EIC Accelerator Challenges for 2025: Driving Strategic Innovation in Europe

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Challenges for 2025 focus on empowering startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and small mid-cap companies with breakthrough solutions in critical areas. These challenges align with the European Union’s priorities in digital transformation, green transition, sustainable food systems, space resilience, and next-generation mobility. By providing targeted funding and support, the EIC Accelerator Challenges aim to foster high-impact innovations that contribute to Europe’s competitiveness, autonomy, and sustainability goals.

1. Advanced Materials Development and Upscaling

This challenge focuses on innovative materials that offer significant improvements in performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Advanced materials are key enablers in fields such as energy, electronics, healthcare, and transportation, and this challenge targets projects that can drive breakthroughs in these areas.

• Objective: To support the development and upscaling of advanced materials with strong market potential and sustainability benefits.
• Focus Areas: Durable, lightweight, sustainable materials that reduce environmental impact and improve energy efficiency.

2. Biotechnology for Low-Emission Food and Feed Production

This challenge supports biotechnological innovations that reduce the carbon footprint of food and feed production. Biotechnology plays a critical role in creating more sustainable agricultural practices and developing alternatives to traditional animal-based foods.

• Objective: To promote biotechnological solutions that contribute to low-emission production processes in the food and feed sectors.
• Focus Areas: Plant-based or microbial alternatives to animal-based food, improved crop varieties, and environmentally friendly feed production.

3. GenAI4EU: European Generative AI Champions

Generative AI is transforming sectors from healthcare to creative industries. The GenAI4EU challenge aims to establish European leadership in generative AI by supporting innovative AI solutions that align with EU standards on data privacy and ethics.

• Objective: To foster the development of advanced generative AI technologies that are innovative, ethical, and aligned with European values.
• Focus Areas: Generative AI applications in healthcare, content creation, manufacturing, and other high-impact areas.

4. In-Space Servicing and Resilient EU Space Infrastructure

As space-based infrastructure becomes increasingly essential, this challenge addresses the need for innovative solutions to support the maintenance, servicing, and resilience of satellites and other space assets. The goal is to secure Europe’s presence and autonomy in space.

• Objective: To develop technologies that enhance the sustainability, resilience, and autonomy of Europe’s space infrastructure.
• Focus Areas: In-space servicing, satellite resilience, orbital debris management, and secure communications.

5. Innovations in Future Mobility

The future of mobility lies in sustainable, autonomous, and connected transportation solutions. This challenge seeks innovations that address the technical, regulatory, and social aspects of next-generation mobility, such as autonomous vehicles and sustainable transport systems.

• Objective: To support transformative mobility solutions that align with Europe’s green and digital transitions.
• Focus Areas: Electric vehicles, autonomous driving technologies, multimodal transport solutions, and smart urban mobility systems.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator Challenges for 2025 represent Europe’s commitment to investing in strategic, high-impact innovations that support technological sovereignty and sustainable growth. By focusing on key sectors such as advanced materials, biotechnology, AI, space, and mobility, the EIC aims to enable European companies to lead on a global scale, drive societal benefits, and align with the EU’s long-term goals for innovation and resilience.

Advanced Materials Development and Upscaling: EIC Accelerator Challenge 2025

The Advanced Materials Development and Upscaling challenge under the EIC Accelerator aims to drive breakthroughs in material science, targeting innovative materials with high potential to impact sectors like energy, healthcare, transportation, electronics, and construction. With sustainability at its core, this challenge seeks to fund projects that deliver substantial improvements in performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact, supporting Europe’s goals for green transition and industrial competitiveness.

Objective of the Challenge

The core objective of the Advanced Materials challenge is to support the development and scaling of new materials that are not only high-performing but also align with Europe’s commitment to sustainability. The challenge is structured to foster materials innovation that can meet the needs of high-tech applications while addressing issues like recyclability, resource efficiency, and lower environmental footprints.

