Library FAQ
How does the EIC Tech Report relate to other EU initiatives?
It positions EIC analysis within broader Commission initiatives such as work on an Observatory of Emerging Technologies, DG CONNECT horizon scanning, STEP and envisaged competitiveness coordination tools for the next multiannual financial framework.
How many emerging technology signals does the report identify?
The report identifies 25 signals corresponding to emerging technologies with early indications of scaling potential.
What are 2D materials in the context of advanced memory and memristive devices?
Two‑dimensional materials are atomically thin solids (beyond graphene) like TMDs, h‑BN and vdW heterostructures whose quantum‑confined properties enable resistive memories, memristors and related spintronic and ferroelectric devices.
What are MXenes and what properties make them useful?
MXenes are a class of 2D transition metal carbides, carbonitrides and nitrides with high electrical conductivity, mechanical strength and tunable surface chemistry, enabling EMI shielding, energy storage, sensing and flexible electronics.
What are quantum repeaters and why are they needed?
Quantum repeaters are devices that establish, store and distribute entanglement across intermediate nodes to overcome distance limits in quantum communication without copying quantum information, enabling end‑to‑end entanglement‑based security.
What data and time period underpin the signals in this edition?
Signals originate from internal EIC data drawn from funded projects and proposals submitted to the EIC between Q2 2021 and Q1 2025.
What is the EIC Tech Report 2026?
A structured horizon‑scanning exercise by the European Innovation Council that identifies emerging deep‑tech signals from EIC data and expertise to inform policymakers, innovators and investors.
What is the remit and budget of the EIC?
The EIC is the EU flagship programme for breakthrough deep‑tech innovation under Horizon Europe, with an overall budget of more than EUR 10 billion for 2021–2027.
What manufacturing advances have been reported for MXenes?
Kilogram‑scale production with reproducible properties and controlled batch synthesis has been demonstrated, along with surface passivation strategies extending stability from days to months and processing routes for films and flexible components.
What recent developments are bringing quantum repeaters closer to deployment?
Advances include longer‑lived quantum memories (rare‑earth‑doped crystals, cold atomic ensembles), deterministic single‑photon sources, frequency conversion interfaces, integrated photonic circuits, multiplexing and new repeater architectures such as one‑way r...
What recent progress is reported for 2D‑material‑based memristors?
Recent progress includes improved on/off ratios, low SET voltages, fast switching, strong retention and endurance, low energy consumption, vertically stacked devices, dense crossbar arrays and optoelectronic integration.
Which EIC instruments contributed data to the report?
Data from Pathfinder, Transition and Accelerator instruments (Open and Challenge calls) were included.
Which organisations supported the report’s methodology and assessment?
The analysis was supported by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and informed by all 10 EIC Programme Managers and 25 external experts.
How does the EIC Accelerator application and investment process work?
The Accelerator uses a single application for grant and equity, with due diligence by the European Investment Bank followed by an investment decision by the EIC Fund manager; it offers grants up to EUR 2.5 million and equity investment up to EUR 10 million plu...
How frequently do EIC-catalysed equity investments involve non-domestic investors and cross-border flows?
About 80% of equity investments catalysed by the EIC involve a non-domestic investor, with a majority of those seeing cross-border investment flows within Europe; this is close to double the European average of 43.4%.
How has the EIC targeted critical technology areas and what funding amounts were directed to them?
The EIC built portfolios across critical areas, including EUR 850 million for quantum and semiconductors, EUR 725 million for AI, EUR 700 million for energy generation and storage, EUR 625 million for biotechnology and biomanufacturing, EUR 500 million for adv...
How many high-valued companies has the EIC portfolio produced?
Over 70 companies in the extended portfolio achieved centaur valuations (above EUR 100 million), including six with valuations above EUR 500 million.
How many start-ups and projects does the Horizon Europe EIC portfolio cover (2021–2024)?
The Horizon Europe EIC portfolio covers over 700 start-ups, 400 advanced research projects, and 180 translation projects funded in 2021–2024.
How many unique innovations and spin-out start-ups arose from Pathfinder and Transition projects?
There are over 1,350 unique innovations from Pathfinder and Transition projects, with 75% assessed as market creating or targeting emerging markets, and over 100 start-ups established or in the process of being established to commercialise those results.
How much additional investment has the EIC Fund mobilised and what leverage does it deliver?
The EIC Fund has crowded in over EUR 2.6 billion of additional investment and has leveraged over EUR 3 of additional investment for every euro invested through the Fund.
How much external investment have EIC portfolio companies attracted?
Portfolio companies have attracted over EUR 12 billion of additional investments, primarily from venture capital, with significant cross-border capital flows.
How much support has the EIC allocated since launch in 2021?
Since 2021 the EIC has allocated over EUR 6 billion in support.
What diversity and geographic reach does the EIC report show?
In 2024, 30% of supported companies were women-led (female CEO/CTO/CSO); EIC-supported start-ups and SMEs span 30 countries; and over 20% of research project coordinators and participants were female in 2024.
What does the EIC ‘extended portfolio’ include?
The extended portfolio includes projects and companies funded under the EIC Pilot phase: about 800 start-ups and SMEs from 2018–2020 and 400 technology projects from 2014–2020.