The European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme 2024, detailed in the document, outlines its comprehensive strategy and components designed to foster innovation within the European Union. Here are the main components and highlights:

1. Strategic Goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): The EIC aims to support breakthrough technologies and companies critical for achieving the green and digital transition, ensuring open strategic autonomy in critical technologies. It has set six strategic goals, including becoming the investor of choice for high potential startups and entrepreneurs, bridging financing gaps for deep tech companies, supporting high-risk technologies, increasing the number of European unicorns and scale-ups, catalyzing innovation impacts from European public research, and achieving operational excellence.
2. Overview of the 2024 Work Programme: The Work Programme organizes its funding and support across three main schemes:
   1. EIC Pathfinder: For advanced research to develop the scientific basis for breakthrough technologies.
   2. EIC Transition: To validate technologies and develop business plans for specific applications.
   3. EIC Accelerator: To support companies in bringing innovations to market and scaling up.
   4. Each scheme is augmented with access to Business Acceleration Services, providing expertise, corporates, investors, and ecosystem actors.
3. Main Changes of the 2024 Work Programme: Adjustments, improvements, and simplifications have been made based on feedback and the reduced budget. These changes include the introduction of a lump sum cost model for most calls, reinforced measures against economic security risks, and adjustments in eligibility and funding criteria across different schemes.
4. Key Features of EIC Support: A blend of financial and non-financial support is offered to accelerate and grow EIC innovations and companies. This includes proactive project and portfolio management, a tailored approach to proposal evaluation, policies on open access and Intellectual Property rights, and measures to ensure economic security.
5. Collaboration with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT): The document outlines the increasing collaboration between EIC and EIT to strengthen the European Innovation Ecosystem, including shared services, the Fast Track process, and the new innovation intern scheme.
6. Outlook for 2025 and Future Years: Future strategies and potential new synergies are discussed, including the possibility of increased budgets for larger investments through the EIC Fund in key focal areas.
7. Glossary and Definitions: The document concludes with a detailed glossary and definitions section, explaining the terminology and acronyms used throughout the Work Programme.

These components collectively aim to support the European Union’s strategic objectives in innovation, research, and technological development, emphasizing high-risk, high-gain research, and breakthrough technologies with the potential for significant societal and economic impact.

1. Strategic Goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

In a landmark move to propel European innovation into the future, the European Innovation Council (EIC) has laid out a bold vision with its Work Programme 2024, focusing on identifying, developing, and scaling up breakthrough technologies and companies that are pivotal for the EU’s green and digital transition. This vision is underpinned by strategic objectives designed to ensure Europe’s open strategic autonomy in critical technologies, fostering a vibrant ecosystem where high-potential startups and entrepreneurs can thrive. The programme’s ambition is not just to bridge the financing gaps faced by deep tech companies but to position the EIC as the investor of choice for visionary ideas, thereby influencing the allocation of private assets in support of these innovations.

At the heart of the EIC’s strategic vision are six ambitious goals, each accompanied by clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that aim to measure progress and guide the implementation of the programme:

1. Becoming the Investor of Choice: The EIC seeks continent-wide recognition, attracting high-potential startups, entrepreneurs, and innovative researchers, with a special emphasis on underrepresented groups such as women innovators and those from less developed ecosystems.
2. Crowding in €30-50 Billion Investment into European Deep Tech: By addressing the critical financing gap, the EIC aims to leverage its fund to significantly impact the deep tech ecosystem, fostering a climate where private investment flows more freely to support groundbreaking innovations.
3. Supporting High-Risk Technologies: In areas critical for society and strategic autonomy, the EIC is committed to taking calculated risks to support the most promising deep tech opportunities from the earliest stages to commercial scale-up, ensuring Europe’s independence in key technologies.
4. Increasing the Number of European Unicorns and Scale-ups: The EIC is on a mission to nurture the growth of European startups and SMEs to match and surpass their global counterparts, fostering an environment where European innovations can lead on the world stage.
5. Catalyzing Innovation Impacts from European Public Research: By building partnerships across the EU, the EIC aims to commercialize the best ideas from the research base, creating a fertile ground for startups to scale up and make a global impact.
6. Achieving Operational Excellence: The efficiency, agility, and responsiveness of the EIC’s operations are designed to meet the high expectations of applicants, investors, and the market at large, ensuring a smooth path from innovative idea to market success.