Focus Areas and Eligible Technologies

The EIC has identified several focus areas within the advanced materials domain where innovation is crucial:

1. Sustainable and Resource-Efficient Materials:
   • Materials that reduce dependency on scarce resources and enable circular economy models.
   • Includes materials that are designed for recycling or reuse, biodegradable materials, and those that minimize energy consumption during production.
2. Lightweight and Durable Materials for Transportation:
   • Lightweight materials are essential for the transport sector, particularly in aviation and automotive, where they can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
   • Focus is on high-strength, lightweight composites and alloys that enhance durability without adding unnecessary weight.
3. High-Performance Materials for Energy Applications:
   • New materials that contribute to renewable energy solutions, such as advanced solar cells, energy storage materials, and thermoelectric materials.
   • Materials that improve energy conversion efficiency, longevity, and energy density are highly sought after in this category.
4. Advanced Materials for Electronics and Digital Technologies:
   • Materials that enable faster, smaller, and more energy-efficient electronic components.
   • Includes innovations like flexible electronics, conductive polymers, and materials for quantum computing applications.
5. Biomedical and Healthcare Applications:
   • Biocompatible materials for medical devices, implants, and drug delivery systems.
   • This area seeks materials that can improve patient outcomes by enhancing durability, reducing allergic reactions, or enabling minimally invasive procedures.

Funding Scope and Eligibility

Projects under the Advanced Materials challenge can receive both grant funding and equity investments to support various stages of development and scaling:

• Grant Component:
  • Provides up to €2.5 million to cover costs associated with research, development, and initial prototyping.
  • Funding is intended to advance materials from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6-8, focusing on validating the material’s functionality in relevant application settings.
• Investment Component:
  • Offers equity investments up to €10 million to support upscaling, market entry, and industrial production.
  • This component is especially valuable for companies looking to scale their production capabilities and reach commercial markets.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Projects must be led by startups, SMEs, or small mid-caps based in an EU Member State or a country associated with Horizon Europe.
• Proposals should demonstrate a strong commercial potential for the material, including clear pathways to market entry and scalability.
• Sustainability considerations, such as lifecycle assessment, energy efficiency, and environmental impact, must be included in the project plan.

Expected Outcomes

The Advanced Materials Development and Upscaling challenge aims to support high-potential projects that can deliver tangible results for industry and society. Expected outcomes include:

1. Commercially Viable Advanced Materials:
   • Projects should achieve a level of development where the material is ready for industrial production and commercialization, offering a clear advantage over existing materials in terms of performance or sustainability.
2. Sustainable Manufacturing Processes:
   • Developing manufacturing techniques that minimize waste, energy use, and environmental impact, aligning with Europe’s goals for green industry practices.
3. Strengthened European Competitiveness in Material Science:
   • The challenge seeks to position European companies as leaders in advanced materials, reducing reliance on imported materials and fostering technological sovereignty in critical sectors.
4. Intellectual Property and Standards Compliance:
   • Projects should address intellectual property protection and align with European standards for material safety, quality, and sustainability.

Impact on European Innovation Ecosystem

The Advanced Materials Development and Upscaling challenge is integral to Europe’s broader innovation strategy. By supporting breakthroughs in material science, the EIC is fostering innovations that can cascade into various industries, driving advances in green tech, digital transformation, healthcare, and more. These efforts will not only enhance Europe’s technological independence but also contribute to global sustainability goals, as Europe leads in pioneering materials designed for the future.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator challenge in Advanced Materials aims to empower companies to scale groundbreaking materials, contribute to a sustainable future, and position Europe as a hub for innovative and environmentally conscious material science.

Biotechnology for Low-Emission Food and Feed Production: EIC Accelerator Challenge 2025

The Biotechnology for Low-Emission Food and Feed Production challenge under the EIC Accelerator targets innovations in food and feed biotechnology that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts associated with agricultural production. This challenge aligns with Europe’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality and sustainable food systems by supporting projects that foster a more efficient, low-emission approach to producing food and animal feed.

Objective of the Challenge

The main objective of this challenge is to promote biotechnological advancements that enable low-emission food and feed production, reducing the sector’s impact on climate change and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. The challenge seeks to fund high-impact projects that improve production efficiency, enhance food security, and contribute to the EU’s Farm to Fork and Green Deal goals.

