As part of its strategy for 2021-2027, the EIT (European Institute of Innovation and Technology) will create a new Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) in the field of Water, Marine and Maritime Sectors and Ecosystems. This was confirmed by a European Commission analysis published on 27 June 2024 that presented how the establishment of the new KIC is needed to tackle water scarcity, droughts, floods, and marine and freshwater degradation. The EIT KIC will connect top partners and steer innovation to strengthen the blue economy and Europe’s competitiveness.
The Call for Proposals for the new KIC will be published in 2025 and the designated EIT KIC will be launched in 2026. The KIC will unite water, marine, and maritime innovators to join the EIT Community and build a pan-European partnership that addresses the most pressing challenges facing water-related innovation ecosystems. The EIT Call for Proposals is for consortia consisting of leading organisations from business, education and research. The full evaluation criteria for the Call for Proposals will be available upon the launch of the Call.
An EIT Knowledge and Innovation Community is a thriving partnership that brings together partners from business, research centres and higher education institutions to power innovation. The EIT has set up nine KICs, each tackling a specific global challenge, from climate change to sustainable energy and urban mobility to the digitalisation of our societies.
The EIT Community powers:
- a new generation of trained entrepreneurs and innovators
- innovative products and services that are developed and launched on the market in green, health and deep tech
- start-ups and ventures that are formed and scaled
The new KIC will help position Europe as a global leader, strengthening the EU’s competitiveness, employment, and economic growth. It will apply the unique EIT KIC model and bring together top businesses, research centres, and universities to provide education programmes, innovation-driven research projects, and business creation and acceleration programmes.
It will also forge synergies and complement existing initiatives by creating a pan-European ecosystem in the water, marine and maritime fields, connecting business, education and research organisations. The KIC will capitalise on the knowledge and findings of Horizon Europe Partnerships and missions, including the EU Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’.
While the Call for Proposals for the new KIC is yet to be launched, you can still get involved through info sessions scheduled for Autumn 2024. They will present more information about the EIT, their unique innovation model, their activities as well as EIT governance, funding and contractual relations.
Info Session Dates
- 18 September 2024 (10.30 – 12.00 CET) – Information session: Innovating with the EIT and creating a new partnership
- 25 September 2024 (10.30 – 12.00 CET) – Information session: Key EIT activities
- 2 October 2024 (10.30 – 12.00 CET) – Information session: Nuts and bolts of the EIT granting model
Source and more information: European Institute of Innovation and Technology