These strategic goals are not just ambitious targets but represent a comprehensive blueprint for Europe’s innovation landscape, aiming to create a fertile ecosystem for breakthrough technologies that will define the future of the EU’s economy and society. Through a combination of financial and non-financial support, the EIC is setting the stage for a transformative impact that extends far beyond the immediate horizon, ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of innovation and technology.

2. Overview of the 2024 Work Programme

The 2024 European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme represents a pivotal stride towards fostering innovation and technological breakthroughs within the European Union. Structured to address the critical needs of the green and digital transition, it leverages over EUR 1.2 billion in funding, orchestrating a comprehensive strategy to empower researchers, startups, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Here’s an in-depth look at its structural overview:

EIC Pathfinder, Transition, and Accelerator: The Three Pillars

The Work Programme is ingeniously segmented into three primary funding schemes, each tailored to different stages of innovation and development:

• EIC Pathfinder: Dedicated to advanced research, the Pathfinder is the birthplace of scientific exploration aimed at developing the foundational elements of breakthrough technologies. It encompasses both open calls for any field of scientific inquiry and targeted challenges addressing specific, strategic interests of the Union.
• EIC Transition: This segment focuses on validating technologies and crafting business plans for specific applications, serving as a bridge from theoretical research to marketable innovation. Transition projects aim to propel validated technologies closer to market readiness.
• EIC Accelerator: The Accelerator stands as the culmination of the EIC’s support structure, assisting companies in bringing innovations to market and scaling them up. It is specifically designed for SMEs, startups, spin-offs, and in exceptional cases, small mid-caps, providing both grant and equity funding.

Integrated Business Acceleration Services

A distinguishing feature of the EIC Work Programme is the integration of Business Acceleration Services across all three funding schemes. These services offer unparalleled access to expertise, corporates, investors, and ecosystem actors, significantly augmenting the direct financial support provided to innovators.

Open Funding and Strategic Challenges

The Programme emphasizes flexibility and strategic focus through its dual approach to funding: “Open” calls support technologies and innovations across any field without predefined priorities, while “Challenges” target innovations of strategic interest to the Union. This approach ensures that while fostering wide-ranging scientific exploration, the Programme also concentrates efforts on areas critical for the Union’s strategic autonomy and societal challenges.

Follow-on Investments and Innovation Prizes

In addition to direct funding, the Programme allocates budgets for follow-on investments in companies previously selected under EIC schemes, ensuring sustained support for promising innovations. It also features innovation prizes and additional supporting actions, such as expert contracts and IT infrastructure, further enriching the ecosystem for European innovators.

Proactive Management and Tailored Support

The EIC Work Programme introduces innovative management approaches, including “Booster” grants for ongoing projects, a Fast Track scheme for accelerated access to the EIC Accelerator, and a “Plug in” for projects from national programmes. These initiatives are designed to maximize linkages between different funding schemes and to streamline the path from research to market for European innovations.

The 2024 EIC Work Programme stands as a testament to the European Union’s commitment to pioneering a future where innovative research and technology lead the way in addressing societal challenges and securing economic growth. Through its structured support across the innovation lifecycle, the Programme aims to transform the European innovation landscape, making it a global leader in technological breakthroughs and sustainable development.

3. Main Changes of the 2024 Work Programme

The 2024 Work Programme of the European Innovation Council (EIC) introduces several key adjustments, enhancements, and simplifications compared to its predecessor, reflecting feedback from the EIC Board, budgetary considerations, and practical insights gained from previous implementations. These changes are aimed at refining the programme’s effectiveness, streamlining its operations, and optimizing its impact on European innovation and technological advancement. Let’s delve into the significant modifications:

Introduction of Lump Sum Cost Model

A notable change is the introduction of a lump sum cost model for most EIC calls, except for the Pathfinder Open. This approach aims to simplify the financial management for beneficiaries by eliminating detailed financial reporting requirements, thus reducing administrative burdens and allowing innovators to focus more on their projects.

Enhanced Economic Security Measures

The Work Programme strengthens measures to mitigate economic security risks, reflecting the EIC’s commitment to safeguarding the EU’s strategic interests, technological autonomy, and assets against potential external threats. These measures include tailored eligibility criteria and investment safeguards, particularly for areas sensitive to economic security, such as artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.

Budget Adjustments

Budgetary adjustments have been made across all main EIC calls due to the withdrawal of the Next Generation EU contribution and the necessity to reserve funds for follow-on financing for companies previously selected under the EIC Accelerator calls. This recalibration ensures that the EIC continues to support innovation effectively within its financial parameters.

