Library FAQ
How and when must I submit my EIC Transition proposal?
You must submit via the Funding & Tenders Portal before the deadline of 17 September 2025 at 17:00 Brussels local time. Sections 1–3 and the cover page of Part B must not exceed 22 A4 pages.
How many proposals can be submitted per eligible originating ERC Proof of Concept or FET Innovation Launchpad project in the same call?
Only one proposal can be submitted per eligible originating ERC Proof of Concept or FET Innovation Launchpad project in the same call.
Is the EIC Transition call restricted to particular themes?
No. The EIC Transition Open call has no predefined thematic priorities and is open to proposals in any field of science, technology or application.
What funding and support is available for successful EIC Transition proposals?
The total indicative budget is EUR 98 million. Grants are Research and Innovation Actions; proposals requesting more than EUR 0.5 million and less than EUR 2.5 million for 1–3 years are considered appropriate, though larger amounts can be requested if well mot...
What information about the eligible originating project must be specified in the application?
You must specify the grant number and acronym of the eligible project(s) and reference where the result was reported (periodic reporting, the Horizon results platform, the EIC Transition ‘innovation discovery’ tool powered by the Innovation Radar, or CORDIS).
What IPR arrangements are required if I was not part of the eligible originating project?
If you were not part of the eligible project, your proposal must include a commitment letter from the owner(s) of the relevant result(s) confirming they will negotiate with you fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory access to such results, including IPR, for...
What IPR arrangements are required if I was part of the eligible originating project?
If you were part of the eligible project, you must confirm in your proposal that you are the IPR owner or holder and have the necessary rights to commercialise the results for the whole duration of the EIC Transition project.
What is the evaluation and decision timeline for proposals?
You will be informed of the first evaluation result, including feedback, indicatively within 9 weeks after the call deadline. If invited, the interview is organised around 11–13 weeks after the deadline and you will be informed of the interview result within a...
What minimum TRL must the results of the eligible originating project have to apply to EIC Transition?
Your proposal must build on results at least at experimental proof of concept (completed all elements of TRL 3); projects validated at lab level (TRL 4) are ideal. Proposals building on other TRL levels are not eligible.
What path to market must be specified in the proposal?
The applicant must specify which path to market will be pursued: direct exploitation by coordinator or beneficiary, creation of a spin‑off company, licensing to an established company (not part of the consortium), or another path to be described.
What technological and market maturity is expected from an EIC Transition project?
EIC Transition is expected to mature the innovation both in TRL and in market and business readiness from the beginning, with both tracks progressing in parallel and interacting.
Which types of originating projects are eligible for EIC Transition?
Eligible originating projects include EIC Pathfinder projects (including Horizon 2020 pilot Pathfinder, FET-Open, FET‑Proactive, CSA, CSA Lump sum FET Innovation Launchpad, FET Flagships), ERC Proof of Concept projects funded under Horizon 2020 or Horizon Euro...
Who can apply as applicant types or consortia?
You can apply as a mono‑beneficiary single legal entity established in a Member State or Associated Country if you are a start-up, SME or research performing organisation; as a small consortium of two independent legal entities from two different Member States...
Can someone who already received an EU or Euratom prize apply?
Applicants who have already received an EU or Euratom prize cannot receive a second prize for the same activities.
Is there an age limit for the Women Innovators category?
No, there is no age limit for the Women Innovators category, but applicants eligible for several prize categories can only apply to one.
On what basis will the jury assess applications for the Women Innovators prize?
The jury’s assessment is based on Parts A and B of the application form and the submitted video. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a hearing to defend their application, which may be held remotely.
What additional commitment is expected from the winning cities in this edition of iCapital?
The winning cities (ranked 1st in each category) will be invited to sign a declaration of intent to commit to a series of actions to promote iCapital during the year.
What additional eligibility rule applies to the Rising Innovators category?
Rising Innovators applicants must be aged under 35 at the start of the call year.
What are the eligibility rules for cities applying to iCapital or the Rising Innovative City category?
Candidate cities must be located in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. For the Capital category, cities must have ≥250,000 inhabitants (exceptions apply where no such city exists). Rising category cities must have 50,000–249,999 inhabitan...
What are the expected results of the European Prize for Women Innovators?
The prize aims to boost public awareness of women’s contributions to the EU innovation ecosystem, create strong role models, and inspire more women to become innovators.
What are the indicative timelines for the Women Innovators prize and iCapital contest in 2026–2027?
Women Innovators: opening Q1–Q3 2026, submission deadline Q3–Q4 2026, award Q1–Q2 2027. iCapital: opening Q1–Q2 2026, submission deadline Q2–Q3 2026, award Q4 2026–Q1 2027.
What are the main eligibility criteria to apply for the Women Innovators or Rising Innovators categories?
Applicants must be a woman (natural person), legally residing in an EU Member State (including OCTs) or a Horizon Europe associated country; be founder or co-founder of the company/organisation; and the company/organisation must be established in an eligible c...
What are the main objectives of the European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital)?
To recognise cities as catalysers of local innovation ecosystems, promote city-led experimentation and mainstreaming of innovative practices, engage citizens, and stimulate activities that boost game-changing innovation.
What award criteria are used to evaluate city applications for iCapital?
Six cumulative criteria: Experimenting, Escalating, Ecosystem building, Expanding, City innovative vision, and Citizens' rights; applicants must provide details on concrete results of showcased initiatives.