Library FAQ
What is evaluated regarding the project team?
Whether the team has the capability and motivation to implement the proposal and bring it to market, and whether there is a plan to acquire critical missing competencies, including adequate representation of women and men.
What is expected in the commercialisation strategy?
A convincing strategy covering regulatory approvals/compliance, time to market/deployment, and the business and revenue model.
What is the EIC Accelerator Open?
EIC Accelerator Open has no predefined thematic priorities and is open to proposals in any field. It supports later stages of technology development and scale-up for deep-tech innovations where EIC support can catalyse other investors; technologies should be a...
What is the scope and expected impact of the 'Fit for 55' EIC Accelerator Challenge?
The Challenge supports breakthrough, scalable innovations that accelerate decarbonisation in line with the 'Fit for 55' goals (e.g., clean energy conversion, decarbonisation of hard-to-abate industries, energy-efficient built environment, zero-emission mobilit...
What must applicants show about milestones and implementation?
A clear implementation plan with defined milestones, work packages and deliverables, together with realistic resources and timings.
What should be included in risk mitigation?
Identification of main risks (technological, market, financial, regulatory) together with measures to mitigate them.
What should be included in the assessment of market fit and competitor analysis?
An assessment of the potential market including conditions and growth rates, a thorough competitive analysis identifying potential customers and users (including women and men), unique selling points and key differentiation from competitors.
What specific conditions apply to the Open Strategic Autonomy Challenge regarding investment and control?
Applications may request an investment component above EUR 15 million in duly justified cases. The Commission may set specific conditions and milestones to protect Union strategic interests if necessary to ensure technologies are not directly or indirectly con...
What technological readiness is expected for EIC Accelerator proposals?
The technology component must have been tested and validated in a laboratory or other relevant environment—at least Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5/6 or higher for the EIC Accelerator which supports later stages and scale-up.
How are interview invitations prioritised for Strategic Technologies proposals?
All companies receiving a GO from remote evaluation are invited to interviews. If interview capacity is exceeded, priority is given to: (a) at least 40% of invited SMEs/start-ups addressing digital priority areas; (b) at least 40% addressing health priority ar...
How does the EIC decide which Green Deal proposals are funded?
Evaluation follows the EIC Accelerator Open call. Companies receiving a GO from remote evaluation are invited to interviews. If interview capacity is exceeded, prioritisation invites carried-over or invited resubmissions first, then ensures at least 50% addres...
How should Green Deal proposals describe their contribution to goals?
They must describe contribution to at least one Green Deal goal, using quantitative impact assessments where possible, and must not cause significant harm to any EU taxonomy environmental goals.
What is the additional Impact criterion for Strategic Digital and Health proposals?
Assessors evaluate whether the innovation has the potential to be a strategically important technology for Europe in terms of citizens’ welfare or economic development; proposals must describe this impact in relation to the call’s priority areas (assessed at f...
What is the additional Impact criterion for the Green Deal challenge?
Assessors evaluate whether the innovation has the potential to make a significant impact on at least one Green Deal goal; proposals must describe this impact in relation to the goals, including estimated quantitative impacts such as reduction or avoidance of G...
What is the EIC Accelerator Green Deal challenge?
It funds transformative green innovations that contribute to the European Green Deal and the Recovery Plan for Europe, focusing on disruptive and breakthrough innovations by SMEs (including midcaps) and start-ups to scale up next-generation low-carbon technolo...
What is the EIC Accelerator Strategic Digital and Health Technologies challenge?
It supports start-ups and SMEs (including small mid-caps) developing strategic technologies that enable innovative business models, smart products/services, and aim for global leadership, while enhancing Europe’s technological sovereignty and competitiveness.
What is the purpose of the EU Prize for Women Innovators mentioned in the text?
To ensure Europe does not miss opportunities from novel technologies and disruptive innovations by overlooking half its population, recognising women as a source of innovation and creative talent for a fair and sustainable recovery.
What must Green Deal proposals include regarding business planning and IP?
Proposals must be based on a strategic business plan, specify success criteria and expected outcomes, pay particular attention to IPR strategy and freedom to operate, and address regulatory and standardisation issues.
What project activities can be supported under the Strategic Technologies challenge?
Activities may include product/service development, trials, optimisation, prototyping, validation, demonstration and testing in real-world conditions, and market replication. Essential actions for the innovation project can be subcontracted.
What requirements apply to Strategic Technologies proposals regarding business plan and IP?
Proposals must be based on a strategic business plan, specify success criteria, milestones and expected outcomes, pay particular attention to IP protection, licensing and ownership, present evidence of freedom to operate, and address regulatory and standardisa...
What specific priority areas are emphasised for the Green Deal challenge?
At least 50% of companies invited to interviews must relate to one of: renewable energy (including renewable hydrogen and energy storage); deep renovation of buildings; low carbon industries (decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries); batteries and other...
What strategic technologies are covered under the Strategic Digital and Health challenge?
Digital technologies such as advanced high performance and edge computing, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud infrastructure, and IoT technologies; and healthcare technologies including AI-driven early diagnosis too...
Which sustainability goals must a Green Deal project support?
Projects must significantly contribute to at least one of: increasing EU climate mitigation/adaptation ambition; supplying clean, affordable and secure energy; transitioning industry to a clean/circular economy; building and renovating energy/resource efficien...
Who can apply to the Green Deal challenge?
Applicants must meet the eligibility conditions set out in the EIC Accelerator call (Section II.3) and Annex 2. The challenge targets high-risk, high-potential SMEs (including start-ups and midcaps) from any sector whose proposal contributes to Green Deal goal...