Focus Areas and Eligible Technologies

The EIC has identified several focus areas within the biotechnology domain that can help transform food and feed production, encouraging sustainability, reduced emissions, and innovative solutions for alternative protein sources:

1. Alternative Proteins and Sustainable Food Sources:
   • Development of plant-based, microbial, or cultured proteins as alternatives to traditional animal-based food products.
   • Projects in this focus area aim to reduce the environmental footprint of protein production, addressing challenges related to land use, water consumption, and methane emissions from livestock.
2. Biotechnological Solutions for Low-Emission Feed:
   • Innovations in animal feed that lower greenhouse gas emissions from livestock, such as feed additives that reduce enteric methane production in ruminants.
   • Feed products that enhance nutrient absorption, reduce nitrogen and phosphorus excretion, and improve animal health and productivity.
3. Precision Fermentation and Biomanufacturing:
   • Leveraging precision fermentation techniques to produce essential food ingredients, such as dairy proteins, vitamins, and amino acids, without animal agriculture.
   • Projects focusing on biomanufacturing of ingredients offer sustainable alternatives to traditional production processes and reduce emissions associated with agricultural supply chains.
4. Advanced Crop Biotechnology for Resource Efficiency:
   • Genetic or microbiome-enhanced crops that require less water, fertilizers, or pesticides while maintaining or improving yield.
   • This focus area includes crop varieties that have been optimized for resilience against climate change impacts, thus minimizing the need for intensive resource inputs.
5. Circular Bioeconomy Solutions:
   • Biotechnological methods to convert agricultural waste into valuable products, such as biofuels, biodegradable plastics, or high-quality animal feed ingredients.
   • Circular solutions aim to close resource loops, improve resource efficiency, and reduce waste in food and feed production.

Funding Scope and Eligibility

Projects selected under the Biotechnology for Low-Emission Food and Feed Production challenge are eligible for both grant and equity support to facilitate their development and scaling:

• Grant Component:
  • Provides up to €2.5 million to cover eligible costs related to research, development, pilot testing, and initial production stages.
  • Focuses on advancing projects from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6-8, supporting feasibility testing, prototype development, and demonstration in relevant environments.
• Investment Component:
  • Offers equity investments up to €10 million, aimed at supporting scaling activities, commercial production, and market expansion.
  • Designed for companies that are ready to industrialize their technology and establish a substantial presence in the market.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to startups, SMEs, and small mid-cap companies based in an EU Member State or associated country.
• Proposals should demonstrate a clear path to commercialization and scalability, showing potential for significant impact on emissions reduction and resource efficiency.
• Projects must also consider regulatory compliance and sustainability aspects, ensuring that the proposed solutions align with EU standards for food safety and environmental responsibility.

Expected Outcomes

The Biotechnology for Low-Emission Food and Feed Production challenge is expected to drive tangible outcomes that promote sustainable agriculture, reduce emissions, and improve food security. Key expected outcomes include:

1. Commercially Viable, Low-Emission Food and Feed Solutions:
   • Development of market-ready products that offer measurable reductions in emissions and environmental impact compared to conventional food and feed production.
2. Enhanced Sustainability in Food Systems:
   • The challenge aims to foster biotechnology innovations that reduce reliance on intensive animal agriculture, promote alternative protein sources, and enable sustainable crop production.
3. Support for the Circular Bioeconomy:
   • Projects that close resource loops and valorize agricultural by-products contribute to a more sustainable bioeconomy, reducing waste and creating new value streams.
4. Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agriculture:
   • Projects should demonstrate potential for large-scale emissions reductions, contributing to the EU’s climate goals and aligning with the Paris Agreement commitments.

Impact on European Innovation Ecosystem

The Biotechnology for Low-Emission Food and Feed Production challenge contributes to Europe’s leadership in sustainable agriculture and food security. By supporting transformative biotechnological solutions, the EIC enables European companies to reduce agriculture’s environmental impact, develop alternative food sources, and promote a bio-based economy. This challenge not only supports the EU’s Farm to Fork and Green Deal strategies but also strengthens Europe’s position as a global leader in sustainable biotech innovations, fostering resilience and competitiveness in the agri-food sector.

