Library FAQ
Where should breakthrough ideas and concepts be designed and validated?
They should be designed and validated in a laboratory environment and address old debris, active debris removal (ADR), end-of-life (EoL) disposal, and possible debris mitigation measures integrated into spacecraft and launcher design.
Which originating projects are eligible as the basis for EIC Transition proposals?
Eligible projects include EIC Pathfinder projects (and certain Horizon 2020 FET calls), ERC Proof of Concept projects funded under Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe, certain Research and Innovation Actions directly funded under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe wit...
Are there restrictions on proposals related to communication networks?
Yes. Applications involving the evolution of European communication networks (5G, post-5G and related technologies) will be subject to restrictions for the protection of European communication networks (see Annex II – Section B1).
How and when must I submit a proposal?
Submit your proposal via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal by 29/10/2025 at 17:00 Brussels local time.
How are proposals evaluated?
Evaluation is in two steps: Step 1—each proposal is assessed and scored individually by at least three expert evaluators against the award criteria; Step 2—an evaluation committee applies portfolio considerations across all passing proposals to assemble a cohe...
How long will evaluation and contracting take?
Indicatively, you will be informed of the evaluation outcome by 5 months after the call deadline and, if accepted, can expect a grant agreement to be signed by 8 months after the call deadline. If retained for funding, grant agreement preparation and signature...
How much funding can I request and at what rate?
The EIC considers proposals with an EU contribution of up to EUR 4 million as appropriate, though larger amounts may be requested if duly justified. The funding rate is 100% of eligible costs, paid as a lump sum determined during evaluation.
What additional support do funded projects receive?
In addition to the grant, successful applicants receive tailored Business Acceleration Services, interactions with EIC Programme Managers, and collaboration with other projects in the Challenge portfolio.
What are EIC Pathfinder Challenges?
EIC Pathfinder Challenges build portfolios of high-risk/high-gain, multidisciplinary research projects to disrupt fields or create new opportunities by realising innovative technological solutions grounded in cutting-edge science and technology.
What are the award criteria, thresholds and weights?
Excellence (weight 60%, threshold 4/5), Impact (weight 20%, threshold 3.5/5), and Quality and efficiency of the implementation (weight 20%, threshold 3/5). Specific sub-criteria are listed under each award criterion.
What are the next steps if my proposal is retained for funding?
You will receive a retention letter outlining next steps for grant agreement signature. The EIC Project Officer and Programme Manager will support grant preparation, planning of portfolio activities, and preparation of the Challenge roadmap defining collective...
What are the page limits for the proposal Part B sections?
Sections 1 to 3 of Part B (Excellence, Impact, Quality and Efficiency of the Implementation) must consist of a maximum of 30 A4 pages.
What feedback will applicants receive after evaluation?
You will receive an Evaluation Summary Report with the final score and comments endorsed by the evaluation committee. If your proposal was retained or scored higher than funded proposals but not funded, you will be informed about the underlying portfolio consi...
What follow-on opportunities may be available to Pathfinder projects?
Projects may be eligible for Booster grants up to EUR 50,000, submission of EIC Transition proposals, submission to the EIC Accelerator via the Fast Track scheme, and participation in the ‘Next Generation Innovation Talents’ scheme.
What happens during Step 2 (portfolio considerations)?
The evaluation committee maps proposals against categories relevant to the Challenge (e.g., building blocks, technical areas, application areas, risk level, TRL stage) and selects a coherent portfolio to achieve the Challenge’s expected outcomes; minor adjustm...
What is the recommended amount of portfolio activity in the project plan?
It is advised to include a work package dedicated to portfolio activities and allocate at least 10 person-months to it.
What is the specific aim of the 'Biotech for Climate Resilient Crops and Plant-Based Biomanufacturing' Challenge?
The Challenge aims to support development of sustainable, nutritious plant-based food and breakthrough technologies to produce climate-resilient crops and high-value plant-derived ingredients, delivering energy- and resource-efficient, low-emission foods that...
What is the total indicative budget for this call and how is it distributed?
The total indicative budget is EUR 120 million, expected to be allocated in approximately equal shares across the Challenges.
What specific objectives must projects under the Biotech for Climate Resilient Crops Challenge address?
Projects should substantially increase plant growth, yields and resistance to combinations of climate stresses; increase water and nutrient use efficiency; improve reproduction and seed filling under at least two combined stress factors; investigate and enhanc...
What technical approaches are expected for the Biotech for Climate Resilient Crops Challenge?
Proposals should include multi-omics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, phenomics) and may leverage technologies like nanoparticle technology, chemistry, and advanced artificial intelligence to develop novel defence and acclimation strategie...
What types of projects should I apply with?
Apply with early-stage projects (around TRL 2 up to TRL 3–4) that aim to deliver the expected outcomes of the specific Challenge, including lab validation, top-level publications, IP protection, and assessments of regulation, certification and standardisation.
Who can apply to a Pathfinder Challenge?
Single legal entities or consortia established in a Member State or an Associated Country. In consortia: two-entity consortia must consist of independent legal entities from two different Member States or Associated Countries; consortia of three or more must i...
How and where must proposals be submitted and how long are proposal parts?
Proposals must be submitted via the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal before the cut-off. Sections 1 to 3 and the cover page of Part B must consist of a maximum of 20 A4 pages.
How much budget is indicative for the EIC Transition 2023 call and typical grant sizes?
The total indicative budget is EUR 128.36 million (EUR 67.86M for Transition Open, EUR 60.5M for Transition Challenges). The EIC considers proposals requesting more than EUR 0.5 million and less than EUR 2.5 million and durations of 1–3 years as appropriate.