EIC Summit 2025 - Save the Date
The European Innovation Council (EIC) is set to host its fourth annual summit on the 2nd and 3rd April 2025, at the historic Tour & Taxis venue in Brussels. This flagship event serves as a central hub for innovators, researchers, policymakers, and investors across Europe, fostering collaboration and showcasing groundbreaking advancements in technology and business.
Event Overview
The EIC Summit 2025 is structured over two days, each tailored to distinct audiences and objectives:
- Day 1: 2nd April 2025
- Focus: Exclusively dedicated to EIC beneficiaries.
- Activities: A series of workshops, pitching sessions, and networking opportunities designed to support and accelerate the growth of EIC-funded projects and companies.
- Day 2: 3rd April 2025
- Focus: Open to the public.
- Activities: Engaging discussions and fireside chats covering a broad spectrum of topics relevant to innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology policy.
Throughout both days, attendees will have ample opportunities to network and explore an exhibition featuring a diverse array of EIC-supported projects, providing insights into the latest innovations poised to impact various industries.
Significance of the EIC Summit
The EIC Summit has established itself as a pivotal event in Europe's innovation landscape. It brings together high-growth startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), researchers, corporate leaders, and investors, creating a dynamic environment for knowledge exchange and partnership formation. The summit also serves as a platform for the EIC to announce new initiatives, funding opportunities, and policy directions that shape the future of European innovation.
What to Expect
Participants can look forward to:
- Workshops: Interactive sessions offering practical guidance on topics such as intellectual property rights, investment strategies, and scaling businesses.
- Pitching Sessions: Opportunities for startups and innovators to present their ideas to potential investors and partners, facilitating access to funding and collaborative ventures.
- Panel Discussions and Fireside Chats: Conversations with industry experts, policymakers, and successful entrepreneurs discussing current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the innovation ecosystem.
- Exhibition: A showcase of cutting-edge projects funded by the EIC, highlighting technological advancements across various sectors.
Networking Opportunities
The summit's design emphasises networking, providing structured and informal settings for attendees to connect. This environment encourages the formation of strategic partnerships, investment opportunities, and collaborative research endeavours, all crucial for driving innovation forward.
Venue: Tour & Taxis
Located in Brussels, Tour & Taxis is a historic site that has been repurposed into a modern event space, blending architectural heritage with contemporary facilities. Its central location and unique ambiance make it an ideal venue for hosting an event of this magnitude.
Stay Informed
As the event approaches, additional details, including registration information, agendas, and speaker announcements, will be made available. Interested parties are encouraged to stay updated by following the EIC on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.
The EIC 2025 Work Programme
The European Innovation Council (EIC) unveiled its 2025 Work Programme, highlighting ambitious initiatives designed to solidify Europe’s position as a leader in breakthrough technologies and strengthen its strategic autonomy. By funding high-risk, high-reward innovations, the EIC aims to transform scientific discoveries into market-ready technologies, fostering an environment where innovative companies can thrive and compete globally. This article delves into the essential changes, major highlights, and anticipated impact of the EIC 2025 Work Programme.
1. The New STEP Scale-Up Scheme: Bridging the Funding Gap
One of the centrepieces of the EIC 2025 Work Programme is the newly introduced STEP Scale-Up Scheme. This €300 million initiative is a direct response to the well-documented challenges European deep-tech startups face in securing sufficient growth funding. While Europe has excelled in generating innovative ideas and producing early-stage start-ups, a lack of substantial follow-on funding has limited many companies’ abilities to scale globally.
The STEP Scale-Up Scheme is specifically tailored to address this gap, targeting high-impact companies developing critical technologies. These include digital innovations, clean tech, and biotech solutions - sectors deemed essential for Europe’s competitive and strategic positioning. The scheme will prioritise funding for projects that have a clear path to scale but need significant investment to reach that next level. By doing so, the EIC aims to prevent promising companies from seeking funding outside the EU, which often results in them relocating.