Specific Scheme Adjustments

• EIC Pathfinder: The removal of the rebuttal pilot from the evaluation process and updates to specific rules on Intellectual Property reflect the EIC’s ongoing efforts to streamline processes and align with best practices.
• EIC Transition: The 2024 Work Programme does not include challenge topics under the Transition call, broadening the eligibility to encompass results from Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe Pillar II projects. This expansion aims to facilitate a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to transition support.
• EIC Accelerator: Notable changes include the discontinuation of the “grant first” support option, adjustments to the criteria for passing the short application stage, and the introduction of consensus meetings for full application evaluations. These modifications are designed to enhance the evaluation process’s rigor and fairness.

These strategic adjustments to the EIC Work Programme 2024 underscore the Council’s adaptive and responsive approach to fostering a dynamic and resilient innovation ecosystem in Europe. By refining its operational framework and aligning its resources with emerging needs and opportunities, the EIC is poised to continue playing a pivotal role in advancing the EU’s strategic innovation goals.

4. Key Features of EIC Support

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme 2024 introduces a robust framework designed to significantly enhance the support provided to innovators and deep tech companies across Europe. This strategic approach combines both financial and non-financial support mechanisms tailored to accelerate the growth and scaling up of groundbreaking innovations. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the key features of EIC support and how they aim to transform the European innovation landscape:

A Combination of Financial and Non-Financial Support

The EIC’s support extends beyond mere funding, aiming to foster the emergence, acceleration, and growth of innovative technologies and deep tech companies. Recognizing the multifaceted challenges faced by innovators, the EIC offers a blend of financial support and Business Acceleration Services (BAS). This combination is pivotal in not just overcoming financial hurdles but also in addressing technical, market, and ecosystem-related challenges, thereby ensuring a holistic approach to innovation development.

Proactive Project and Portfolio Management

A distinctive aspect of the EIC’s support is the proactive management of projects and portfolios by EIC Programme Managers. This approach ensures that projects are not just financially supported but are also guided and advised throughout their lifecycle. EIC Programme Managers work closely with innovators, providing them with strategic direction and operational support to navigate the complexities of bringing cutting-edge technologies to market. This hands-on engagement is designed to maximize the impact of EIC funding and support, pushing the boundaries of what is technologically possible and marketable.

Tailored Approach to Proposal Evaluation

The EIC adopts a tailored approach to proposal evaluation, recognizing the unique challenges and requirements of different stages of innovation development. For early-stage, high-risk projects, the evaluation emphasizes scientific excellence and the potential for breakthroughs. As projects mature, the focus shifts towards market readiness, commercial potential, and the ability to scale. This nuanced evaluation process ensures that support is provided to the most promising innovations, tailored to their specific development stage and market potential.

Open Access and Intellectual Property Rights

The EIC champions policies of open access to scientific publications and the strategic management of intellectual property rights (IPR). This stance is designed to maximize the dissemination and impact of research findings while ensuring that innovators can protect and leverage their intellectual assets effectively. By encouraging open access and providing guidance on IPR, the EIC facilitates a balance between knowledge sharing and the commercialization potential of innovations.

Economic Security Measures

In recognition of the strategic importance of certain technologies and the potential risks associated with external dependencies, the EIC has implemented measures to safeguard Europe’s economic security. These measures include eligibility criteria that consider the control of entities by non-associated third countries and investment safeguards in critical technology areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. This careful consideration of economic security ensures that EIC support contributes to the EU’s strategic autonomy and resilience.

The EIC Work Programme 2024’s approach, characterized by its blend of financial and non-financial support, proactive management, tailored evaluation, and strategic considerations of open access and economic security, signifies a comprehensive effort to foster a thriving innovation ecosystem in Europe. By addressing the multifaceted needs of innovators and focusing on strategic technology areas, the EIC aims to position Europe at the forefront of global technological advancement and economic competitiveness.

5. Collaboration with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)

The collaboration between the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) embodies a significant strategic alliance aimed at strengthening the European Innovation Ecosystem. This partnership leverages the strengths of both institutions to create a more cohesive and impactful innovation landscape across Europe. Here’s a detailed exploration of the key aspects and implications of this collaboration:

Strengthening the European Innovation Ecosystem

The EIC and EIT, along with EIT’s Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), are working closely to enhance the innovation ecosystem within the EU. This collaboration focuses on several key areas, including facilitating access to services for European innovators and streamlining the pathway from ideation to market readiness.