In conclusion, the EIC Accelerator’s Biotechnology for Low-Emission Food and Feed Production challenge is essential to driving Europe’s transition to sustainable food systems. By enabling biotechnological advancements that reduce emissions, conserve resources, and provide scalable solutions, this challenge directly supports a more resilient and environmentally responsible food system for Europe and beyond.

GenAI4EU: European Generative AI Champions – EIC Accelerator Challenge 2025

The GenAI4EU: European Generative AI Champions challenge within the EIC Accelerator is a targeted initiative aimed at establishing European leadership in generative artificial intelligence (AI). This challenge focuses on supporting high-potential startups, SMEs, and mid-cap companies developing cutting-edge generative AI solutions that align with European values, particularly regarding data privacy, ethical standards, and regulatory compliance. By investing in Europe’s generative AI capabilities, this challenge seeks to enhance Europe’s digital sovereignty and competitiveness in the rapidly growing AI sector.

Objective of the Challenge

The primary objective of the GenAI4EU challenge is to foster the development and deployment of generative AI technologies that are innovative, ethically grounded, and responsive to the unique needs of European industries and society. With a strong focus on transparency, accountability, and data security, this challenge aims to position Europe as a leader in the AI space while adhering to the EU’s regulatory framework.

Focus Areas and Eligible Technologies

The EIC has identified several focus areas for generative AI applications that align with Europe’s strategic goals, particularly in healthcare, manufacturing, creative industries, and public administration. Each area emphasizes AI-driven solutions that can generate data, content, designs, or processes that enhance productivity, creativity, and efficiency.

1. Generative AI for Healthcare and Life Sciences:
   • Applications include AI systems that can assist in medical imaging analysis, personalized treatment recommendations, drug discovery, and synthetic biology.
   • Projects in this area should focus on improving diagnostic accuracy, accelerating research timelines, and creating value within the healthcare ecosystem while adhering to strict ethical and regulatory standards.
2. Generative AI in Content Creation and Media:
   • Supports AI-driven tools for generating visual content, text, music, and other creative outputs for industries like advertising, journalism, entertainment, and digital art.
   • The focus is on creating responsible AI tools that can foster innovation in media and the arts while addressing concerns around authenticity, copyright, and ethical content generation.
3. Generative AI for Industrial and Manufacturing Applications:
   • AI solutions that can optimize design processes, enhance product development, streamline manufacturing, and automate quality control.
   • Projects might include generative design software, automated coding for industrial applications, or AI-driven simulations to improve efficiency and reduce costs in manufacturing environments.
4. Generative AI for Natural Language Processing and Human-Machine Interaction:
   • This area includes AI technologies that improve natural language understanding, translation, and virtual assistant capabilities, tailored for use in business, public administration, and customer service.
   • Projects should emphasize user-friendly, secure, and transparent AI systems that improve communication and operational efficiency in sectors such as finance, government, and education.
5. Ethical and Transparent AI Solutions:
   • Focus on generative AI applications that prioritize transparency, accountability, and privacy, ensuring that these systems align with the EU’s AI Act and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
   • Solutions should integrate mechanisms for data protection, interpretability of AI-generated outputs, and control measures to prevent misuse or unintended consequences.

Funding Scope and Eligibility

Projects under the GenAI4EU challenge can access a blend of grant and equity funding to support the development, scaling, and commercialization of generative AI technologies:

• Grant Component:
  • Provides up to €2.5 million to cover eligible R&D, prototype testing, and initial market validation activities.
  • Aims to advance projects from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6-8, focusing on validating the technology in relevant environments and preparing for market entry.
• Investment Component:
  • Offers equity investments up to €10 million to support scaling, production, and commercial deployment.
  • The investment component is intended for companies with proven technologies ready for large-scale implementation in European markets.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to startups, SMEs, and small mid-cap companies based in EU Member States or countries associated with Horizon Europe.
• Applicants must demonstrate the scalability and commercial potential of their AI technology, alongside a clear alignment with EU ethical standards and regulatory requirements.
• Proposals should include specific plans for addressing data privacy, explainability, and risk mitigation in AI deployment.