2. Enhanced Focus on Strategic EIC Challenges
The EIC has refined and expanded its EIC Challenges, allocating over €370 million to address pressing global and European priorities. EIC Challenges act as targeted calls for proposals within specific high-potential fields, encouraging innovators to tackle some of the world’s most complex problems. For 2025, the EIC has introduced new and strategically relevant challenges, each designed to push the boundaries of current knowledge and technological capability.
Key areas of focus include:
• Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI): As generative AI continues to disrupt industries, the EIC Challenge in this domain is set to accelerate the development of Europe-centred AI innovations. The goal is to build competitive AI applications that address Europe’s ethical, social, and economic needs, ultimately ensuring Europe’s sovereignty over AI technologies.
• Climate-Resilient Crops: Responding to the urgent need for sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change, this challenge calls for the development of crops that can withstand increasingly extreme weather patterns. Innovations in this space are expected to bolster food security and reduce dependency on external agricultural imports.
• Autonomous Robots for Sustainable Industry: Targeting robotics and automation in industrial settings, this challenge aims to make European industries more sustainable and efficient. By promoting innovations in autonomous robotic systems, the EIC hopes to minimise environmental impact, reduce waste, and create safer working environments.
• Agri-Tech Solutions: Recognising agriculture as a backbone of European sustainability, the EIC is also investing in disruptive agri-tech solutions. These solutions will focus on precision farming, smart sensors, and AI-enabled decision-making tools to support sustainable practices and enhance productivity across European agriculture.
These challenges reflect the EIC’s commitment to addressing both immediate and long-term strategic needs, ensuring that Europe stays at the forefront of technology-driven societal change.
EIC Transition Programme: Bridging Research and Market
The 2025 Work Programme allocates €98 million to the EIC Transition Open, which has no predefined thematic priorities and is open to proposals in any field of science, technology, or application.
The EIC Transition programme is designed to mature novel technologies beyond the experimental proof of principle, facilitating their progression from laboratory settings to real-world applications. It supports single entities or small consortia, including SMEs, start-ups, research organisations, and universities, aiming to validate technologies and develop business plans for specific applications at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3 to 6.
Key features of the EIC Transition include:
• Funding Support: Grants of up to €2.5 million are available to validate and demonstrate technology in application-relevant environments and develop market readiness.
• Booster Grants: Additional booster grants, not exceeding €50,000, are offered for ongoing projects to explore potential commercialization pathways or for portfolio activities.
• Business Acceleration Services (BAS): Beneficiaries gain access to a range of tailor-made BAS, including coaching, mentoring, expertise, training, and connections to global partners and innovation ecosystems.
EIC Accelerator Programme: Scaling Innovations
The EIC Accelerator programme offers €634 million for start-ups and SMEs to develop and scale up innovations with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones. It supports companies aiming to scale up and seeking substantial funding, particularly when the associated risks are too high for private investors alone.
Key components of the EIC Accelerator include:
• Grant Funding: Lump sum contributions below €2.5 million are provided for innovation activities (TRL 6-8), to be completed within 24 months.
• Investment Component: To bridge the gap for high-risk innovations, the programme offers equity investments ranging from €0.5 million to €10 million, with higher amounts available under the STEP Scale-Up scheme. (Not available to UK entities).
• Blended Finance: A combination of grant and equity or quasi-equity (such as convertible loans) is available to support both innovation activities and market deployment.
• Business Acceleration Services (BAS): Similar to the Transition programme, Accelerator beneficiaries have access to BAS, facilitating connections with global partners, coaches, mentors, and innovation ecosystems.
3. Expanded Business Acceleration Services (BAS) for Wider Inclusivity
Recognising that financial support alone isn’t sufficient, the EIC has broadened its Business Acceleration Services (BAS), giving startups and SMEs access to invaluable non-financial resources. This includes mentorship, networking opportunities, and tailored coaching designed to support companies at all stages of growth. The BAS programme will be further expanded in 2025, with an emphasis on reaching underrepresented regions and sectors across the EU.
