Overview of EIC Grant Recovery and Open Science Requirements

Introduction

The European Innovation Council (EIC) plays a vital role in supporting innovative startups and SMEs through various funding mechanisms such as the EIC Accelerator, EIC Pathfinder, and EIC Transition. As part of this support, beneficiaries of EIC funding are required to adhere to specific regulations surrounding grant recovery and open science practices. Understanding these requirements is essential for ensuring compliance and maximizing the benefits of EIC grants.

G.6 Certificates

Depending on the size of the grant amount and the type of beneficiaries involved, individuals and organizations receiving EIC funding may be required to submit a certificate on the financial statements. This certification serves to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds provided under the grant schemes. The specific thresholds for the financial certificate are fixed in the grant agreement, outlined in the Data Sheet (point 4) and Article 24.

For startups engaging in the EIC Accelerator application process, it is crucial to be aware of these requirements early on, as they can significantly impact the overall management of funded projects. Proper financial documentation not only facilitates smoother audits but also strengthens the case for future funding rounds. Ensuring compliance with these requirements could improve the EIC Accelerator success rate for applicants aiming for further opportunities within the Horizon Europe EIC framework.

G.7 Liability Regime for Recoveries

The liability regime for recoveries under the EIC framework is governed by the principle of individual financial responsibility. Each beneficiary is solely liable for their own debts and those of affiliated entities, if applicable. This understanding is crucial for EIC Accelerator startups and SMEs, as it delineates the financial boundaries and responsibilities inherent in their funding agreements.

Beneficiaries must remain aware that financial mismanagement or failure to meet grant conditions can lead to significant financial repercussions. As such, developing best practices for EIC Accelerator application submissions—including thorough financial planning and risk assessment—becomes key in minimizing liability and maximizing project success.

G.8 Open Science and Data Management

For EIC Pathfinder and Transition projects, adherence to open science requirements is mandatory. These requirements are elaborated in the Model Grant Agreement (Article 17) and are vital to ensuring that scientific research is conducted transparently and collaboratively. The obligations include:

• Providing immediate open access to scientific publications in accordance with the stipulated conditions in the grant agreement. This transparency promotes knowledge sharing and accelerates innovation.
• Responsible management of research data generated or reused by projects, following the FAIR principles—Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. This entails producing and regularly updating a comprehensive data management plan and ensuring open access to relevant research data while maintaining security and privacy where necessary.
• Detailing information about the research outputs, tools, or instruments necessary to validate conclusions drawn from scientific publications or to validate/re-use research data.
• Facilitating access to the results needed to validate scientific conclusions, unless exceptions apply. This principle is consistent with providing access to research data.
• In the event of public emergencies, the granting authority may require immediate open access to all research outputs under open licenses. If exceptions apply, access should still be granted under fair and reasonable conditions to entities requiring the data to address the emergency.

Moreover, while certain open science practices may not be mandatory, their inclusion in project design is highly recommended. Engaging with all relevant knowledge actors—including the public—in the research process can significantly enhance innovation quality and societal impact.

Best Practices for EIC Grants

To maximize the potential of funding received through programs like the EIC Accelerator, it is advisable for applicants to familiarize themselves with EIC evaluation criteria and recommended practices. For instance, developing a strong proposal that clearly outlines project objectives, impact, and compliance with open science principles is essential.
These elements can enhance the overall competitiveness of an application, paving the way for successful funding outcomes. Furthermore, utilizing EIC Accelerator coaching services can provide valuable insights and guidance during the proposal writing process.

As part of the application strategy, potential EIC Accelerator applicants should consider case studies of successful projects to discern patterns and strategies that have been effective in securing funding. Networking with other innovators within the EU innovation funding ecosystem can also yield beneficial partnerships and collaboration opportunities that further enhance project viability.

Conclusion

The EIC grants, including the EIC Accelerator, EIC Pathfinder, and EIC Transition, present significant opportunities for European startups and SMEs to secure non-dilutive funding for deep tech innovations. Understanding and adhering to grant recovery, liability, and open science requirements is crucial for beneficiaries to thrive within this competitive landscape. By strategically approaching their applications and project execution, startups can harness the full potential of EIC funding opportunities well into 2025 and beyond. Leveraging the advice from EIC Accelerator tips and strategies alongside keeping abreast of application deadlines is vital for ongoing success in this arena.