Library FAQ
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.
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.