For the first time, the BAS will specifically target innovators from underrepresented regions, addressing imbalances within the EU’s innovation ecosystem. By providing these innovators with the same level of support available to their counterparts in more established innovation hubs, the EIC aims to create a more balanced and inclusive landscape for European innovation.
Additionally, Seals of Excellence will be awarded to highly promising projects that do not receive EIC funding, guiding them towards alternative European and national funding opportunities. This measure serves to reduce the potential for lost innovation due to limited resources, maximising the impact of the EIC's efforts.
4. The Role of Strategic Autonomy and Sustainability
The EIC 2025 Work Programme places a strong emphasis on strategic autonomy, particularly within sectors deemed critical to Europe’s long-term competitiveness. This includes ensuring that Europe has control over key technologies that could influence its economic independence, such as clean energy solutions, digital innovations, and health-related technologies. By investing in these areas, the EIC aims to reduce Europe’s reliance on non-EU countries for strategic resources and technologies, thereby safeguarding its economic and technological resilience.
Sustainability is also a cornerstone of the 2025 Work Programme. The EIC has aligned its funding strategies with the EU’s broader Green Deal objectives, investing in innovations that promote environmental protection, sustainable resource use, and emissions reduction. In doing so, the EIC supports Europe’s transition to a green economy, ensuring that new technologies contribute positively to the global fight against climate change.
5. Commitment to Research and Innovation Across Key Technology Sectors
The EIC 2025 Work Programme continues its tradition of fostering deep-tech innovation by supporting groundbreaking research and innovation. Deep-tech areas such as quantum computing, advanced materials, and biotechnology remain focal points of the EIC’s funding strategy. These fields have the potential to redefine existing markets and create entirely new ones, driving economic growth and technological leadership within the EU.
In biotechnology, for instance, the EIC has dedicated funding to innovations in gene editing, personalised medicine, and biomanufacturing, areas that could revolutionise healthcare and therapeutics. Similarly, quantum computing is recognised for its potential to transform industries by providing unprecedented computational power, which could support advancements in fields ranging from climate modelling to cryptography.
6. Boosting Public-Private Partnerships and Industry Engagement
A significant aspect of the EIC’s 2025 strategy is encouraging stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors. The Work Programme outlines initiatives to foster collaboration between EIC-funded projects and major industry players, creating pathways for knowledge transfer, co-investment, and broader market access. Through these partnerships, the EIC hopes to fast-track the development and commercialisation of technologies, enabling smaller innovators to access the resources and expertise they need to scale.
In 2025, the EIC will place added emphasis on co-investment schemes, wherein public funding is matched by private sector investment. These co-investment opportunities are intended to mobilise additional financial resources, ensuring that European deep-tech startups have access to the capital required to scale.
You can download the full EIC 2025 Work Programme here.
EU Research and Innovation Policy: Key Agendas for Autumn 2024
As Autumn 2024 unfolds, the European Union’s (EU) research and innovation (R&I) sector is entering a period of strategic transformation, marked by new appointments, evolving policies, and critical budgetary discussions. The upcoming months promise significant shifts that will define the future of European competitiveness, defence, and research collaboration. Here's a look at the key points on the EU’s R&I agenda.
New Research Commissioner: Expectations and Priorities
One of the most eagerly anticipated events is the appointment of a new research commissioner. This individual, set to be nominated and quizzed by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in the coming months, will significantly influence the EU’s R&I policies for the foreseeable future. The commissioner’s role will be pivotal in guiding the remaining years of Horizon Europe (the EU’s current research and innovation framework) and laying the groundwork for its successor, Framework Programme 10 (FP10).
