Library FAQ
What energy storage and harvesting technologies are mentioned?
Technologies include metal-air and flow batteries using EU-available materials, phase-change materials for thermal storage, and new thermoelectric materials (e.g., multinary metal halides, 2D topological materials, xenes, quantum-confined nanomaterials) for wa...
What is precision fermentation used for in agri-food?
Precision fermentation produces high-value food, feed, and non-edible materials from low-quality inputs and food waste, with examples including fermenting mushroom roots and converting agricultural residues into biopolymers.
What is the EU's 'Fit for 55' objective mentioned under cleantech?
The 'Fit for 55' package aims to reduce EU emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
What long-term in-space approaches are expected for dealing with space debris?
In-space recycling and reuse of spacecraft components are expected to emerge, enabling in-space manufacturing and circular utilisation for future missions.
What novel approaches are mentioned for low-cost high-density memory and molecular computing?
The text mentions colloidal nanoparticles, nanocapillary arrays for high-density memory, and chemical reservoir computing based on purely molecular information processing systems.
What novel breeding technologies are being developed for climate-resilient crops?
Solutions include breeds (e.g., tomato and rapeseed) that absorb more CO2 and AI-assisted photosynthesis regulation to increase yields and adapt to heat and drought.
What renewable fuels and chemicals approaches are highlighted?
Approaches include biotechnology-driven solar conversion to fuels and chemicals using cyanobacteria and microalgae, direct carbon capture integrated with conversion to produce fuels/chemicals, and full circularity by turning waste streams into resources.
What sensor innovations are suggested for harsh environments?
Improvements include underwater optical wireless communication using blue optical phased arrays and coherent receivers, and radiation detection leveraging AI and inorganic nanocrystals for high-speed, accurate measurement and localization.
What sustainability initiatives are being pursued for microelectronics?
Initiatives include biomolecular electronics, hybrid organic interfaces, DNA–carbon nanotube digital electronics, novel manufacturing like 5D NanoPrinting, material/architecture innovations (e.g., topological channels), and efforts on interconnections, packagi...
Why is sustainability in electronic devices and components considered urgent?
Enhancing performance while making devices truly sustainable is urgent because it requires novel, affordable solutions for computing and storing information to reduce environmental impact across device lifecycles.
How does the Seal of Excellence relate to State Aid rules?
The grant component of projects awarded a Seal of Excellence is exempted under the General Block Exemption Regulation from State Aid notification requirements under the same funding rates as the EIC; the investment component may be supported by other funders,...
How will the EIC develop partnerships with other initiatives?
The EIC will aim to develop partnerships with other EU and national initiatives that support disruptive technologies and breakthrough innovation, and may provide financial support through EIC work programmes for partner organisations to seek out and support in...
What are EIC Business Acceleration Services?
They are tailor-made services for EIC Community members aiming at commercialisation and scaling up of EIC innovations and companies through access to coaches, mentors, expertise, training, global partners, ecosystems and peers.
What are EIC Juries and how do they operate?
EIC Juries are panels of independent investors, entrepreneurs and external experts who conduct face-to-face interviews (physical or virtual) with applicants to EIC Transition and Accelerator calls as a critical part of the selection process; in specified cases...
What are EIC Programme Managers and what do they do?
EIC Programme Managers are officials appointed by the granting authority to manage one or more EIC Portfolios; they are high-level experts appointed for a limited duration to develop visions for breakthrough technologies and proactively manage portfolios to ac...
What are the eligibility and consortium requirements for EIC Pathfinder Open?
This call is open for collaborative research and requires a coordinator submitting on behalf of a consortium of at least three independent legal entities, each established in a different Member State or Associated Country, with at least one entity established...
What funding and additional support does EIC Pathfinder Open provide?
The total indicative budget is EUR 168 million; funded projects receive a Research and Innovation Action grant with a funding rate of 100% of eligible costs, with EUR 3 million considered appropriate (larger amounts may be requested if justified); previous EIC...
What is a Seal of Excellence and what does it provide?
A Seal of Excellence is a certification awarded to individual SMEs that meet funding criteria for EIC Transition or Accelerator but lack sufficient level of risk or need for Union support; it provides access to Business Acceleration Services and facilitates fu...
What is EIC Pathfinder Open intended to support?
EIC Pathfinder Open supports early stage development of radically new future technologies based on high-risk/high-gain science-towards-technology breakthrough research at low TRLs (1-4), aiming to provide proof of principle for the envisioned technology.
What is the application deadline and submission method for EIC Pathfinder Open?
The call deadline is 19 May 2021 at 17:00 Brussels local time, and applications must be submitted via the EU Funding & Tender Opportunities Portal.
What is the definition of SMEs under the EIC?
SMEs are enterprises employing fewer than 250 persons and having either an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 43 million; this definition includes start-ups under the EIC.
What is the difference between EIC Project officers and EIC Programme Managers?
EIC Project officers are officials appointed to manage an individual action, whereas EIC Programme Managers manage one or more Portfolios and proactively steer portfolios toward breakthroughs.
What is the EIC Forum?
The EIC Forum is a platform bringing different innovation drivers and governance levels together to discuss relevant policy issues and to support and complement initiatives undertaken in Horizon Europe.
What is the role and composition of the EIC Board?
The EIC Board oversees strategy and implementation of EIC activities, provides advice on EIC work programmes, comprises 15-20 leading innovators and researchers including a President, and is appointed by the European Commission; it is due to be established in...