Library FAQ
What outcomes are expected from EIC Pathfinder projects?
Expected outcomes include proof of principle validating the scientific and technological basis of the envisioned technology, top-level open access scientific publications, and measures to allow future uptake such as adequate formal IP protection.
What types of proposals does EIC Pathfinder support?
EIC Pathfinder Open supports early-stage, high-risk/high-gain science-towards-technology breakthrough research across any field (TRL 1-4). EIC Pathfinder Challenges focus on proposals addressing predefined thematic objectives.
Who can apply to EIC Pathfinder Open?
Collaborative research consortia of at least three independent legal entities, each established in a different Member State or Associated Country, with at least one in a Member State. Legal entities may include universities, research organisations, SMEs, start...
Who is eligible for the EIC Accelerator and what funding does it provide?
Single start-ups and SMEs (including spin-outs), individuals intending to launch a start-up/SME, and in exceptional cases small mid‑caps (fewer than 499 employees). Funding includes up to EUR 2.5 million grant component for technology development (TRL 5/6 to 9...
How do I apply for EIC funding?
Apply through the EIC website (https://eic.ec.europa.eu/) and the EU Funding & Tenders Opportunities portal (https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home). These sites include all necessary information and details of the relevant...
What are EIC portfolios and Challenge Portfolios?
Portfolios group thematically or challenge-based projects to advance ideas collaboratively. Challenge Portfolio objectives and roadmaps are defined by the EIC Programme Manager in consultation with beneficiaries and may be revised; revisions can lead to reques...
What are some example challenge topics in the 2021 programme?
Examples include: Awareness inside; Tools to measure & stimulate activity in brain tissue; Emerging Technologies in Cell & Gene Therapy; Novel routes to green hydrogen production; Engineered living materials; Medical devices; Energy harvesting and storage tech...
What are the EIC policies on open access and intellectual property?
For Pathfinder, provisions ensure open access to scientific publications. Pathfinder and Transition projects may be requested to share results within portfolios subject to non-disclosure obligations; beneficiaries retain ownership and rights to exploit their r...
What are the EIC's specific objectives?
To identify, develop and deploy high-risk innovations—particularly breakthrough, market-creating and deep-tech innovations—support rapid scale-up of technologies and companies (mainly start-ups and SMEs) at EU and international level, and contribute to EU tech...
What does the EIC Accelerator fund and who can apply?
Accelerator supports single start-ups and SMEs (including spin-outs), individuals intending to launch a start-up/SME and, in exceptional cases, small mid-caps (<500 employees). It offers blended finance: up to EUR 2.5 million grant component (TRL 5/6 to 8)...
What does the EIC Pathfinder fund and who can apply?
Pathfinder funds advanced science-towards-technology research (TRL 1–4) to achieve proof of principle. Grants up to EUR 3 million (open) or EUR 4 million (challenge) are available. Applicants are consortia of at least three independent legal entities establish...
What does the EIC Transition fund and who can apply?
Transition funds activities that validate and demonstrate technology in application-relevant environments (TRL 4 to 5/6) and develop market readiness. Grants up to EUR 2.5 million (or more if justified). Eligible applicants are single applicants (SMEs, spin-of...
What environmental and AI-related compliance is required for projects?
Projects must comply with the 'do no significant harm' principle of the EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy and not contravene Green Deal objectives (e.g., proposals to increase efficiency of fossil fuels will not be funded). Where relevant, projects must also com...
What evaluation methods does the EIC use for proposals?
Pathfinder uses peer review where experts score and rank proposals. Transition is evaluated remotely then top applicants are invited to face-to-face interviews decided by a binary GO/NO GO. Accelerator proposals are evaluated remotely and at face-to-face inter...
What is the EIC Work Programme 2021?
The annual work programme for the European Innovation Council (EIC) funded under Horizon Europe; it is the legal document setting how the EIC will allocate its funding for 2021, prepared following advice of the EIC pilot Advisory Board and adopted by the Europ...
What is the role of EIC Programme Managers?
EIC Programme Managers actively manage projects and portfolios: they identify, develop and implement business and technology visions, oversee milestone-based reviews, request amendments, deploy Business Acceleration Services, and may recommend Fast track entri...
What key performance indicators (KPIs) does the EIC target in this work programme?
Targets include supporting impact-oriented companies of which over 90% address Sustainable Development Goals; crowding in co-investments and follow-up investments of 3–5 times EIC funding; effectively bridging research to deployment; and achieving a balanced p...
What main funding instruments does the EIC provide?
Three main instruments: the Pathfinder (advanced research), the Transition (transforming research results into innovation opportunities), and the Accelerator (support for companies to develop and scale up breakthrough innovations). All are complemented by EIC...
What measures does the EIC take to improve gender balance and support women innovators?
At least 40% of the EIC Board, Investment Committee, juries and expert evaluators will be women (objective to reach 50%); the EIC aims for 40% of companies invited to face-to-face Accelerator interviews to have female CEOs; Business Acceleration Services will...
What measures support applicants from widening countries?
National Contact Points and Enterprise Europe Network members will provide additional targeted support. All Accelerator applicants receiving a GO on their short applications receive three days of coaching for full application preparation. Applicants awarded th...
What project review and milestone process applies to EIC-funded projects?
Applicants must define milestones used for periodic reviews. Reviews assess completion of activities against objectives, are supported by independent experts and overseen by Programme Managers. Outcomes can include continuation, requested amendments, suspensio...
Who should read this document?
Potential applicants, innovators, and stakeholders interested in EIC support for breakthrough technologies and scaling start-ups/SMEs, and those seeking information on EIC mission, organisation and application procedures.
How are companies selected for the EIC Accelerator?
Startups and scaleups apply anytime; independent experts assess social and economic impact, market-creation potential, risk and business plan. Top applicants are invited to live pitch to a jury of experienced investors and entrepreneurs who make the final deci...
How does the EIC support innovators beyond funding?
The EIC provides tailor-made business coaching and acceleration services via a network of 750 international business coaches, access to global business and finance partners, and a virtual EIC Community Platform for networking.