There is speculation about whether the research portfolio will remain a standalone entity or be merged into a broader portfolio encompassing competitiveness, internal markets, or the economy. As stakeholders wait for the appointment, many are advocating for R&I to stay at the heart of European policy, ensuring continued focus on innovation as a driver of competitiveness.
Defence and Research: The Role of the European Defence Fund
For the first time, defence research is expected to play a more prominent role in EU R&I policy. Ursula von der Leyen, in her campaign for re-election as European Commission President, highlighted defence as a top priority. This includes bolstering the European Defence Fund (EDF), which is designed to support research and development in defence technologies. While the immediate focus remains on urgent defence needs, especially in light of the ongoing situation in Ukraine, long-term plans are also in motion to enhance European defence capabilities through R&D initiatives.
A Clean Industrial Deal: A Pathway to Green Competitiveness
Von der Leyen’s agenda also includes the introduction of a Clean Industrial Deal, which is set to accelerate green technologies across Europe. The goal is to create lead markets in industries such as clean steel and renewable energy, with a particular emphasis on simplifying processes like planning and permitting for green projects. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at positioning the EU as a global leader in sustainable industrial practices.
Although many of these plans are part of von der Leyen’s long-term vision, the Clean Industrial Deal could be instrumental in driving R&I investments in green technologies, aligning the EU’s competitiveness with its environmental goals. This initiative ties in with the broader objectives of Horizon Europe and its successor program, which continue to prioritise sustainability across R&I projects.
FP10: Shaping the Future of European Research
One of the most significant discussions in the R&I community centres around FP10, the next iteration of the EU’s flagship research funding program. An expert group has been convened to assess Horizon Europe’s progress and provide recommendations for FP10. This group, led by former Portuguese research minister Manuel Heitor, is set to deliver its findings in mid-October 2024.
FP10 will likely build on the collaborative research strengths of Horizon Europe, which has been critical in fostering partnerships across Europe. The focus is expected to remain on global challenges, such as climate change, health, and digital transformation, while also incorporating new priorities around defence and industrial competitiveness.
Challenges Ahead: Budget and Policy Debates
While the R&I community welcomes the strategic goals outlined by von der Leyen, several challenges lie ahead. One of the most contentious issues is the budget for Horizon Europe. The European Council has proposed cuts of €400 million to the program for 2025, a move that has been met with resistance from the European Parliament and the research community.
These budgetary discussions are particularly significant as the EU prepares for the next long-term budget cycle, beginning in 2028. Many are concerned that R&I funding could be reduced in favour of other priorities, such as the proposed European Competitiveness Fund. Stakeholders are advocating for a balanced approach that maintains strong support for R&I while addressing Europe’s broader economic and defence needs.
The Role of Competitiveness in Shaping R&I
Competitiveness is at the core of von der Leyen’s policy agenda. In addition to defence and green technologies, she has emphasised the need for Europe to remain competitive on the global stage. This includes fostering innovation through R&I investments, particularly in high-tech sectors like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology.
A key component of this strategy is the forthcoming report by former Italian prime minister Mario Draghi, which is expected to provide a roadmap for boosting EU competitiveness. While the report’s release has been delayed, its findings are anticipated to shape much of the EU’s R&I policy going forward.
COST Actions: A Catalyst for Research Collaboration
The development and growth of research across Europe have been significantly shaped by initiatives that foster collaboration, networking, and knowledge-sharing among scientists and researchers. Among these initiatives, COST Actions stand out as a unique and impactful program that bridges the gap between different research communities, disciplines, and countries. COST Actions are not just about research funding; they represent a broader, more integrated approach to scientific collaboration that can lead to ground breaking discoveries and innovations.
What are COST Actions?
COST, which stands for *European Cooperation in Science and Technology*, is an intergovernmental framework established in 1971 that aims to support the coordination of nationally funded research activities across Europe. COST Actions are one of the key mechanisms through which this support is delivered. They are essentially networks that bring together researchers and innovators from various disciplines, institutions, and countries to work on specific research topics. These networks are open to all scientific fields, including the humanities and social sciences, and they are characterised by their inclusivity, flexibility, and interdisciplinarity.