Fast Track Process and Business Acceleration Services

A pivotal element of this partnership is the Fast Track process introduced by EIT KICs. This innovative process allows companies selected by EIT KICs to enter the EIC Accelerator evaluation at the second stage, thereby accelerating their access to funding and support. Moreover, EIC beneficiaries gain access to services provided by EIT KICs through established partnerships with EIC Business Acceleration Services, enriching the support ecosystem for European innovators.

Launch of the Innovation Intern Scheme

The collaboration will see the launch of the “Next Generation Talents” innovation intern scheme in 2024. This program aims to create symbiotic relationships between EIT Label Masters and Doctoral programs, EIT Alumni, EIT Jumpstarter beneficiaries, and EIC and EIT-supported startups and SMEs. Through secondments, this scheme promotes the exchange of knowledge and experience, fostering a new generation of innovation leaders.

Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

A notable focus of the EIC-EIT collaboration is the promotion of women entrepreneurs. This is manifested through shared access to the EIC Women Leadership Programme and the organization of joint women innovators prizes, highlighting the commitment to gender equality in the innovation sector.

Implications and Outlook

The partnership between the EIC and EIT, particularly through initiatives like the Fast Track process and the innovation intern scheme, is poised to create a more integrated and supportive environment for innovators across Europe. By combining resources, expertise, and networks, the EIC and EIT are not only enhancing the efficiency of the innovation process but also ensuring that European innovations continue to lead on the global stage.

This strategic collaboration signals a forward-looking approach to innovation support, emphasizing the importance of connectivity, inclusivity, and agility within the European innovation ecosystem. As this partnership evolves, it is expected to unlock new opportunities for innovators, foster a culture of collaboration, and drive the development of groundbreaking solutions to societal challenges.

As we look to the future, the continued integration of EIC and EIT activities is anticipated to be a cornerstone of Europe’s innovation strategy, reinforcing the continent’s position as a leader in technological advancement and sustainable growth.

6. Outlook for 2025 and Future Years

As we look towards 2025 and beyond, the European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme 2024 lays the foundation for a strategic and forward-looking approach to innovation and technological development within the European Union. This future-oriented perspective is crucial for maintaining and enhancing Europe’s competitive edge in the global innovation landscape. Here, we delve into the outlook for 2025 and the subsequent years as outlined in the EIC Work Programme:

Fostering Breakthrough Innovations and Technologies

The EIC is committed to identifying and supporting groundbreaking innovations that have the potential to drive significant societal and economic transformations. As we move into 2025 and beyond, the focus will increasingly be on technologies that contribute to the green and digital transitions, ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of addressing global challenges such as climate change, sustainability, and digitalization.

Increasing Synergies within the European Innovation Ecosystem

The collaboration between the EIC and other key players within the European innovation ecosystem, such as the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and national funding bodies, will continue to strengthen. This coordinated approach aims to maximize the impact of European innovation initiatives, fostering a more integrated and efficient ecosystem that supports innovators at every stage of their journey.

Adapting to Emerging Challenges and Opportunities

The EIC Work Programme emphasizes the importance of flexibility and adaptability in responding to new challenges and opportunities that arise. This includes the potential for new funding mechanisms, enhanced support services, and strategic partnerships that can leverage emerging technologies and innovation trends. The Programme also highlights the need for ongoing evaluation and adjustment of its strategies to ensure they remain aligned with evolving priorities and objectives.

Strengthening European Strategic Autonomy

A key aspect of the EIC’s future outlook is the emphasis on supporting innovations that contribute to Europe’s open strategic autonomy, particularly in critical technology areas such as AI, biotechnology, and new materials. By fostering a strong and independent technological base, the EIC aims to enhance Europe’s resilience and capacity to shape global technological developments in line with European values and interests.

Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity in Innovation

The EIC Work Programme underscores the commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity within the innovation community. This involves supporting underrepresented groups, encouraging women entrepreneurs, and ensuring that the benefits of innovation are widely distributed across all regions of the EU. The aim is to create a more inclusive innovation ecosystem that reflects the diversity of European society.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

As we look towards the future, the EIC Work Programme 2024 and its outlook for 2025 and beyond represent a comprehensive strategy for advancing European innovation. By focusing on breakthrough technologies, fostering synergies within the innovation ecosystem, adapting to emerging challenges, strengthening strategic autonomy, and promoting inclusivity, the EIC is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of innovation in Europe and beyond.

