The European Commission has announced the launch of the new European Innovation Council (EIC), one of the key elements of the new Horizon Europe framework programme.

The EIC – which will have a budget of €10 billion for the 2021-2027 period – is tasked with identifying, developing and scaling up breakthrough technologies and disruptive innovations. The EIC aims to support start-ups, SMEs and research teams developing high-risk, high-impact breakthrough innovations, with a particular focus on scaling up revolutionary solutions that contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Recovery Plan.

The programme details are as follows:

Launch ceremony - 18 March (09:30 - 11:30 CET)

Statements from Heads of State and EU institutions

Short, specific sessions on the EIC's contribution 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). Moderator: Chris Sisserian (Sifted)

• EIC for investing in deep tech. Speakers: Hermann Hauser (Amadeus Capital). 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 (09:30 - 16:30 CET)

For potential beneficiaries and stakeholders, the Applicants' Day will provide practical information on how the EIC works, how to apply, who is eligible, and more. The sessions will include information on funding opportunities for research groups, start-ups, SMEs and investors.

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