EIT Thematic Innovations cross-KIC cluster

Last updated: 16.7.2025
Grant

The EIT Thematic Innovations cross-KIC cluster program under Horizon Europe aims to foster highly innovative products and services, as well as sustainable education and skill development programs, with significant societal impact. This initiative specifically targets projects that demonstrate clear cross-KIC value, contributing to the financial sustainability of participating Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) and addressing key EU/EIT priorities through a competitive, bottom-up approach.

Who is Funded

The EIT Thematic Innovations cross-KIC cluster program is designed for consortia involving Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) and their partners, including businesses, educational and research institutions, and non-profit organizations. The program aims to drive market-creating innovation and develop sustainable education and skill programs that address societal challenges and contribute to the financial sustainability of KICs within the European Union and associated countries.

What is Funded

This program funds thematic innovation activities that result in highly innovative products and services or sustainable education and skill development programs. Projects must align with the strategic agendas of participating Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) and demonstrate cross-KIC value. The focus is on market-creating innovation and addressing societal challenges.

Type and Scope of Funding

The EIT Thematic Innovations program provides grant-based funding for projects. Each selected project is expected to have a total budget between EUR 3,000,000 and EUR 8,000,000. Up to five thematic innovation activities are planned for selection under this specific topic.

Conditions and Requirements

Applicants must adhere to specific admissibility, eligibility, financial, and operational capacity conditions as detailed in the comprehensive "Invitation to submit proposals for KIC Business Plans 2023-2025" document. Applications require a consortium structure, and specific conditions apply to eligible entities and activities.

Application Procedure

The application process involves a single-stage submission with specific application forms. Evaluation is based on award criteria, scoring, and thresholds detailed in the Invitation document, followed by a grant agreement phase. The program operates through competitive calls managed by the EIT.

The EIT Thematic Innovations cross-KIC cluster program is governed by a comprehensive set of legal documents, including a core Invitation document for KIC Business Plans and overarching EU regulations like the Horizon Europe Framework Programme and EU Financial Regulation. These documents define the program's mandate, operational rules, and financial management.

Similar Programs

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Funding Overview

Funding Status

Funding Status:

Closed

Maximum Amount

Maximum Amount:

8,000,000 €

Allocated Budget

Allocated Budget:

Total project funding: 3,000,000 EUR to 8,000,000 EUR per project. The overall call (HORIZON-EIT-2023-2025-KIC) has indicative annual budgets: 905,000,000 EUR for 2023, and 170,000,000 EUR for both 2024 and 2025. Up to five thematic innovation activities are planned for selection under this specific topic.

Open Until

Open Until:

31.12.2027

Award Channel

Award Channel:

Framework Programme Call

Region

Region:

Eligible countries under Horizon Europe, including EU Member States, Associated Countries, and potentially specific non-EU/non-associated countries with funding provisions.

Sectors

Sectors:

Research and Development, Education and Vocational Training, Other

Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries:

Organisations involved in innovation, education, and skill development, particularly Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) and their partners.

Application Type

Application Type:

Consortium Required

Funding Stages

Funding Stages:

Applied Research, Experimental Development, Product Development, Market Introduction, Scaling, Capacity Building, Service Delivery

Funding Provider

Program Level:

European Union

Funding Body:

European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)

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