Expected Outcomes

The GenAI4EU challenge is expected to yield high-impact generative AI technologies that drive Europe’s digital transformation while prioritizing ethical considerations and compliance. Key anticipated outcomes include:

1. Commercially Viable Generative AI Solutions:
   • Development of market-ready AI products and services that meet industry needs, creating value across healthcare, media, manufacturing, and other sectors.
2. Enhanced Digital Sovereignty for Europe:
   • Establishing a strong European presence in generative AI, reducing dependence on non-European AI providers and ensuring alignment with European values.
3. Ethical and Responsible AI Deployment:
   • Solutions that prioritize ethical considerations, including transparency, accountability, and data protection, setting a benchmark for responsible AI development globally.
4. Improved Innovation in Key Industries:
   • Generative AI applications that drive innovation, streamline operations, and boost productivity across multiple industries, supporting Europe’s competitiveness and sustainable growth.

Impact on European Innovation Ecosystem

The GenAI4EU: European Generative AI Champions challenge is a strategic initiative to elevate Europe’s role in the generative AI landscape. By supporting projects that adhere to strict ethical standards and prioritize user privacy and transparency, the EIC Accelerator seeks to create a trusted ecosystem for AI innovation in Europe. This challenge also supports the European AI strategy, promoting digital sovereignty, security, and competitiveness across critical sectors.

In conclusion, the GenAI4EU challenge is central to the EIC’s vision of a future where Europe leads in ethical, advanced AI. By enabling the development of generative AI technologies that are market-ready and grounded in European principles, this challenge contributes to a robust, secure, and competitive AI ecosystem that supports innovation and aligns with the EU’s digital and ethical standards.

In-Space Servicing and Resilient EU Space Infrastructure: EIC Accelerator Challenge 2025

The In-Space Servicing and Resilient EU Space Infrastructure challenge, part of the EIC Accelerator program, focuses on strengthening Europe’s presence and autonomy in space by advancing technologies that enhance the sustainability, resilience, and operability of European space assets. As space becomes increasingly vital for communications, navigation, climate monitoring, and security, this challenge aims to foster innovations that can maintain and protect European space infrastructure, reduce dependency on non-EU services, and ensure long-term space sustainability.

Objective of the Challenge

The primary objective of this challenge is to develop innovative solutions for in-space servicing, repair, maintenance, and resilience of satellites and other critical space infrastructure. By supporting these solutions, the challenge aims to bolster Europe’s strategic autonomy in space, mitigate risks from space debris, and establish Europe as a leader in space sustainability and resilience.

Focus Areas and Eligible Technologies

The EIC has identified several focus areas within in-space servicing and space resilience to address emerging challenges in the space sector. These include technologies that enable safe and sustainable operations in orbit, extend the lifespan of space assets, and ensure the reliability of critical infrastructure.

1. In-Space Servicing and Refueling:
   • Technologies that allow satellites and other space assets to be serviced, repaired, upgraded, or refueled while in orbit, extending their operational lifespan.
   • This focus area includes robotic servicing systems, autonomous docking mechanisms, and fuel transfer technologies that reduce the need for replacement launches and minimize waste.
2. Satellite Resilience and Fault Management:
   • Solutions designed to improve satellite durability, fault tolerance, and self-repair capabilities, making them more resilient to mechanical failures, radiation exposure, and other hazards in space.
   • Projects might include redundancy systems, AI-driven fault detection, and automatic recovery systems that enable satellites to maintain operations under adverse conditions.
3. Orbital Debris Management and Collision Avoidance:
   • Technologies that detect, track, and mitigate space debris, reducing the risk of collisions that could damage satellites or disrupt critical services.
   • This area includes debris removal techniques, tracking software, and collision avoidance systems that contribute to a safer orbital environment and support long-term space sustainability.
4. Secure Communications and Space-Based Data Systems:
   • Development of secure and resilient space communication systems that ensure reliable data transfer, particularly in areas critical to European security and infrastructure.
   • Focus areas include encryption technologies, quantum key distribution, and other secure data transmission methods that protect EU space assets from cyber threats and interception.
5. Autonomous Space Operations and Robotics:
   • Solutions for autonomous navigation, station-keeping, and operation of robotic systems for complex tasks such as repairs, inspection, and assembly in space.
   • Autonomous systems are crucial for conducting operations in hazardous or remote areas of space, reducing the need for human intervention and increasing mission safety and efficiency.