This vision for the future is not just about technological advancement; it’s about creating a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for all Europeans. As we move forward, the EIC will continue to adapt, evolve, and innovate to ensure that Europe remains a global leader in the field of innovation.

7. Glossary and Definitions

The Glossary and Definitions section of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme 2024 serves as a comprehensive guide, providing clarity on the terms, entities, and acronyms used throughout the document. This section is critical for readers to fully understand the scope, objectives, and operational mechanisms of the EIC’s initiatives. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the key terminologies and their implications within the context of fostering innovation and technological development in the European Union:

EIC Board

The EIC Board plays a pivotal role in overseeing the strategy and implementation of EIC activities. Comprising 20 leading innovators and researchers, including the EIC President, it provides strategic advice on Work Programmes and ensures the alignment of EIC’s initiatives with the broader EU policies and innovation objectives.

EIC Fund and EIC Fund Manager

The EIC Fund, an alternative investment fund (AIF), represents a novel approach to financing breakthrough innovations. Managed by an external AIFM (EIC Fund Manager), it focuses on investing in companies selected through EIC Accelerator calls, highlighting the EIC’s commitment to supporting high-potential innovations from conception to market readiness.

EIC Programme Managers and Tech to Market Advisers

EIC Programme Managers are high-level experts responsible for developing visions for breakthrough technologies and managing EIC Portfolios. They are complemented by EIC Tech to Market Advisers, who assist primarily with EIC Transition projects, emphasizing the EIC’s proactive approach to innovation development.

Business Acceleration Services (BAS)

EIC Business Acceleration Services are crucial for supporting the commercialization and scaling of EIC innovations. They provide access to a wide range of services, including coaching, training, and networking opportunities with global partners, underlining the EIC’s holistic approach to innovation support.

Intellectual Property (IP) and Open Access

The EIC emphasizes the strategic management of intellectual property rights and advocates for open access to scientific publications. This approach aims to balance the dissemination of research findings with the protection of intellectual assets, facilitating both innovation and knowledge sharing.

EIC Marketplace and Community Platform

The EIC Marketplace and Community Platform are designed to foster interaction and collaboration within the innovation ecosystem. They serve as virtual spaces where EIC Awardees, researchers, and other stakeholders can connect, share insights, and explore business opportunities.

Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs)

TRLs are used to assess the maturity of technologies, guiding the support provided by the EIC across different stages of innovation development. This system ensures that projects receive appropriate support based on their development stage, from basic research to market deployment.

Seal of Excellence

The Seal of Excellence is a quality label awarded to proposals that meet all evaluation criteria but are not directly funded by the EIC due to budget constraints. It facilitates access to other funding sources, showcasing the EIC’s commitment to recognizing and supporting high-quality innovation projects.

The Glossary and Definitions section is an indispensable resource for understanding the EIC Work Programme 2024. It provides the foundational knowledge required to navigate the EIC’s complex landscape of support mechanisms, funding opportunities, and strategic initiatives aimed at propelling European innovation to new heights.

Other

Budgets

The document outlines the estimated indicative budgets for various calls and actions within the European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme 2024, as detailed in Annex 1. Here are the key budget allocations (in EUR million):

• HORIZON-EIC-2024-PATHFINDEROPEN-01: 136
• HORIZON-EIC-2024-PATHFINDERCHALLENGES-01: 120
• HORIZON-EIC-2024-TRANSITIONOPEN-01-01: 94
• HORIZON-EIC-2024-ACCELERATOROPEN-01 (Grant and Equity components): 375
• HORIZON-EIC-2024-ACCELERATORCHALLENGES-01- (Grant and Equity components): 150
• Reserve amount for follow-on investments: 225
• HORIZON-EIC-2024-BOOSTER: 300
• Prizes: 120
• Public Procurement Actions: 180
• Expert contracts: 180
• Scientific and technical services by the Joint Research Centre: 6
• Contribution agreement with the European Investment Bank for indirect management of the EIC Fund: 2.6
• Additional Budget Allocations:
  • Additional budget for various purposes: 12.1
  • Budget for other specified activities: 7.5
  • Budget allocated for specific initiatives: 0.4
  • Budget for further specified actions: 1.5
• ESTIMATED TOTAL BUDGET: 1.235 billion

These budgets are indicative and subject to change following evaluation, with the possibility of varying by up to 20% compared to the total budget indicated in the Work Programme​​.