A COST Action is a bottom-up initiative, meaning that the topics are proposed by the researchers themselves rather than being dictated by the funding body. This ensures that the Actions are relevant to current scientific needs and interests, and it allows for the exploration of emerging research areas. Once a proposal is approved, the Action receives funding to support activities such as workshops, conferences, short-term scientific missions, training schools, and dissemination efforts. Importantly, COST Actions do not fund research directly; instead, they focus on networking activities that enable researchers to collaborate, share knowledge, and build partnerships that can lead to larger, funded research projects.
The Structure and Process of COST Actions
COST Actions typically span four years and involve participants from at least seven different COST member countries. However, participation is not limited to Europe; researchers from non-COST countries can also join, making the networks truly global. The structure of a COST Action is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to tailor their activities according to the needs of the network. This adaptability is one of the key strengths of COST Actions, as it allows for the inclusion of diverse perspectives and expertise, fostering innovation and creativity.
The process of setting up a COST Action begins with the submission of a proposal by researchers. These proposals are then evaluated by independent experts based on criteria such as scientific excellence, networking potential, and impact. Once approved, the Action is launched, and a Management Committee is established to oversee its activities. This committee is composed of representatives from the participating countries and is responsible for coordinating the network's activities, managing the budget, and ensuring that the objectives of the Action are met.
COST Actions are organised into Working Groups, each focused on a specific aspect of the research topic. These groups are where the core work of the Action takes place, with members collaborating on joint publications, developing new methodologies, and sharing data and resources. The interdisciplinary nature of these Working Groups often leads to innovative approaches and solutions that might not have emerged within a single discipline.
The Impact of COST Actions
The impact of COST Actions can be seen in several areas, from the advancement of scientific knowledge to the development of new technologies and the strengthening of research capacities across Europe. One of the most significant outcomes of COST Actions is the formation of durable research networks that continue to collaborate long after the official end of the Action. These networks often lead to the submission of joint research proposals to larger funding bodies, such as the European Union's Horizon Europe program, thereby multiplying the impact of the initial COST Action.
Another important aspect of COST Actions is their role in supporting early-career researchers. The networking opportunities provided by COST Actions are invaluable for young scientists, allowing them to build connections with senior researchers, gain exposure to different research environments, and enhance their professional development. COST Actions also promote gender balance and inclusivity, ensuring that researchers from all backgrounds have the opportunity to participate and contribute to the network.
COST Actions also play a crucial role in addressing societal challenges by fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that can tackle complex issues such as climate change, public health, and digital transformation. For example, a COST Action might bring together experts in environmental science, economics, and policy to develop integrated approaches to climate adaptation. This ability to connect different fields of knowledge and practice is one of the unique strengths of COST Actions.
UK Eligibility
UK entities are allowed to join COST Actions, even after the UK's exit from the European Union. The UK participates in COST Actions as a member of the COST program, which is separate from the EU's Horizon Europe framework. This means that researchers, institutions, and other entities based in the UK can still participate in COST Actions alongside their European and international counterparts.
As participants, UK researchers can join existing COST Actions, propose new ones, and benefit from the networking, training, and collaboration opportunities that these actions provide. This ongoing participation reflects COST's commitment to inclusivity and its goal of fostering collaborative research across a broad geographical area, including non-EU countries.
Overall, UK entities remain active and integral participants in COST Actions, continuing to contribute to and benefit from this vibrant European research network.
For more information, visit the COST website:
Discovering the Eureka Eurostars Programme
The Eureka Eurostars programme is co-funded by the European Union through Horizon Europe. It aims to foster transnational innovation by providing significant funding to R&D projects that seek to commercialise novel products, processes, or services with a civilian purpose.
What is the Eurostars Programme?
