Library FAQ
Can a spin-off from a research performing organisation be considered an affiliated entity?
Yes, a spin-off with a legal (e.g., contractual cooperation beyond the action) or capital link (research organisation owning a controlling share) can be considered an affiliated entity under Article 8 of the Grant Agreement.
Can investments be made in holding structures of the beneficiary company?
Yes, in certain cases investments can be made in holding structures, subject to the EIC Fund Investment Guidelines.
Can more applicants be invited to interview if several applications receive the same score?
Yes. A higher number may be invited, for example if several applications receive the same score.
Can the financial support (investment or grant) be revised after award?
Yes. For the investment component it may be revised following a periodic or final review of an EIC Accelerator project; for the grant component it may be revised exceptionally upon advice by the EIC Board and subject to a project review by external independent...
Could short proposals be submitted before 1 January 2024?
Yes. Short proposals may be submitted prior to 1 January 2024 according to the provisions set out in the 2023 EIC Work Programme.
Do projects need to comply with the 'do no significant harm' principle?
Yes. Projects must comply with the 'do no significant harm' principle, including as enshrined in Article 17 of the EU Taxonomy Regulation.
How is 'TRL 4' interpreted in this Work Programme?
TRL 4 is interpreted as all aspects of TRL 4 completed and validation in a relevant environment started.
How must applicants prove that a result was generated from a grant funded by Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe?
Applicants must specify the relevant grant number and acronym as indicated in the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal.
How will personal data be processed?
All personal data will be processed in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725.
Is participation in EIC coaching services mandatory and what support is offered?
Participation is not mandatory; applicants decide if and when to use coaching. The call is continuously open and applicants will be invited to select an EIC business coach and will receive three days of remote coaching.
Is there a limit on the number of participants at the Jury interview?
Yes. The number of participants to the interview must be limited to the minimum necessary.
What are the cumulative conditions for grant-only support under the Accelerator (Horizon Europe Art.48.1)?
Conditions are: 1) the project must include information on the applicant's capacities and willingness to scale-up; 2) the beneficiary must be a start-up or an SME; 3) grant-only support is provided only once to a beneficiary during the Programme, for a maximum...
What is the indicative budget and allocation for the Quantum technology components and semiconductor chip development Challenge?
The indicative budget is EUR 50 million. At least 30% will be allocated to Quantum technology components and at least 30% to semiconductor chip development areas; the remainder will be flexibly allocated based on successful submissions.
What is the maximum number of eligible entities allowed in a consortium?
Consortia of more than five eligible entities will be deemed ineligible (maximum five).
What requirements apply to proposals involving AI-based systems or techniques?
AI-based proposals must be technically robust (resilient to attack, secure and safe, have fallback plans, be accurate, reliable and reproducible) and demonstrate compliance with Trustworthy Intelligence Principles to a degree matching the research proposed.
When will the call open and can the opening or deadlines change?
The call will open on 17 April 2024. The Director-General responsible may open it up to one month prior or after that date and may delay the deadline(s) by up to two months.
Where is the definition of women-led SMEs and consortia provided?
The definition is provided in the Glossary in the Introduction of the Work Programme.
Which previous grants are eligible under the specified provisions?
Eligible grants are those awarded by the EIC, as well as the EIC pilot under Horizon 2020.
Are there participation restrictions related to communication networks?
Yes. Applications with elements concerning the evolution of European communication networks (5G, post‑5G and related technologies) will be subject to restrictions for the protection of European communication networks (see Annex II – Section B1).
Can a large company apply as a single legal entity?
No. Larger companies that do not qualify as SMEs are not eligible to apply as a single legal entity.
Can I apply if the eligible originating grant is still ongoing?
Yes, if the start date of the eligible grant is more than 12 months before the cut-off date of the relevant EIC Transition call.
Can I apply if the eligible originating project has already ended?
Yes, provided the end date of the eligible project is less than 30 months before the cut-off date of the relevant EIC Transition call (i.e., you may apply within 30 months of completion).
Can the formation and spin-out of a new company be included in an EIC Transition proposal if the project is not led by an SME or commercial partner?
Yes. You can include formation and spin-out activities, but you must describe the intended pathway to market and include specific milestones and concrete, verifiable KPIs to assess progress toward the market.
Do I need to have been a participant, PI or result owner of the eligible originating project to apply?
No. New participants, including start-ups, SMEs or other innovation actors, are welcome and encouraged to apply.