Newsletter of the National Contact
Point EIC Accelerator for the EU-programme Horizon Europe (NKS EIC
Accelerator) Nr. 02 / 2025
Latest news
EIC Accelerator: German companies do best in
October 2024 round
The European Innovation Council (EIC) has selected 71
companies for funding. Germany leads with 15 funded companies, followed by
the Netherlands (11) and Sweden (7).
Out of a total of 1211 applications, 431 companies were
invited for an interview. This made the deadline the most competitive
funding round since the launch of the EIC Accelerator. In total, it is
envisaged that the successful companies will receive up to EUR 165 million
in grants and EUR 245 million in equity.
Most companies (79%) will receive a mix of grant and
equity funding.
EU support for start-ups and scale-ups:
consultation on new strategy launched
The new EU commissioner for start-ups, Ekaterina
Zakharieva, plans to present a comprehensive strategy for start-ups and
scale-ups by the summer. The strategy aims to boost the growth of
innovative companies in Europe and increase the number of so-called
"unicorns". In this context, the European Commission has launched a "Call
for Evidence" to gather feedback from stakeholders on the planned
strategy. Businesses, investors and other players in the innovation
ecosystem are invited to provide their perspectives and suggestions to
maximize the effectiveness of the forthcoming measures.
European Commission launches new biotechnology
hub
Biotechnology is one of the EU's fastest growing
innovative industries. The European Commission has launched a new
Biotechnology and Bioproduction Technology Hub to help companies -
especially start-ups and SMEs - bring innovative products to the EU market
and increase their competitiveness. The Hub will also help companies find
out what support is available at EU level and how to use it to expand and
grow.
European Commission presents "Competitiveness
Compass"
At the end of January, the Commission presented a
"Competitiveness Compass" with three key areas for action: Innovation,
Decarbonization and Security. It includes measures to make starting a
business easier and to improve the regulatory environment, as well as a
new "TechEU" investment program.
Good to know
Equity only projects
Starting in 2025, equity only projects will be able to
apply directly to the EIC Accelerator. They will not need to have
previously received a grant.
Dates
Webinar: “The most important R&D funding
programs of the EU 2025: What suits your project?”
Date and time: March 13, 2025 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
(in German Language)
The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Thuringia is
organizing a workshop in cooperation with National Contact Points (NCPs)
and the Thuringian Chambers of Industry and Commerce to provide interested
parties with an overview and sound first-hand information. The EU
Framework Program for Research and Development “Horizon Europe” as well as
EUREKA, IraSME and ZIM International offer numerous open-topic and
topic-specific funding opportunities for small and medium-sized
enterprises, research institutions, universities and large companies in
Germany. The NCP EIC Accelerator will present the EIC Accelerator.
Global Innovation Summit @ Hannover
Messe
Date: April 1 – 2, 2025 (in German
Language)
The Global Innovation Summit (GIS) of the Eureka Network
is an international forum for networking between companies, politicians,
innovators and researchers. The event offers high-level keynote speeches
and panel discussions, information on cross-border funding opportunities,
pitch sessions and matchmaking, among other things. GIS 2025 will take
place under the current German-Canadian Eureka Presidency from 1 to 2,
April 2025 at the Hannover Messe. Participation is free of charge.
EIC Accelerator @ Hannover Messe
Date: April 3, 2025 (in German Language)
On April 3, the NCP EIC Accelerator will present
"Innovation funding for SMEs through the EIC Accelerator and STEP
Scale-up" in the context of the event "Research funding for international
projects". The event starts at 4:30 p.m and will take place at the
TechTransfer Conference Stage (B02) in Hall 2. Registered participants
will receive a free trade fair ticket if required.
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