Three sub-programmes that focus on different technology readiness levels (TRL) compose the structure: EIC Pathfinder, EIC Transition, EIC Accelerator. There are two operating models within each subprogramme: an “open” fund, holding no thematic preferences, and a “challenge” fund, which covers specific thematic areas.
How much is available for carbon removal?
Support is available for carbon dioxide removal (CDR), although it is not always made explicit through “challenge” thematic calls. For the year 2021, there were no challenges directly related to CDR, while for 2022, the EIC pathfinder lists “carbon dioxide and nitrogen management and valorisation” as the first of the challenges. In 2022, the EIC Accelerator, under the challenge “Fit for 55”, explicitly touched on carbon removal techniques, including technologies and natural solutions. In 2023, novel technologies for resilient agricultures are being tackled within the EIC Accelerator, with possible spillovers to soil sequestration.
In total, EUR 5.4 million were attributed to direct CDR projects between 2022 and 2023. Additionally, direct and indirect CDR projects together were granted EUR 16 million in that period. Of the overall 2022-2023 budget from the EIC, direct projects got a mere 0.17% and direct and indirect projects 0.40%.
On the horizon
Given the EIC is a sub-programme from Horizon Europe, its current budget runs for the period 2021-2027. The EIC has yearly work programmes, in which it details its priorities and presents its various challenges.
Technology readiness level support
The IEC Pathfinder programme focuses on TRLs 1 to 4, the EIC Transition programme on TRLs 4 to 6, and the EIC Accelerator on TRLs 5 to 9.
Eligibility
A wide range of technologies and methods can access EIC funding. In the case of open calls, eligibility is mostly determined on a case-by-case basis. In the case of challenge-driven calls, eligibility is determined based on whether the project relates to the specific challenge.
EIC funding is in principle open to all EU member states and countries associated with Horizon Europe. Some exceptions may occur, which are detailed on the EIC website.
Funding rates
For the pathfinder sub-programme, grant funding is available up to EUR 3 million for open calls and EUR 4 million for challenge-driven calls, covering 100% of the eligible project costs.
For the transition sub-programme, grant funding is available up to EUR 2.5 million, covering up to 100% of eligible project costs.
For the accelerator sub-programme, grant funding is available up to EUR 2.5 million, covering up to 70% of eligible project costs (non-dilutive funding) for innovation activities (TRL 5-8). There is also the option to continue with direct investment, up to EUR 15 million (dilutive funding) for market deployment (TRL 9).