European Innovation Council (EIC) in 2022

( introductory article of the EIC series | I.article about EIC Accelerator )

The European Commission has adopted the new horizon Europe EIC work program for 2022 a few weeks ago with some additional changes. As before, the targeted funding on strategic technologies opportunities are organized into main three funding schemes from early-stage research on breakthrough technologies for consortia to the development and scale-up of deep tech/disruptive technologies by innovative start-up and SMEs:

1. EIC PATHFINDER (TRL 1 to 4 =  “laboratory activities”)

• aimed for consortia
• funding from early-stage multi-disciplinary research on breakthrough technologies
• grants up to €3/4 million

 

2. EIC TRANSITION (TRL 4 to 5/6 = “viable demonstrators of the technology in the intended field of application”)

• aimed for consortia and single entities
• technology maturation from proof of concept to validation
• innovative technology is ready for business and market purposes
• grant up to €2.5 million

 

3. ACCELERATOR (TRL 5/6 to 9 = “disseminate high – impact innovation / market deployment”)

• aimed for individual innovative SMEs
• scaling up of deep tech/disruptive technologies
• market creating/ disrupting an existing one
• Funding through blended finance (grants up to a 2.5million, equity investments up to 15 million or above)

 

Additional EIC services:

4. Business Acceleration Services

• provided access to advice business coaching sessions to EIC projects and also access to specific expertise provided idedicated innovative trainings and bootcamps for     researchers/engineers
• chance to join Corporate Partnership Programme
• providing investors days – possible presentation EIC companies to investors

5. European Innovation Ecosystems

• the main purpose is to reconnect inclusive innovation ecosystems across Europe and reinforce network connectivity in innovation ecosystems

6. EIC Prizes

• unique opportunity to tackle the major challenges that society faces today, without any further needed information provided on how this should be achieved or who should achieve it

 

What are major simplifications and improvements in the main funding schemes compared to 2021?

1. EIC PATHFINDER   
   • improvement of rebuttal procedure (clearer timelines)
2. EIC TRANSITION 
   • clarifications on eligibility of consortia
3. EIC ACCELERATOR
   • improved resubmissions (evaluators take into account of improvements and rebuttals following first evaluation)
   • simplified Seal of Excellence to help obtain funding from Structural Funds or  Recovery Funds

 

EIC  ACCELERATOR

EIC ACCELERATOR funding program opportunity helps to develop the business concept of Startups and SMEs with their market-ready product strategy seeking to scale up high impact innovations with the potential to create new markets or disrupt an existing one. This funding scheme support breakthrough innovations where significant funding is needed over a long timeframe and is too risky for private investors.

 

NEW ELEMENTS EIC INTRODUCED IN 2022

1. improvement of resubmissions policy – it is possible to rebut evaluator’s comments by applicants
2. strong priority to interview women-led companies
3. simplification of Seal of Excellence: non-refundable applicants from jury interviews awarded a Seal of Excellence – no need for jury decisions
4. companies are allowed to apply for investments above €15 million
5. more frequent cut off dates for full applications (March, June, October)

• • Mar 23, 2022    (interview weeks – 10.05.2022 – 20.05.2022)
  • June 15, 2022    (interview weeks – 12.09.2022 – 23.09.2022)
  • Oct 5, 2022        (interview weeks – 21.11 .2022 – 02.12.2022)

 

Summary of main EIC calls in 2022:

 

 

more info: https://eic.ec.europa.eu/index_en