Funding Scope and Eligibility

The In-Space Servicing and Resilient EU Space Infrastructure challenge offers both grant and equity funding to support the development, testing, and commercialization of space technologies that ensure sustainable and autonomous space operations.

• Grant Component:
  • Provides up to €2.5 million to cover eligible R&D, prototyping, and testing activities necessary to advance these technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6-8.
  • Funding is intended to support demonstration projects, feasibility studies, and initial testing in relevant space or simulated environments.
• Investment Component:
  • Offers equity investments up to €10 million for scaling up production, commercial deployment, and market expansion.
  • The investment component targets companies ready to industrialize their space technologies and support the large-scale deployment of resilient space infrastructure.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to startups, SMEs, and small mid-cap companies based in EU Member States or countries associated with Horizon Europe.
• Proposals must demonstrate a clear path to market, scalability, and a solid understanding of regulatory and operational requirements in the space sector.
• Projects should also address sustainability considerations, such as minimizing space debris and adhering to international guidelines for responsible space operations.

Expected Outcomes

The In-Space Servicing and Resilient EU Space Infrastructure challenge is expected to generate high-impact innovations that support the sustainability, autonomy, and competitiveness of Europe’s space infrastructure. Anticipated outcomes include:

1. Commercially Viable In-Space Servicing Solutions:
   • Development of reliable, market-ready technologies for satellite servicing, repair, and refueling that extend the operational life of space assets and reduce the need for replacement launches.
2. Improved Space Infrastructure Resilience:
   • Technologies that enhance the durability, fault tolerance, and operational longevity of EU space infrastructure, ensuring continuous service for critical applications such as telecommunications, Earth observation, and navigation.
3. Reduction of Space Debris and Safer Orbital Operations:
   • Solutions that contribute to space debris mitigation and safer orbital environments, reducing the risk of satellite collisions and fostering sustainable space practices.
4. Strengthened European Autonomy in Space:
   • By investing in secure and resilient space infrastructure, this challenge supports Europe’s strategic autonomy in space, reducing reliance on non-EU technologies and services.

Impact on European Innovation Ecosystem

The In-Space Servicing and Resilient EU Space Infrastructure challenge is a critical part of Europe’s efforts to build a sustainable and autonomous space presence. By fostering innovative technologies that extend the life and resilience of space assets, the EIC is enhancing Europe’s competitiveness in the global space industry and supporting the EU’s strategic priorities. This challenge aligns with the EU’s Space Strategy and is integral to ensuring that Europe maintains control over essential space-based services.

In conclusion, the In-Space Servicing and Resilient EU Space Infrastructure challenge supports Europe’s ambitions for a secure, sustainable, and competitive space sector. By investing in autonomous servicing, debris management, and resilient space infrastructure, the EIC is helping European companies lead the way in creating a responsible, self-sufficient space environment that can support economic growth, scientific discovery, and societal needs for years to come.

Innovations in Future Mobility: EIC Accelerator Challenge 2025

The Innovations in Future Mobility challenge under the EIC Accelerator program is dedicated to advancing technologies that transform transportation, making it more sustainable, autonomous, and connected. This challenge supports startups, SMEs, and small mid-cap companies developing high-impact innovations that improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of mobility solutions. By promoting new technologies in electric, autonomous, and multimodal transportation, the EIC aims to align with the EU’s green transition and digital transformation goals, fostering a future of accessible, eco-friendly, and efficient mobility for all.