Deadlines

The EIC Work Programme 2024 outlines several key calls across its main funding schemes: EIC Pathfinder, EIC Transition, and EIC Accelerator. Below is a summary of these calls, including their focus areas, application criteria, deadlines, and indicative budgets:

EIC Pathfinder

• Who Can Apply: Consortia for Open calls; smaller consortia, single applicants, and larger consortia for Challenges calls.
• EIC Open Focus: Grants up to EUR 3 million for projects to achieve proof of principle and validate the scientific basis of breakthrough technologies (aiming at TRL3 or 4).
• Deadline: 7 March 2024
• Indicative Budget: EUR 136 million

EIC Transition

• Who Can Apply: Single applicants (SMEs, spin-offs, start-ups, research organisations, universities) or small consortia (2 to 5 eligible entities).
• Focus: Grants of up to EUR 2.5 million to validate and demonstrate technology in application-relevant environments (starting at TRL 3/4 aiming at achieving TRL 5/6) and develop business and market readiness.
• Deadline: 18 September 2024
• Indicative Budget: EUR 94 million

EIC Accelerator

• Who Can Apply: Single start-ups and SMEs (including spin-offs), individuals (intending to launch a start-up/SME), and in exceptional cases, small mid-caps (fewer than 499 employees).
• Focus: Grant component for innovation activities (starting at TRL 5 or 6 aiming at achieving higher TRLs) with investment components of EUR 0.5 to 15 million for scaling up and other activities.
• Short Applications: Any time (continuous)
• Full Applications Deadlines: 13 March 2024 and 3 October 2024
• Indicative Budget: EUR 375 million for Open calls and EUR 300 million for Challenge calls

EIC Challenge Calls

• EIC Challenges: Include “Solar-to-X” devices, cement and concrete as a carbon sink, nature-inspired alternatives for food packaging and films, nanoelectronics for energy-efficient smart edge devices, and protecting EU space infrastructure with a single deadline on 16 October 2024. Additional challenges focus on Human Centric Generative AI, virtual worlds and augmented interaction supporting Industry 5.0, the smart edge & quantum technology components, food from precision fermentation and algae, monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics for emerging viruses, and renewable energy sources and their whole value chain.
• Indicative Budgets: EUR 120 million for Pathfinder Challenges and EUR 300 million for Accelerator Challenges​​.

These calls are structured to cover a wide range of innovative projects, from early-stage breakthrough technology development in the Pathfinder scheme, through technology validation and demonstration in the Transition scheme, to market scaling in the Accelerator scheme. The detailed conditions for funding and eligibility are described in the annexes of the document.

Collaborators

The document provides a comprehensive overview of various collaborators or entities directly or indirectly involved with the European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme 2024. These entities play a crucial role in implementing, supporting, and benefiting from the EIC’s initiatives. Here’s a summary of key entities involved:

1. The Joint Research Centre (JRC): Recognized as being established in a Member State other than those where other legal entities participating in the action are established​​.
2. Public Procurers: Involved in ‘Pre-commercial procurement’ actions and ‘Public procurement of innovative solutions’ actions, forming a ‘buyers’ group’ consisting of a minimum of two independent legal entities that are public procurers, each established in a different Member State or Associated Country, with at least one established in a Member State​​.
3. EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition Projects: Managed by the Agency, these projects are eligible for the Fast Track scheme to apply for the EIC Accelerator​​.
4. Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs): Supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), relevant schemes managed by KICs are identified as relevant by each KIC for the Fast Track scheme​​.
5. Eurostars-2 Joint Programme and the Partnership on Innovative SMEs: Managed by the Eureka secretariat and relevant national bodies, these funding schemes for SMEs are also eligible for the Fast Track scheme​​.
6. Companies awarded under the Horizon 2020 EIC pilot Accelerator and the Horizon Europe EIC Accelerator: Managed by the Agency, these companies are part of the Fast Track scheme​​.
7. National or Regional Programmes: The pilot Plug-in scheme applies to proposals resulting from existing national or regional programmes, assessing the innovation or market deployment potential of an existing project supported by these programmes​​.
8. EIC Awardees, Technology Transfer Offices, EIC Inventors: Eligible for EIC Booster grants, these entities are linked to projects already selected under the Pathfinder or Transition calls, aiming to implement Portfolio coordinating activities or to nurture innovation​​.

These entities represent a diverse ecosystem of public and private stakeholders, research institutions, SMEs, and innovation communities. Their collaboration with the EIC is vital for advancing Europe’s innovation landscape, fostering breakthrough technologies, and driving economic growth.

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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.

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