The European Innovation Council (EIC) has introduced significant changes in its 2024 Work Programme compared to 2023, indicating a strategic shift in its approach to fostering innovation. This post delves into these changes and their implications for new applicants, with a particular focus on the EIC Pathfinder.
Key Changes and Their Implications in the overall programme:
Focus Areas:
In addition to the high-risk, high-gain research goals, there is strong emphasis on a shift towards interdisciplinary research, with new focus areas.
No challenge topics for the 2024 EIC Transition.
Funding Models:
2023: Traditional cost models based on actual costs.
2024: Introduction of a lump sum cost model for most calls (except EIC Pathfinder Open), simplifying financial administration and focusing more on project content rather than financial reporting.
Economic Security Measures:
2024: Reinforced measures, indicating a heightened awareness of economic security in research and innovation projects.
Evaluation process:
2024: For the EIC Pathfinder, the rebuttal pilot has been removed from the evaluation process. The proposal now has a maximum limit of 20 pages (compared to 17 in 2023).
For New Applicants: These changes mean that applicants in 2024 need to align their proposals more closely with interdisciplinary research themes and be prepared for a different financial reporting structure. The focus on emerging technology areas suggests that proposals should be innovative and address complex challenges. The new lump sum model may also reduce administrative burdens, allowing researchers to focus more on their project's core objectives.
Key elements of the new EIC Pathfinder programme:
Scope and Topics: The EIC Pathfinder 2024 program is expanding its horizons to include challenges focused on innovative fields such as solar-to-X devices, advanced nanoelectronics, and nature-inspired solutions for food packaging. The deadline for proposals addressing these challenges is October 16 2024. The deadline for proposal submission under the EIC Pathfinder Open call is March 7 2024. This broadened scope reflects a commitment to pioneering research that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Budget and Project Estimates: With a budget allocation of €136 million for the Pathfinder Open and €120 million for Pathfinder Challenges, the 2024 program is poised to fund a significant number of high-quality projects. This budget increase signals a robust investment in transformative research.
Implications for Applicants: For researchers and innovators, these updates mean an opportunity to propose projects that are not only technologically advanced but also interdisciplinary in nature. The increased budget also hints at more opportunities for funding, encouraging bold and innovative proposals.
The EIC Pathfinder 2024 program is setting a new benchmark in European research and innovation funding. With its expanded focus and increased budget, it's an exciting time for researchers and innovators to contribute to groundbreaking projects.
Are you looking to align your research with these new themes or have a great idea for the EIC Pathfinder Open call? Contact us to brainstorm and conceptualize your project ideas, ensuring they resonate with the EIC Pathfinder's 2024 vision. Let's collaborate to turn your innovative concepts into successful applications.