Library FAQ
What is the ‘do no significant harm’ requirement for Accelerator projects?
Projects must comply with the ‘do no significant harm’ principle of the EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy.
What is the evaluation process and criteria for Pathfinder Challenge proposals?
Evaluation is two-step: remote evaluation by EIC expert evaluators against criteria, then an evaluation committee selects a portfolio. Criteria and thresholds: Excellence (threshold 4/5, weight 60%) with relevance to the Challenge, novelty, and plausibility of...
What kind of projects and TRL levels are Pathfinder Challenges targeting?
Pathfinder Challenges target ambitious early-stage deep-tech projects. In general, the starting point is around TRL 2–4, though TRL levels may not apply easily in all fields. Projects must aim to deliver the specific outcomes defined in the respective Challeng...
What portfolio activities and outputs are expected from funded Pathfinder projects?
Funded projects must plan to participate in portfolio activities with other projects and the EIC Programme Manager. Project outcomes must include top-level scientific publications and adequate formal protection of generated intellectual property. Annex 6 provi...
What team and implementation criteria are evaluated for Accelerator proposals?
The team’s capability and motivation are evaluated at both short and full stages. Full applications are also evaluated on milestones (implementation plan), the risk level of the investment (evidence of market unwillingness to fully finance), and risk mitigatio...
Which Excellence subcriteria apply at short and full application stages for the Accelerator?
Both short and full applications are assessed on breakthrough and market-creating nature and timing. Technological feasibility and intellectual property are assessed at the full application stage only.
Who can apply to Pathfinder Challenges?
The Challenges support collaborative research from consortia or single legal entities unless stated otherwise. Consortia proposals must be submitted by a coordinator and include at least two independent legal entities. Monobeneficiary projects may not be submi...
Are applicants encouraged to develop synergies with other programmes?
Yes. Applicants are encouraged to develop synergies with relevant activities under Horizon Europe Cluster 4 Work Programme 2021–2022 and Work Programme 2023–2024.
Are interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral approaches required for proposals?
Yes. Submitted proposals must follow interdisciplinary and cross-sectorial approaches, drawing inspiration and knowledge from a broad range of disciplines.
Do applicants need to be participants or owners of the original eligible project?
No. New participants including start-ups and SMEs are welcome. If an applicant was part of the eligible project they must confirm they are the IPR owner or have necessary rights; if not, the coordinator must include a commitment letter from the result owner gr...
How does this topic contribute to EU policy objectives?
It contributes to reinforcing EU strategic autonomy and EU Space policy, notably the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence and the EU approach for Space Traffic Management, promoting a secure, sustainable and safe space domain.
In what forms can applicants apply to EIC Transition?
As a single legal entity (mono-beneficiary) established in a Member State or Associated Country if a start-up, SME or research performing organisation; as a small consortium of two independent legal entities from two different Member States or Associated Count...
Is there a limit on the number of proposals per originating eligible project?
Yes. Only one proposal can be submitted per eligible originating ERC Proof of Concept funded in Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe and FET Innovation Launchpad project in the same call.
On what must an EIC Transition proposal be based?
The proposal must build on results already achieved within an eligible project that are at least at experimental proof of concept (TRL 3) or ideally validated in the lab (TRL 4); proposals based on other TRLs are not eligible.
What are the expected outcomes and impacts of this portfolio?
Development of technologies for space debris mitigation and remediation using very little propellant; in-space recycling and re-use techniques to generate basic materials and re-use components supporting in-space assembly and manufacturing (ISAM); improved col...
What are the expected outcomes of an EIC Transition project?
A technology demonstrated to be effective for its intended application and a validated business model with a business plan aimed at commercial development; intellectual property generated should be formally protected.
What are the timing rules for applying based on an eligible project that is still active or completed?
If the eligible project's grant is still active you may apply if the project has been active for at least 12 months. If the eligible project is completed you may apply within 30 months of the project's completion.
What information about the originating project must be included in the application?
You must specify the grant project which generated the result and reference where the result has been reported (periodic reporting, Horizon results platform, Innovation Radar or CORDIS).
What is the focus of the in-space recycling and re-use topic?
Recycling and re-using dysfunctional orbital assets for partial and/or complete re-use in-space.
What kinds of innovations are sought to protect EU space infrastructure?
Game-changing innovations and innovative space applications that enable detection, identification and avoidance of natural and human-made hazards in space, including collision avoidance and space situational awareness (SSA) technologies.
What must EIC Transition projects include regarding technology and market development?
They must include further technology development and validation to raise TRL (from TRL 3/4 up to TRL 5–6 as relevant), user-centric validation (prototyping, testing, demos), and market/business development (market research, value proposition, business case and...
What role should Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) and other actors play in EIC Transition projects?
TTOs are encouraged to actively participate as they play a key role in enabling and supporting researchers with development and commercialisation. Consortia may include start-ups, SMEs, research organisations, larger companies, user/customer organisations or p...
What should be achieved by the end of an EIC Transition project?
You should be ready for the next stage such as applying for EIC Accelerator (if an SME), seeking investors, entering licensing or collaboration agreements, or spinning out a new company; proposals must include milestones and concrete, verifiable KPIs to assess...
What specific technologies or innovations may result from projects in this topic?
Collision avoidance concepts with accurate detection and tracking; innovations for SSA; algorithms and simulation tools for re-entry, close proximity operations and fragmentation; and concepts for in-orbit spacecraft recognition and space debris detection.