Library FAQ
What hardware and sensing advances enable ULF MRI?
Lightweight coils and open geometries, quantum sensing advances such as optically pumped magnetometers, nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond, and compact superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), plus AI-based denoising and computational reconstruc...
What is a closed-loop brain interface system?
An integrated system that combines neural sensing and stimulation to monitor brain dynamics and adaptively modulate neural activity in real time based on ongoing brain states.
What is portable and ultra-low field (ULF) MRI?
MRI systems operating in the microtesla to tens of millitesla range using simplified magnet designs (lightweight coils, open geometries) that permit compact, lightweight, and mobile imaging without cryogenic superconducting magnets.
What is the overall methodological approach used for the EIC Tech Report 2026?
A two-stage quantitative-qualitative approach: machine-based quantitative signal filtering and scientometric analytics followed by expert-led qualitative assessment panels focused on scientific novelty and EU policy relevance.
What novel contrast or acquisition approaches are mentioned for low-field MRI?
Field-cycling approaches that introduce contrast mechanisms linked to tissue relaxation dynamics not accessible at conventional field strengths.
What recent advances are driving innovation in brain interfaces?
Convergence of multimodal neural sensing, adaptive stimulation, and artificial intelligence; improved combined acquisition modalities, adaptive focused ultrasound and closed-loop stimulation, minimised wireless implants, and AI-based decoding and stimulation a...
What therapeutic and non-medical applications are mentioned?
Therapeutic applications include treatment of epilepsy, psychiatric disorders, neurological conditions, and emerging tumour targeting; non-medical uses include human–machine interaction for robotics, vehicle control, and immersive digital environments.
Where can portable ULF MRI systems be deployed?
At the bedside, in intensive care units, or in settings where conventional MRI infrastructure is impractical, enabling more distributed diagnostic imaging.
Which effector or stimulation technologies are used in these brain interfaces?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, targeted electrical fields (transcranial electrical stimulation), and focused ultrasound are listed as effector technologies.
Which EU regulatory frameworks intersect with brain interface development?
The Medical Devices Regulation (for high-risk devices combining sensing, stimulation, and adaptive software), the proposed AI Act (transparency, human oversight, post-market monitoring), and alignment with the European Health Data Space for neurodata governanc...
Which sensing modalities are used in these brain interfaces?
Electroencephalography (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), transcranial functional ultrasound, and near-infrared spectroscopy are cited as sensing modalities.
Can small mid-caps receive the grant component?
No. Small mid-caps (companies that are not SMEs but have fewer than 499 employees) can only apply for the investment component and are not eligible to receive the grant component.
Do successful proposals receive Business Acceleration Services?
Yes. All successful proposals receive tailor-made access to a wide range of Business Acceleration Services in addition to funding.
How are candidates prioritised for face-to-face interviews if invitations exceed capacity?
Prioritisation order is: (a) companies the jury invited to resubmit directly to the next interview sessions; (b) companies with female CEOs up to 40% of invited companies to promote gender balance; (c) remaining companies prioritised by the submission date and...
How are full proposals assessed and what are the interview arrangements?
Full proposals are first assessed remotely by EIC expert evaluators (results in approximately five to six weeks). Successful proposals receive a GO and are invited to a face-to-face interview with an EIC jury approximately eight to nine weeks after the cut-off...
How are short proposals evaluated?
Four EIC expert evaluators (with competences matched to the technology and market) assess each short proposal and give a GO or NO GO against the evaluation criteria. If at least two evaluators give a GO the short proposal is successful; if more than two give a...
How does the short proposal submission work?
Short proposals can be submitted at any time via the Funding & Tenders Portal directing to the EIC AI-based platform. The short proposal includes a 5-page summary form, a pitch deck (up to ten slides, pdf) and a video pitch (up to three minutes with up to thre...
What application routes are available?
Applicants can submit to EIC Accelerator Open (no predefined thematic priorities) or to EIC Accelerator Challenges (predefined thematic topics in areas of emerging and strategic technologies).
What are possible outcomes of the investment due diligence process?
The due diligence may lead to a negotiated investment, to the recommendation to start with the grant component first with the investment subject to milestones, or to rejection of the investment (due to due diligence results, compliance checks, irregularities,...
What are the 2022 cut-off dates for submitting full proposals?
The cut-off dates for 2022 are 23 March 2022 at 17:00 Brussels time, 15 June 2022 at 17:00 Brussels time, and 5 October 2022 at 17:00 Brussels time.
What are the main features of the grant component?
The grant reimburses eligible costs up to a maximum of 70%. The remaining 30% and costs for commercial introduction and full scale up (TRL 9+) are not reimbursed by the grant but can be financed by the investment component if awarded. Grants should normally no...
What are the minimum and maximum amounts for the investment component and key terms?
The investment component ranges from a minimum of EUR 0.5 million to a maximum of EUR 15 million (higher amounts allowed in duly justified strategic cases). Equity investments will not exceed 25% of voting shares except in strategic cases, and investments are...
What confidentiality and data-sharing arrangements apply to proposals?
All personal data and proposal information are kept strictly confidential. Before submitting a full proposal you can be offered the option to share basic or all data with your National Contact Point. You must consent to share necessary information with the EIC...
What happens after selection for funding?
Selected beneficiaries are invited to negotiate the grant contract and, if applicable, the indicative investment amount. A single award decision by the Commission defines the grant and the maximum investment amount; an initial contract is signed and pre-financ...