Objective of the Challenge

The primary objective of the Innovations in Future Mobility challenge is to fund cutting-edge solutions that redefine how people and goods move, with a focus on reducing emissions, optimizing urban transportation, and enhancing connectivity. Through this challenge, the EIC seeks to support innovations that contribute to the EU’s climate neutrality target and respond to urbanization pressures, addressing the need for smarter and more sustainable transportation systems.

Focus Areas and Eligible Technologies

The EIC has identified key focus areas within future mobility, encouraging projects that integrate sustainable practices, advanced digital technologies, and user-centric designs. Each area highlights technologies that contribute to a more efficient, clean, and interconnected mobility ecosystem.

1. Electric and Zero-Emission Vehicles:
   • This includes the development of electric, hydrogen, or hybrid propulsion systems for vehicles of all types, including cars, buses, trucks, and last-mile delivery vehicles.
   • Projects should emphasize advancements in battery technology, charging infrastructure, fuel cells, and renewable energy integration, aiming to reduce the transportation sector’s carbon footprint.
2. Autonomous and Connected Vehicles:
   • Innovations in self-driving and connected vehicle technologies that improve safety, optimize traffic flow, and enhance operational efficiency.
   • Key areas include sensor technology, AI-based decision-making, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, and cybersecurity measures for autonomous systems, focusing on reducing human intervention and error in transportation.
3. Multimodal and Integrated Transport Solutions:
   • Development of systems that facilitate seamless connectivity between various transportation modes, such as public transit, cycling, and ridesharing services.
   • This area promotes the creation of mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platforms, real-time traffic management, and smart ticketing systems that make transport more accessible and user-friendly.
4. Urban Air Mobility (UAM):
   • Solutions related to the emerging field of urban air mobility, including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, drone logistics, and air traffic management for urban settings.
   • Projects focusing on UAM should address safety, regulatory compliance, noise reduction, and integration with ground transport to create a feasible and sustainable air mobility network.
5. Sustainable Logistics and Freight Transport:
   • Technologies that enhance the sustainability and efficiency of goods transportation, particularly in urban and last-mile logistics.
   • This includes electric and autonomous cargo solutions, optimized routing, smart warehousing, and digital logistics platforms that minimize emissions and reduce congestion.
6. Smart Infrastructure and IoT-Enabled Mobility:
   • Innovations in infrastructure and Internet of Things (IoT) applications that support smart roads, adaptive traffic lights, and intelligent public transit systems.
   • This area emphasizes connected infrastructure that interacts with vehicles and data systems to improve traffic flow, safety, and energy use, particularly in urban settings.

Funding Scope and Eligibility

The Innovations in Future Mobility challenge provides both grant and equity funding to support the development, scaling, and commercialization of transformative mobility technologies:

• Grant Component:
  • Offers up to €2.5 million to cover costs related to research, development, testing, and initial market validation, advancing technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6-8.
  • The grant supports prototyping, pilot programs, and testing in real-world conditions, helping to bring future mobility innovations closer to market-readiness.
• Investment Component:
  • Provides equity investments up to €10 million for scaling up production, expanding infrastructure, and facilitating market entry.
  • This component targets companies with mature technologies ready for industrialization and large-scale deployment.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to startups, SMEs, and small mid-cap companies based in EU Member States or countries associated with Horizon Europe.
• Proposals must demonstrate commercial viability, scalability, and alignment with EU sustainability and digital transition goals.
• Projects should also address regulatory and safety requirements, particularly for autonomous systems, urban air mobility, and other high-impact technologies.