Eurostars is recognised as the largest international funding programme dedicated to supporting innovative SMEs. It emphasises collaborative R&D projects, encouraging partnerships among SMEs, universities, and research centres across 37 participating countries. Even organisations from non-participating countries are welcomed to join a Eurostars consortium, making it a truly global initiative.
The programme's core objective is to bolster projects led by innovative SMEs, ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to transform ground breaking ideas into market-ready solutions. Each year, the programme facilitates approximately €250 million in public-private investment, funding around 680 organisations.
Why Choose Eurostars?
Participating in Eurostars offers numerous advantages:
- Access to Public Funding: Successful applicants receive substantial grants from their national funding bodies, significantly offsetting R&D costs.
- International Network: Participants join a growing network of SMEs, universities, and research centres, fostering long-term relationships and collaborative opportunities.
- Expert Support: The programme provides access to a network of industry experts, enhancing the quality and impact of R&D projects.
- Market Expansion: Many companies experience a 15% increase in annual turnover, with 69% entering new markets and 68% improving their market share.
- Visibility and Credibility: Participation boosts the visibility of organizations within their specialist fields, often leading to enhanced perceptions from private investors.
Competitive Edge
Despite the competitive nature of Eurostars, the average success rate is high in comparison with other comparable programmes, averaging at 29%. The submission and evaluation processes are centralised and transparent, ensuring all applications are judged fairly by industry experts.
Eurostars is not just about funding; it is about creating a sustainable ecosystem where R&D relationships evolve into lasting business partnerships. The programme's emphasis on market-driven innovation means that projects are not only scientifically sound but also commercially viable.
Business Benefits Beyond Funding
Participation in Eurostars often leads to transformative outcomes for businesses. Apart from financial support, companies benefit from increased market visibility and improved business relationships. The statistics speak for themselves: companies involved in Eurostars projects report significant market expansion and enhanced technological capabilities.
Moreover, the programme's emphasis on collaboration fosters a culture of innovation, pushing companies to explore new ideas and markets. This collaborative spirit is crucial in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, where staying ahead of the curve often means joining forces with like-minded innovators.
How to Get Involved
The process to apply for Eurostars is straightforward but rigorous. Interested parties must form a consortium with at least one other independent entity from a participating country. The innovative SME must be the primary applicant and project leader. The consortium can include other SMEs, large companies, universities, and research organisations (each country operates its own eligibility criteria, so it is imperative to read the guidelines for each participating country).
The next deadline for Eurostars applications is 12th September 2024. Prospective applicants should begin preparations well in advance to ensure their proposals are robust and comprehensive. For a free consultation to discuss your project, contact RedKnight today.
New release of EU Funding & Tenders Portal launched
The European Commission (EC) recently announced the launch of the latest iteration of the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, marking a significant milestone in its journey to enhance user experience. Drawing on the invaluable feedback from a diverse community of over 1.5 million users, which includes EU funding applicants, beneficiaries, tenderers, and experts, the EC has worked to implement improvements that cater to user needs and preferences.
This new release introduces a range of enhancements aimed at providing users with a more intuitive and immersive experience. Among the notable updates are refreshed interfaces across the Portal, with the homepage now prominently showcasing the EC's core services and functionalities. Powered by state-of-the-art technology, the funding page search engine has been revamped to deliver more precise and relevant results, ensuring users can easily discover funding opportunities that align with their interests and objectives.
For logged-in users, the EC has introduced affinity-based recommendations of 'calls for proposals,' tailored to their specific profile and preferences. This personalised approach ensures that users never miss out on relevant opportunities that could take their project forward. Additionally, to further streamline navigation, the EC has integrated a global search feature at the top right corner of the Portal, allowing users to quickly access the information with ease.
The EC’s commitment to continuous improvement means it is constantly striving to enhance user experience on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. To provide a comprehensive overview of all the latest updates and novelties, interested stakeholders are invited to watch a 3 minute informative video, which highlights the key enhancements and previews what's to come in the future.