Horizon Europe

Pillar III: Innovative Europe

This pillar supports innovation across the entire lifecycle, from idea generation to commercialisation. Its aim is to create a more innovative and entrepreneurial Europe. Funding supports cross-sectoral collaborations in academia, the public sector, industry and individual entrepreneurs to develop radical solutions to societal challenges.

European Innovation Council (EIC) - €10 billion

Supports start-ups, SMEs and research teams developing high-risk, high-impact breakthrough innovation, with a particular focus on scaling up solutions that contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Recovery Plan for Europe. The EIC has three main funding instruments:

  • EIC Pathfinder - Supports research and deep tech projects with a high degree of ambition and scientific risk;
  • EIC Transition - A bridge between research and application development;
  • EIC Accelerator - Supports small and medium sized enterprises to develop and scale up new markets or disrupt existing ones.

For more information on the latest calls, please visit European Innovation Council.

European Institute for Innovation and Technology - €2.965 billion

The EIT aims to strengthen Europe’s innovation ability nurturing entrepreneurial talent, and boosting collaboration between business, education, research, public authorities and civil society . The EIT offers:

  • Training for a new generation of entrepreneurs;
  • Development of innovative products and services;
  • Business creation support for start-ups and scale-ups.

For further information, please visit European Institute of Innovation and Technology.

European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) - €527 million

EIE complements and acts in synergy with the European Innovation Council and European Institute of Innovation and Technology. EIE supports the development of a more connected, inclusive and efficient innovation ecosystem, stimulating cooperation among national, regional and local innovation actors. EIE contributes to the New European Innovation Agenda in the following ways:

  • Scaling up deep tech innovations
  • Boosting innovation procurement
  • Connecting the European Innovation Ecosystems

For further information, please visit European Innovation Ecosystems.