The European Innovation Council (EIC) has selected the next set of proposals under the 2024 EIC Pathfinder Open call. 45 new projects will receive altogether up to €138 million and will develop cutting-edge technologies throughout a wide range of fields – health, artificial intelligence, computing, environment, and energy.
The successful applications were chosen among 1110 evaluated submissions. Selected applicants come from 25 countries, with the highest number coming from Italy, Germany, Spain and France. Participants mostly come from higher education (46%) and research organisations (22%) and SMEs, accounting for around 22% of participants.
Selected proposals will receive not only grants, but will also have access to tailor-made coaching under the EIC Business Acceleration Services.
Some examples of selected projects are:
- MUSMET project aims to create the basis for a change in thinking in the way music is performed and experienced, by leveraging the new creative possibilities offered by the emerging musical metaverse. The project uses an interdisciplinary methodology that combines human-computer interaction, engineering, cognition, and music, drawing from the scientific excellence of the partners. Industrial partners will provide know-how for proof-of-concept prototypes. The proposed approach aspires to effect a step-change in the design of musical interfaces and systems to musically interact online, resulting in a potentially high impact on the music industry and on the society.
- EcoSentinel project addresses pressing global sustainability challenges such as biosphere integrity degradation, fostering a harmonious coexistence between technological innovation and environmental conservation, culminating in a community of ecological sentinels (EcoSentinel). It proposes a new form of plant-plant interaction by elevating it to a digital level. By enhancing plants’ interconnection through cybernetical implants, the aim is to digitally transform the greenery. This unprecedented approach aims to establish a novel wireless plant-based communication system, using plants as natural antennas, uniquely powered by the integration of plant-microbial electricity generation seamlessly blended into the vegetation.
- ELEQUANT project proposes a paradigm shift from the mainstream superconductor or semiconductor quantum technology approach by exploiting flying electrons (qubits). The main objectives include the development of novel quantum materials platforms based on strained germanium and multi-layered graphene, single electron detectors and enabling advancements in quantum nanoelectronics at terahertz frequencies, to address coherence challenges effectively. By establishing a comprehensive roadmap for solid-state flying qubit technology, ELEQUANT seeks to accelerate innovation in quantum technology and foster collaborative partnerships with industry stakeholders on a European scale.
Background information
The EIC Pathfinder scheme supports the exploration of bold ideas for radically new technologies. It welcomes the high-risk/high gain and interdisciplinary cutting-edge science collaborations that underpin technological breakthroughs.
Grants of up to €3 million (Pathfinder Open call – fully bottom-up) or up to €4 million (Pathfinder Challenges call – with thematic priorities) support early-stage development of future technologies (e.g. various activities at low Technology Readiness Levels 1-3), up to proof of concept. EIC Pathfinder projects benefit from interactions with EIC Programme Managers and can receive additional funding for testing the innovation potential of their research outputs or for working across projects for portfolio actions. In addition, promising results can receive substantial follow up funding through the EIC Transition scheme to create a commercial venture or use the Fast Track scheme to access the EIC Accelerator to bring innovations to the market.
The EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2024 call is open for applications with a deadline on 16 October 2024 at 17:00 CET.