Guidelines for EIC Awardees on Dissemination and Exploitation of Project Results

Guidelines for EIC Awardees on Dissemination and Exploitation of Results

Introduction to EIC Funding and Its Significance

The European Innovation Council (EIC) plays a pivotal role in supporting innovative startups and SMEs through various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator, EIC Pathfinder, and EIC Transition. These programs aim to bolster Europe’s position as a leader in innovation by providing substantial financial backing alongside targeted support services. Awardees of EIC grants, particularly under the EIC Accelerator, must adhere to specific guidelines regarding the dissemination and exploitation of their project results to maximize the impact of European innovation funding.

Dissemination Activities

Dissemination activities are crucial for sharing the outcomes of funded projects with a broader audience, including industry stakeholders, potential customers, and the scientific community. In cases where the Agency disagrees with a proposed dissemination activity, it will proactively assist the EIC Awardees in achieving compliance with the necessary conditions. This support is provided without unreasonable delay, ensuring that EIC awardees can continue to engage effectively with their networks. The Agency may also propose complementary EIC support for exploitation or assistance through the Business Acceleration Services, as highlighted in Section V.I.

When the Agency approves a dissemination activity, it will strictly adhere to the terms laid out in the grant agreement. Furthermore, the Agency retains the right to disseminate and promote the exploitation of any results that have been made public by the EIC awardee, or with the awardee’s explicit consent. This collaborative approach enhances the visibility of innovative solutions developed under the Horizon Europe EIC funding framework, ultimately contributing to the success rate of EIC Accelerator applications.

Exploitation of Results

EIC Awardees are required to make their best efforts to exploit the results of their work actively. This may include engaging third parties for the commercialization of results, with priority given to entities established within a Member State or an Associated Country. The methods of exploitation can include transfer or licensing of results, aligning with the goals of EIC Accelerator funding to enhance the market readiness of innovations. The Agency retains the authority to object to any transfer of ownership or exclusive licensing of results under specific conditions detailed in the EIC grant agreement, ensuring that the value generated remains within the intended framework of European innovation.

Reporting Obligations

EIC Awardees must diligently report on any exploitation operations at several key intervals:

These reporting obligations are integral to maintaining transparency and accountability, enabling the Agency to assess the impact of its funding and support efforts on the European startup landscape, including the success of deep tech startups and other innovative ventures.

Support for EIC Inventors

Upon signing the grant agreement, each EIC Awardee commits to providing necessary support or access rights for the further development and exploitation of results contributed by any EIC Inventors, while respecting the transfer rule. This collaborative ecosystem fosters innovation and enables EIC Accelerator SMEs to scale their operations effectively.

If the EIC Awardee offers financial or other support to the EIC Inventor for exploitation purposes, royalties or other returns may be shared with the EIC Awardee under mutually beneficial terms. It is vital that such agreements do not inhibit the EIC Inventor(s) from exercising their rights, with the minimum financial support including the full or partial funding of relevant Intellectual Property Right protection costs in major jurisdictions. Other forms of support may encompass expertise, access to infrastructure and facilities, or other resources critical for transformation from research to market.

Commitment to Support

The royalties and returns to the EIC Awardee should be fair and proportional to the financial and other support provided. Should the EIC Awardee fail to commit to providing support within a maximum of six months from the initial formal request from the EIC Inventor, or if the support provided is evidently inadequate, the EIC Awardee must grant sufficient access rights to the EIC Inventor. This commitment is essential for fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, which is at the heart of the EIC Accelerator initiative.

Best Practices for EIC Accelerator Applicants

To enhance the chances of a successful EIC Accelerator application, awardees should consider the following best practices:

By following these guidelines and best practices, EIC Awardees can leverage their results effectively, ensuring that their innovations contribute to the larger framework of European deep tech funding and entrepreneurial growth.

Conclusion

The dissemination and exploitation of results generated through EIC funding are central to the mission of the European Innovation Council. By adhering to the established guidelines, EIC Awardees can not only fulfill their reporting obligations but also maximize the impact of their innovations within the global market. As Europe continues to evolve as a hub for technological advancement, the EIC Accelerator, along with its associated programs, plays an essential role in fostering a vibrant ecosystem for startups and SMEs.

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