Library FAQ
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.
How are applicants prioritised if interview capacity is limited?
Priority is given to women-led companies until 40% of invited companies is reached; remaining places are prioritised by the date and time of short proposal submission.
How are interviews organised and who participates?
Interviews are organised about three to four weeks after the remote evaluation result. A panel of up to six jury members assesses you. EIC Programme Managers and EIB representatives may attend as observers but do not take part in jury deliberations.
How do I submit a short proposal and when can I start submitting?
You may submit a short proposal at any time from 1 January 2024 via the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal.
How is the full proposal evaluated and how long does it take?
Three EIC expert evaluators assess the full proposal remotely against award criteria. You will be informed of the remote evaluation result in approximately six weeks and, if successful, invited to an interview with an EIC jury.
How long does evaluation of a short proposal take and how many evaluators assess it?
Approximately 4–6 weeks. Four EIC expert evaluators matched to your technology and market will assess the short proposal.
What are the main award criteria for short and full proposals?
Short proposals are assessed on excellence (company vision, novelty, TRL, timing), impact (competitiveness, market development, broader impact), and team/risk (team capability and plans to acquire missing competencies, including gender representation). Full pr...
What are the possible outcomes of the remote evaluation for a full proposal?
If all three evaluators give a GO for all evaluation elements, you are invited to interview. If two evaluators give a GO for all elements, a consensus meeting will decide. If two or more evaluators give a NO GO on any element, the proposal is rejected.
What are the short-proposal success and failure criteria?
If at least three of the four evaluators give a GO, the short proposal is successful. If at least two of the four evaluators give a NO GO, it is considered unsuccessful.
What can cause the EIC Fund to delay or reject an investment?
Due diligence may find the company or innovation not mature, leading to recommendation to start with the grant and attach milestones to the investment. The investment may be rejected due to due diligence findings, compliance checks, irregularities, misrepresen...
What does a full proposal include and when can I submit it?
A full proposal includes a full business plan, company finances and structure, proposed milestones, a pitch-deck (PDF) and a video pitch up to three minutes. For 2024, full proposals from successful short applications can be submitted to cut-offs on 13 March 2...
What does a short proposal consist of?
A short form summarising the proposal and questions on company/team, innovation and market; a pitch-deck of up to ten slides in PDF; and a video pitch up to three minutes with up to three core team members.
What happens if my project is selected for grant or blended finance?
For grant only, you will be invited to negotiate and sign a grant agreement and receive a pre-financing payment. For blended finance, a single award decision covers grant and investment; after grant preparations you sign the grant, and the EIC Fund/EIB start c...