EIC Transition: cutting-edge technologies on the way to commercialisation

As one of three funding programmes of the European Innovation Council (EIC), the EIC Transition focuses on a very special phase in the process of innovation development. The funding programme is aimed at the examination, maturation and validation of a novel technological application through to the development of a sustainable business model and its commercialisation. The EIC Transition acts as a transition programme and only supports projects that follow on from a previous EU-funded project.

Themes and application deadlines 2024

This year, all interested parties have a one-off opportunity to apply for funding from the EIC Transition Programme. Unlike last year, applications can only be submitted as part of an open-topic call. The deadline for submitting applications this late summer is 18 September 2024.

Up to €2.5 million with a 100% funding rate.

This year, the EIC Transition has a total of 94 million euros available for the funding of pioneering projects. Successful applications are eligible for funding of between 0.5 and 2.5 million euros with an attractive funding rate of 100 per cent. The project duration in the EIC Transition is generally one to three years. In addition to financial support, successful project sponsors can look forward to access to helpful services and matchmaking events.

Furthermore, a funding commitment in the EIC Transition opens up opportunities for other lucrative funding, such as the EIC Booster Grants, totalling a maximum of 50,000 euros. These can be used to support additional activities, for example in preparation for commercialisation or for portfolio activities. After successful project completion, the projects also qualify for the fast-track procedure of the EIC Accelerator, the funding programme for near-market development and commercialisation. Applying for funding from the EIC Transition programme therefore brings many more advantages in addition to financial ones and is not only worthwhile for your project plans in the short term but also in the long term.

What requirements must be met?

Funding is provided for innovation activities that go beyond the experimental proof of principle in the laboratory (Technology Readiness Level TRL 3). Accordingly, the maturation and validation of a novel technology is supported, for example through the use of prototypes, formulations, models, user tests or other validation test (TRL 4). The investigation and development of a sustainable business model and the commercialisation of the technological innovation also play a role. The transition projects funded by the EIC Transition should address both technology and market and business development in a balanced manner. This may include iterative learning processes based on early customer or user feedback.

Who can apply?

It is important for the application that the further development of the technology is based on results achieved in previous EU-funded projects. For example, funded projects in the EIC Pathfinder, European Research Council or European Defence Fund (EDF) can be considered. If you are applying on the basis of an ongoing funding project, you can only apply for funding from the EIC Transition after a project duration of twelve months. If the application is based on a completed funding project, the application must be submitted within two and a half years of the completion of the previous project. Applicants who were not previously part of a previous funding project also have the opportunity to apply with their project proposal in the EIC Transition. It is necessary that they have the rights and obligations to the existing technological project basis.

Applications are generally open to individual legal entities, e.g. start-ups, SMEs or research organisations from an EU member state or associated country, such as Norway, Iceland, Israel or Georgia. Small and large consortia with two or up to five independent partners from different EU countries or associated countries are also eligible to apply. Consortium partners include start-ups, SMEs, research institutions or even corporations as well as potential customers and end users (e.g. hospitals, utility companies or regulatory authorities).

How to apply?

The application documents usually comprise 20 A4 pages and must be submitted exclusively digitally via the EU Commission's online portal for applying for funding by the application deadline at the latest. Experts from the EIC are responsible for assessing the applications, and feedback is usually provided within nine weeks. In the event of a positive response, applicants are invited to an interview with a six-member jury. There is usually eight months between the application deadline and the start of the project.

EIC Transition Open Call

This year's EIC Transition call is open to all topics. There are no thematic limits, so that projects from the fields of science, technology or application can be submitted. It is important that the projects deal equally with technology and market development. The EIC Transition is aimed at projects that have a) a technology that has proven itself in the planned application and b) a business model with a business plan for the final development of the technological innovation and market readiness.

Summary

The EIC Transition supports the further development and demonstration of novel technologies (TRL 4 to 6) that have been designed and validated as part of a previous EU-funded project. The funding programme also supports the business and market development of technological innovation. Project proposals are funded with up to 2.5 million euros at a rate of 100 per cent.

Take your technological innovation from its infancy to the commercialisation stage - with our support. We will be happy to advise you on your project idea and support you during the application process. Simply get in touch with us.

Are you unsure which project call you should apply for? Whether EIC Pathfinder, Transition or Accelerator, we will be happy to advise you.

Text: Christina Tanosova