EIC Work Programme 2021

The EIC Work Programme in brief:

Identifies game-changing innovations
Supports all stages of innovation: R&D to industry
Three main instruments of support
- “Pathfinder” => Pathfinder challenge deadline the 27th of October 2021
- “Transition” => Closed for 2021
- “Accelerator” => Closed for 2021

EIC Work Programme 2021 – Key features

The EIC Work Program from the European Commission is organized into three main funding schemes: the EIC Pathfinder for advanced research, the EIC Transition to validate technologies and develop business plans, and finally, the EIC Accelerator, supporting companies (SMEs, start-ups, and spin-outs) to bring innovations to market and scale-up.

The three funding schemes will be interlinked through proactive management, new approaches (e.g., additional grants to ongoing Pathfinder projects), a common Marketplace to connect research results with entrepreneurs and investors, and a Fast Track scheme from Pathfinder and Transition to enter the Accelerator.

In addition, the EIC will interlink with other components of the Horizon Europe work program, such as the European Research Council (ERC), the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), the Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), and other Union funding programs, to integrate and support innovators directly.

EIC Work Programme - Open funding and challenge-driven funding

The three funding schemes, EIC Pathfinder, Transition, and Accelerator, will be available in two different forms: Open funding and challenge-driven funding. Most funding will be awarded through open calls (no predefined thematic priorities, thus “Open”). The Open Funding will support technology development and innovations from different fields and novel combinations of applications. In contrast, the challenge-driven approach provides funding addressing specific technological and innovation breakthroughs.

The European Commission defines these challenges and considers the overall strategic planning from Horizon Europe, the inputs of stakeholders, experts, and the EIC pilot Advisory Board. Projects in a Challenge portfolio from the EIC Work Programme are expected to interact and exchange. They will progress together towards common goals and create new opportunities for radical innovation.

Overview of the three funding schemes of the EIC Work Programme for Open and Challenge funding:

EIC Pathfinder – Open Call

Previously FET Open
Consortia of at least 3 eligible partner institutions (academia & industry)
Grants up to 3-4 mio €
Proof of principle /validation of scientific basis
TRL 1-4
Deadline 19 May 2021

EIC Pathfinder – Challenge-driven call

Eligibility rules same as Open call
Specific challenges to be met during the project:
- Awareness inside
- Tools to measure & stimulate activity in brain tissue
- Emerging technologies in cell & gene therapy
- Novel routes to green hydrogen production
- Engineered living materials
Deadline 27 October 2021

EIC Transition – Open call

Single applicants (SMEs, spin-offs, start-ups, academia)
Small consortia (2-5 partners)
Grants up to 2.5 mio €
Validate and demonstrate technology, develop market readiness
TRL4-5/6
Must build on results from Pathfinder, FET, and ERC Proof of Concept projects
Deadline 22 September 2021

EIC Transition – Challenge-driven call

Eligibility same as Open call
Specific challenges:
- Medical devices
- Energy harvesting and storage technologies
Deadline 22 September 2021

EIC Accelerator – Open call

Previously SME instrument
Single applicants: start-ups, SMEs, spin-outs
Individuals intending to launch a start-up / SME
Blended finance: 2.5 mio € grant component plus 0.5 – 15 mio € investment component
Technology development, scale-up
TRL 5/6 – 8
Deadline: 9 June 2021, 6 October 2021

EIC Accelerator – Challenge-driven call

Eligibility same as Open call
Specific challenges;
Strategic health and digital technologies
Green Deal innovations for the economic recovery
Deadline: 9 June 2021, 6 October 2021

EIC Work Programme – Specific objectives

Identify, develop and deploy high risk innovations
Focus on breakthrough, market-creating and deep-tech innovations
Rapid scale-up of innovative technologies
From idea to market

EIC Work Programme – Outlook for 2022 and future years

The EIC Work program activities are expected to evolve and develop in each annual work program based on the advice from the EIC Board, experience from implementation, and the dynamics of the world of innovation.

The main provisions of the Open Funding calls are expected to remain relatively stable while incorporating necessary improvements. In the future, the investment component may also include reimbursable advances, loan guarantees, and other forms of financial instruments. Since the Transition call is relatively novel, it may be subject to more important changes, including broadening the eligibility criteria.

The MIC already brought its microfluidics expertise into many research projects: