] from the researcher’s norma...
What information and agreements will the Agency provide and require the Beneficiary to conclude?
The Agency, informed by the Commission and partner programmes, will provide information on eligible host companies, eligible research projects and contact points. The Beneficiary is expected to conclude necessary agreements concerning data protection and confi...
What is the maximum amount to be granted to a third party?
The maximum amount to be granted to a third party is EUR [15 900].
What KPI requirements must applicants provide in their proposals?
Applicants must provide SMART key performance indicators that at minimum measure number of matches and internships, impact, and satisfaction rates for companies and interns.
What must applicants include in their proposals regarding management and control of financial support to third parties?
Applicants must specify how the management and control of this financial support will be organised effectively and efficiently, including measures to ensure sound financial management and avoidance of any abuse.
What must the Beneficiary include regarding the organisation and matching of internships?
The Beneficiary must provide a comprehensive work plan covering each internship from match to follow-up, ensuring matching accounts for the maximum number of interns eligible for reimbursements and ensures diversity of interns (including by country and gender)...
What outcomes and impacts are expected from the internship scheme?
Expected impacts include increased awareness of career paths in startups or founding companies, improved access to research talent for EIC and EIT-supported startups and SMEs, increased visibility of the scheme and funding opportunities, and high-quality asses...
What proportion of the EIC-funded budget must be allocated to financial support to third parties and in what form?
At least 50 percent of the total budget funded by the EIC for this action must be allocated through financial support to third parties in the form of lump sums.
Who bears the reimbursement costs for researchers funded by MSCA, HE Research Infrastructure, EIT/EIT KICs?
Reimbursements of internship costs for researchers funded by MSCA, HE Research Infrastructure, EIT/EIT KICs will be borne by the respective partner programmes.
Are EIC coaching services mandatory and can they include travel?
EIC coaching services are encouraged but optional; coaching involving travel may take place in duly justified cases when the coach's physical presence is expected to bring significantly better results, mainly for coaching EIC awardees.
Can investors who have not completed KYC provide pre-commitments?
Yes. Investors who have not undergone a KYC by the EIC Fund or EIF may provide pre‑commitments, but these are subject to completion of a KYC during the eligibility checks.
Can unused EIC 2025 funds be reused in later calls?
Yes. This includes the EUR 300 million allocated under the EIC 2025 Work Programme which may be reused in a call if there are unused amounts.
Does the STEP framework include critical raw materials?
Yes. According to the guidance note, the scope of STEP includes critical raw materials.
How is a 'city' defined for the iCapital awards and who can apply?
A city is a Local Administrative Unit (LAU) or group of LAUs where a majority of the population lives in an urban centre of at least 50,000 inhabitants (LAU figures must be those in the latest validated Eurostat LAU correspondence table at submission). Local a...

