Comprehensive Analysis of the European Innovation Council’s EIC Accelerator and EIC STEP Scale Up Initiatives for High-Risk Innovations and Market Expansion
EIC Accelerator and EIC STEP Scale Up Overview The European Innovation Council (EIC) provides vital support for high-risk and high-gain innovations aiming to enter the market and scale up. Within this framework, there are several key initiatives and policies that drive innovation forward, notably the EIC Accelerator and EIC STEP Scale Up programs. EIC Accelerator The EIC Accelerator targets businesses with innovations that have significant potential for impact. Proposals submitted to this program undergo a thorough evaluation process that includes remote assessments and interviews. The evaluation is based on a binary scoring system, with outcomes designated as either ‘GO’ or ‘NO GO.’ For specific details regarding the evaluation process, refer to Section IV of the guidelines. EIC STEP Scale Up The EIC STEP Scale Up initiative is designed to assist promising companies that are developing critical technologies. This program particularly benefits companies that have previously received support from the EIC, aiming to help them secure larger funding rounds necessary for further scaling their operations. More information can be found in Section V of the guidelines. Policy on Open Access and Intellectual Property Rights The EIC is committed to a policy of open access concerning scientific publications and the promotion of the uptake of research results. Provisions to ensure this are outlined in Annex 2 on Open Science. The goal is to facilitate knowledge sharing and accessibility to research outputs across the board. Cross-Fertilization and Information Sharing To further enhance the impact of supported projects, the EIC seeks to stimulate cross-fertilization and exploitation of results. Therefore, EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition project participants may be requested by EIC Programme Managers to actively share information regarding their results, including preliminary findings. This sharing is encouraged both within the EIC portfolio and with other relevant parties. By fostering collaboration and information dissemination, the EIC not only advances individual projects but also contributes to a more innovative and interconnected European ecosystem.