The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a key novelty of Horizon Europe and represents the most ambitious innovation initiative that Europe has taken, with a budget of €10 billion for the period 2021-2027. The first calls for applicants are planned to be released on 18 March – a two-day launch event will be organised to provide information about the vision of the EIC and what is behind its funding opportunities.

The launch of the new European Innovation Council will take place over two days on 18 and 19 March. The EIC has a mission to identify, develop and scale-up breakthrough technologies and disruptive innovations. The EIC will support startups, SMEs and research teams developing high-risk, high-impact breakthrough innovation, with a particular focus on scaling up game-changing solutions that contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Recovery Plan for Europe.

Launch ceremony

18 March (9.30 – 11.30 CET)

Statements from Heads of States and EU institutions

Short specific sessions on the contribution of the EIC to Europe’s economic recovery:

• EIC for building businesses from breakthrough science
  Speakers: Ingmar Hoerr (Founder and former CEO of CureVac), Louis de Lillers (CEO CorWave) + other to be confirmed
  Moderator: Chris Sisserian (Sifted)
• EIC for investing in deep tech
  Speakers: Hermann Hauser (Amadeus Capital) + other to be confirmed
  Moderator: Robin Wauters (Tech.EU)
• EIC for creating innovation ecosystems for sustainability
  Speakers: Jim Snabe (Chair, Siemens) and Roxanne Varza (CEO, Station F)
  Moderator: Jean-Eric Paquet (Director-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission)

Applicants’ day

19 March (9.30 – 16.30 CET)

For potential beneficiaries and stakeholders, the applicant day will provide concrete information on how the EIC works, how to apply, who is eligible, etc.

Sessions will include information on funding opportunities for research teams, startups, SMEs and investors.

Source: European Commission – Research and Innovation (https://bit.ly/308cuuY)