Library FAQ
Who is eligible to apply to the Strategic Digital and Health Technologies challenge?
High-risk, high-potential SMEs, including start-ups, spin-outs and small mid-caps from any sector that are potential leaders in the identified strategic technologies; applicants must meet the EIC Accelerator eligibility conditions (Section II.3) and Annex 2.
How did the report prioritise which signals to feature?
Priority was given to signals not considered main topics for EIC Challenges during 2018–2023 and signals not featured in previous EIC reports or communication outputs; counts of funded projects were used only as an indication, not a decisive factor.
How do flexible PCBs improve space mission design and reliability?
They reduce harness requirements and mass, eliminate points of failure, enable integration of electronics into single mechanical parts, and support better stowage and deployment, improving mission performance and reliability.
How many proposals and projects were reviewed quantitatively for the report?
The first stage reviewed over 6,650 proposals submitted to the EIC between 2018 and 2023, including around 720 beneficiary projects and approximately 5,940 non-funded proposals.
How was the qualitative assessment stage organised?
EIC Programme Managers led expert-based qualitative assessments of the selected signals, conducted by 11 sector-specific panels each coordinated by Programme Managers and including 1 to 4 external experts, culminating in a final selection of 34 signals.
How were technology 'signals' identified and filtered in the quantitative stage?
About 300 individual signals were identified through data mining; after cleaning and filtering, more than 260 signals were selected for qualitative assessment, with data elements including numbers of related projects/proposals, top keywords, patents/publicatio...
What are flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs) for space sub-systems?
Flexible PCBs and Electronic Assemblies are adaptable electronic interconnects and assemblies that enable lightweight, streamlined designs, reduce wiring harnesses, and integrate electronics into mechanical components for space systems.
What are the main EIC funding schemes and their purposes?
EIC Pathfinder supports high-risk early-stage research for scientific/technological breakthroughs; EIC Transition advances projects from lab to commercialisation; EIC Accelerator supports startups and SMEs with grants and equity to scale innovations to market...
What datasets and tools supported the quantitative horizon scanning?
The quantitative review used advanced text mining and signal clustering via the JRC Tools for Innovation Monitoring (TIM), GPT@JRC machine inputs, patent data from EPO PATSTAT, and scientific publication data from the SCOPUS database.
What environmental and societal impacts may LiDAR have in the next five to ten years?
LiDAR could improve ecosystem and biodiversity mapping, support better forest and ocean management, enable more accurate atmospheric air quality assessments, and inform public health initiatives and environmental policy.
What is the JRC 'signal activeness' index?
It is a custom-built JRC indicator ranking signals by a ratio between signal occurrences retrieved in internal and external data for the previous two years (y–2).
What is the key innovation of LiDAR systems described in the report?
LiDAR systems achieve high measurement accuracy that surpasses traditional remote sensing instruments, enabled by meeting a specific combination of technical specifications (e.g. high signal-to-noise ratio and extensive swath width) for continuous, precise mon...
What methodological change does the 2024 EIC Tech Report adopt?
The 2024 Report adopts a more rigorous two-stage process combining quantitative analytics (text mining and scientometrics) and qualitative expert-based reviews via sector-specific assessment panels.
What potential impacts are expected from flexible PCBs in the next five to ten years?
They may enable optimised system designs (e.g. integrated controls for flexible solar panels), lower mass budgets, remove single points of failure, improve stowage/deployment, and support wearable electronics and habitat systems in human spaceflight.
What strategic significance does flexible PCB development have for Europe?
Flexible PCBs are recognised as a critical area for European investment (including under the EU CHIPS Act) with potential to create European champions in space-grade production and reduce technological dependencies.
What were the primary assessment and selection criteria used by the panels?
Panels assessed scientific/technological novelty at EU and global levels, potential for development/scaling/market uptake in five to ten years, and relevance to sector-specific and general EU policy priorities.
Which 11 sector panels assessed signals in the qualitative stage?
The panels were: Agriculture & Food; Built Environment; Energy Systems; Environmental & Climate Technologies; Health Biotech & Therapeutics; Medical Devices & Diagnostics; Advanced Manufacturing & Advanced Materials; Artificial Intelligence, Data & ICT; Quantu...
Which materials and technological advances are central to flexible PCB development for space?
Materials such as polyimide, Kapton, polycarbonates and other polymers, along with advancements in surface mount technologies, additive manufacturing, and miniaturisation, are central to development.
Who are the primary stakeholders for LiDAR technology according to the report?
Policymakers, industry leaders, and environmental researchers are identified as key stakeholders for LiDAR technology.
Why is end-to-end innovation important for satellite-based LiDAR systems?
Achieving operational satellite-based LiDAR requires advancements not only in payload instrumentation but also in satellite power, communication, and thermal control systems, making end-to-end innovation essential for deployment.
Are there limits on how many times I can resubmit if unsuccessful?
Yes. After three unsuccessful submissions to the EIC Accelerator, a legal entity may not apply again under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme. Applicants should address prior feedback and make significant improvements before reapplying.
Can the EIC Fund invest in a parent or holding company instead of the beneficiary?
Yes. The EIC Fund may invest in a parent or holding company if it meets all eligibility criteria (including SME status, non-bankability and establishment in an EU Member State or Associated Country) and in accordance with EIC Fund Investment Guidelines. Where...
Can the EIC Fund provide follow-on investments and under what conditions?
Yes. The EIC Fund may provide follow-on investments up to EUR 15 million subject to budget, an external project review, an amended Award Decision and renewed due diligence. Follow-on investments are limited to exceptional cases such as protecting EU interests/...
How and when will I receive the interview result?
You will be informed of the interview result within approximately two weeks of the interview.