Library FAQ
What was the main selection criterion for topics presented in Chapter 1?
The relative novelty of the topics to the EIC; topics were not prioritised based on potential impacts nor benchmarked against global trends.
Which technological and economic sectors are highlighted as part of the EIC’s strong portfolio?
Examples include renewable hydrogen, cell and gene therapies, quantum technologies, and agrifood.
Which topics are identified in Chapter 1 of the report?
Liquid-based memories for computing; Metabolic MRI; Scaling up mRNA-based therapies; 3D interconnects based on nanomaterials; Superhuman robot enabled surgery; Electronics based on biomolecules; Exosome based drug delivery systems; Novel qubits; Room-temperatu...
Who supported the identification of technologies for Chapter 1?
An ongoing partnership with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and discussions with EIC Programme Managers.
Are proposals with nuclear applications eligible for the EIC Accelerator?
Yes. The Work Programme clarifies that proposals with nuclear applications are eligible for the EIC Accelerator.
How are proposals evaluated for Pathfinder, Transition and Accelerator?
Pathfinder: peer review with weighted criteria and thresholds. Transition: remote scoring and ranking, then jury interviews for top applicants using binary GO/NO GO. Accelerator: remote evaluation and interviews using binary GO/NO GO; Step 1 short proposals ar...
How does proactive project and portfolio management work?
EIC Programme Managers review project milestones periodically with independent experts, may request amendments, deploy additional BAS, suspend or terminate projects not meeting milestones, and include projects in thematic or Challenge portfolios with shared ro...
How do I submit an application or get national support?
Applications are submitted through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal (accessible via the EIC website). Support and advice are available via National Contact Points of Horizon Europe and the Enterprise Europe Network.
How much funding does the EIC allocate for 2025?
The Work Programme sets out how the EIC will allocate over EUR 1.4 billion for 2025.
What are EIC Business Acceleration Services (BAS)?
Externally contracted, bespoke services provided to all EIC awardees, including coaching and mentoring, access to expertise, corporates, investors and ecosystem partners to accelerate growth and leverage EIC investments.
What are Fast Track and Plug in schemes?
Fast Track accelerates access for successful projects from other EU programmes to the EIC Accelerator. Plug in gives access for projects stemming from national programmes. Both aim to improve linkages between funding schemes.
What are the main changes introduced in the 2025 Work Programme?
Key changes include introducing the STEP Scale Up pilot call, reducing the EIC Accelerator maximum investment component from EUR 15 million to EUR 10 million, broader Seal of Excellence award rules in Transition, increased Transition jury invitations and GO re...
What are the main deadlines and indicative budgets for 2025 calls?
Pathfinder open deadline 21 May 2025 (indicative EUR 142M) with a Challenge cut-off 29 Oct 2025 (EUR 120M). Transition deadline 17 Sep 2025 (EUR 98M). Accelerator: short applications anytime; full applications 12 Mar 2025 and 1 Oct 2025 (indicative EUR 384M; C...
What are the main funding schemes in the 2025 Work Programme?
Four main schemes: EIC Pathfinder, EIC Transition, EIC Accelerator, and the EIC STEP Scale Up call. These are complemented by Business Acceleration Services, prizes and other supporting actions.
What economic security measures are included in the Work Programme?
Provisions include restrictions (where necessary and justified) on participation by entities directly or indirectly controlled by non-eligible third countries, investment safeguards in EIC Fund agreements for certain companies and technology areas, and require...
What is the EIC STEP Scale Up call and who can apply?
A pilot call providing larger investments to scale strategic technologies for Europe. Single startups, SMEs, small mid-caps and investors on behalf of eligible companies can apply for investment components of EUR 10 up to 30 million; applications any time (con...
What is the Seal of Excellence change in 2025?
Seal of Excellence will be awarded to all proposals that meet evaluation thresholds but are not funded due to lack of budget. For consortia, the seal is awarded to the coordinator and lists participating legal entities.
What strategic goals guide the EIC?
Six goals: be investor of choice for visionary ideas; crowd in EUR 30–50 billion into deep tech; pull through high-risk technologies in critical areas; increase European unicorns and scale-ups; catalyse innovation impacts from public research; and achieve oper...
Who can apply to the EIC Accelerator and what funding does it offer?
Single start-ups and SMEs (including spin-offs), individuals intending to launch a start-up/SME and in some cases small mid-caps (fewer than 499 employees). A grant component below EUR 2.5 million for TRL 6–8 activities and an investment component of EUR 0.5 u...
Who can apply to the EIC Pathfinder and what support does it provide?
Pathfinder Open: only consortia can apply. Pathfinder Challenges: smaller consortia (at least two eligible entities), single applicants or larger consortia can apply. Grants up to EUR 3 million (Open) or up to EUR 4 million (Challenges), starting from early TR...
Who can apply to the EIC Transition and what is the funding purpose and TRL range?
Single applicants (SMEs, spin-offs, start-ups, research organisations, universities) or small consortia (2–5 eligible entities). Grants up to EUR 2.5 million to validate/demonstrate technology in application-relevant environments, starting at TRL 3/4 and aimin...
Who should read the EIC Work Programme 2025?
Innovative researchers, startups, SMEs, scale-up companies, funders and organisations or individuals interested in EIC funding and support should read the document to understand funding allocations, calls, eligibility and application processes.
How do applicants submit applications to the EIC?
Applications are made through the EU Funding and Tender Opportunities portal, which can be accessed via the EIC website.
How is proposal evaluation tailored across the EIC schemes?
Pathfinder uses peer review with weighted criteria and thresholds; Transition is evaluated remotely then top ranked applicants face an interview with binary GO/NO GO scoring; Accelerator uses remote evaluation and interviews with binary GO/NO GO scoring, with...