Expected Outcomes

The Innovations in Future Mobility challenge aims to generate tangible outcomes that reshape the European mobility landscape, making transportation cleaner, safer, and more efficient. Key expected outcomes include:

1. Commercially Viable Zero-Emission and Autonomous Vehicles:
   • Development of market-ready electric and autonomous vehicles that reduce emissions, improve safety, and support sustainable urban and regional transport.
2. Enhanced Urban and Regional Mobility Solutions:
   • Solutions that enable seamless, multimodal transport, offering European citizens and businesses more efficient and flexible mobility options.
3. Advances in Smart Infrastructure for Urban Mobility:
   • Deployment of IoT-enabled infrastructure, smart traffic systems, and digital platforms that improve traffic management, reduce congestion, and enhance urban livability.
4. Reduction in Transportation Emissions and Congestion:
   • By supporting zero-emission and efficiency-focused mobility solutions, this challenge aims to help cities meet air quality standards, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ease traffic congestion.
5. Strengthened European Competitiveness in Future Mobility:
   • By investing in advanced mobility technologies, the EIC aims to position Europe as a global leader in sustainable and autonomous transportation, driving job creation and economic growth.

Impact on European Innovation Ecosystem

The Innovations in Future Mobility challenge is essential for achieving Europe’s vision of a climate-neutral, interconnected, and user-friendly transportation ecosystem. By supporting breakthrough technologies in electric vehicles, autonomous systems, and multimodal transport, the EIC Accelerator fosters a greener, more efficient mobility landscape that aligns with the EU’s Green Deal, Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, and Digital Strategy. This challenge not only enhances Europe’s competitiveness in global mobility markets but also contributes to healthier, more sustainable urban environments for European citizens.

In summary, the Innovations in Future Mobility challenge under the EIC Accelerator seeks to empower European companies to lead in transforming transportation through cutting-edge technologies that prioritize sustainability, safety, and connectivity. Through this initiative, Europe is set to pioneer a new era in mobility that benefits both the economy and the environment, creating a resilient and forward-looking transportation system for future generations.

About

The articles found on Rasph.com reflect the opinions of Rasph or its respective authors and in no way reflect opinions held by the European Commission (EC) or the European Innovation Council (EIC). The provided information aims to share perspectives that are valuable and can potentially inform applicants regarding grant funding schemes such as the EIC Accelerator, EIC Pathfinder, EIC Transition or related programs such as Innovate UK in the United Kingdom or the Small Business Innovation and Research grant (SBIR) in the United States.

The articles can also be a useful resource for other consultancies in the grant space as well as professional grant writers who are hired as freelancers or are part of a Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME). The EIC Accelerator is part of Horizon Europe (2021-2027) which has recently replaced the previous framework program Horizon 2020.

This article was written by ChatEIC. ChatEIC is an EIC Accelerator assistant that can advise on the writing of proposals, discuss current trends and create insightful articles on a variety of topics. The articles written by ChatEIC can contain inaccurate or outdated information.

- Contact Us -

 

EIC Accelerator Articles

All Eligible EIC Accelerator Countries (including the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Ukraine)

Explaining the Resubmission Process for the EIC Accelerator

A Short but Comprehensive Explanation of the EIC Accelerator

The EIC’s One-Stop Shop Funding Framework (Pathfinder, Transition, Accelerator)

Deciding Between EIC Pathfinder, Transition and Accelerator

A Winning Candidate for the EIC Accelerator

The Challenge with EIC Accelerator Open Calls: MedTech Innovations Dominate

Go Fund Yourself: Are EIC Accelerator Equity Investments Necessary? (Presenting Grant+)

EIC Accelerator DeepDive: Analyzing the Industries, Countries and Funding Types of EIC Accelerator Winners (2021-2024)

Digging Deep: The New DeepTech Focus of the EIC Accelerator and its Funding Bottlenecks

Zombie Innovation: EIC Accelerator Funding for the Living Dead

Smack My Pitch Up: Changing The Evaluation Focus Of The EIC Accelerator

How Deep Is Your Tech? The European Innovation Council Impact Report (EIC Accelerator)

Analyzing A Leaked EIC Accelerator Interview List (Success Rates, Industries, Direct Submissions)

Steering the EIC Accelerator: Lessons Learned from the Pilot Program

Who Should Not Apply To The EIC Accelerator And Why

The Risk of Presenting all Risks in the High-Risk EIC Accelerator Program

How to Prepare an EIC Accelerator Resubmission

How to Prepare a Good EIC Accelerator Application: General Project Advice

How to Craft an EIC Accelerator Rebuttal: Explaining Grant Proposal Resubmissions