European Innovation Council

A small top-up for Horizon Europe allays fears the budget would be cut, but there’s growing unease about the EU’s research programme becoming too focused on innovation

The money forms part of a proposed €10B package of investment in strategic technologies. But the Commission fails to deliver on much-requested increases for other parts of Horizon Europe

Blame game has ensued after the Commission shut down the bespoke portal with no prior notice. And the application process is likely to be messy for a while, with temporary solutions still being set up

Few EIC grants have gone directly to early-stage companies in Widening Countries, but now an EIC-backed accelerator is providing mentoring to help 32 start-ups from the region to shape their business plans and access private capital

Platform ‘is not accessible anymore as of today, due to a contractual dispute’, the Commission announced on 2 June. Start-ups are happy to see the complex submission process go – but question closing it five days before a call deadline

The move comes after months of rumours that the Commission wanted to tighten its grip on the €10B start-up fund  

The former member of EU Committee of the Regions also brings wide experience in innovation and start-ups - and the hope he can steer the EIC out of troubled waters

After problems in oversight and carrying out due diligence that continue to delay payments to start-ups, the Commission is transferring management of its equity fund to the European Investment Bank. The formal handover expected to complete in September

EU’s innovation fund will give out €1.6B in grants and equity to start-ups and innovators in 2023 – and is promising smooth sailing after a bumpy start