European Innovation Council: University support available

Posted on: 29 May 2024 by Keith Huckle in 2024 Posts

Keith Huckle, Research Partnerships Manager (Horizon Europe), explains what the European Innovation Council is, what it funds, and how you can apply.

Do you have an idea for an innovation that will change the ways things are done? Then I want to hear from you!

My name is Keith Huckle and I am part of the Horizon Europe team at the University of Liverpool. I am the lead for Pillar 3 (Innovative Europe) and my role is to support applications from across the university to opportunities within this pillar.

Pillar 3 is home to the European Innovation Council (EIC), which is Horizon Europe's flagship innovation programme. The EIC provides a coherent and connected system of funding for projects with the potential to disrupt existing markets and create new ones. Its Pathfinder programme supports academic researchers looking to start their innovation journey; upon conclusion of a Pathfinder grant, you are expected to have achieved Technology Readiness Level 3/4. 

The EIC Pathfinder programme consists of bottom-up (Open, worth up to €3 million per project) and top-down (Challenges, worth up to €4 million per project) components.

The next deadline for the Open component is anticipated to be early 2025 and the next deadline for the Challenges component is 16th October 2024 (details of the five Challenges being funded this year can be found on the EIC website). 

My colleagues and I in the Horizon Europe team (horizon.europe@liverpool.ac.uk) can provide:

• Expert leads for each Pillar.
• On hand support for queries relating to Horizon Europe.
• Online drop in sessions (Zoom) on the last Thursday of every month (1-2pm).
• Bespoke bid development support.
• Support for partnership development.

Please contact me (k.huckle@liverpool.ac.uk) to discuss whether any of the EIC funding programmes are appropriate for your innovation idea or if you would like me to come talk about the EIC with your research group/school.