The introduction of new challenges in 2024 revolves around transformative themes: 

• Human Centric Generative AI
• Virtual worlds and augmented interaction (Industry 5.0)
• Smart edge & quantum technology components
• Food from precision fermentation and algae
• Monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics for emerging viruses, and 
• Renewable energy sources. 

For detailed insights, refer to our article on these newest challenges.

Short Application: short proposals submitted from this year onwards will require 3 positive evaluations (GOs) to pass. 

Full Application: In case of a single No-Go from one evaluator, a consensus meeting determines whether the applicant can proceed to the face-to-face interview.

EIC Jury: The EIC jury will have access to the evaluation of the Full Application but not the Short Application or previous submission. Additionally, the jury will not be able to change the form of support, nor the amount of equity requested.

• 1) There has been a reduction in the budget from the €1.1B in 2023 to the €675M budget for this year, as well as fewer cut-off dates (2 cut-offs), which will likely increase the competitiveness of the programme and reduce the number of companies selected.

• 2) To add to the previous point, the evaluation process will be more stringent (Short applications now require 3/4 GOs, there is a maximum of submissions allows and there will be consensus meetings).

• 3) The Grant-first option is no longer available. The removal of the Grant-first option means a shift to blended finance, offering more flexibility in deciding when to proceed with investments. Now, applicants can choose blended finance, even if there’s no immediate investment need or if the investment is spread over several years.

• 4) The Lump Sum cost model will be used in an effort to simplify the financial reporting stage. This will also impact the payment modality since the Lump sum share will be paid upon completion of each Work Package.

• The EIC Transition Call for 2024 witnesses a significant budget reduction dropping from €128.36M in 2023 to €94M.
• There are no transition challenge calls scheduled this year, probably due to the drop in budget.
• Changes include a broader scope for eligible projects: for the first time, EIC Transition funding is open to follow-up results from Horizon collaborative projects of Pillar 2. 
• Lastly, resubmission restrictions have been removed for the Transition call- however, bear in mind that if you received a low score in the first evaluation, do not resubmit without significant improvements!

The EIC Pathfinder challenges call for 2024 will focus on the following groundbreaking areas:

• ”Solar-to-X” devices
• Towards cement and concrete as a carbon sink
• Nature-inspired alternatives for food packaging and films.
• Nanoelectronics for energy-efficient smart edge devices and 
• Protecting EU space infrastructure.

See our article here about 2024 challenges for more details.

In 2024, the EIC Pathfinder Open call closes on March 7th, while the EIC Pathfinder Challenge call has a deadline set for October 16th.

• Budget Reduction: Like the other EIC programmes, The EIC Pathfinder’s 2024 budget is also reduced, adjusted to €256M, down from €343M in 2023, making it more competitive and selective.
• Fresh Challenges
• Introduction of lump-sum lump funding to simplify post-grant reporting.
• Evaluation process modifications with the Consensus meetings and the elimination of rebuttal for strengthened evaluations.