Cluster 4: Digital, Industry and Space
Progress in digital and industrial technologies, including in space, shape all sectors of the economy and society. They transform the way industry develops, produce new products and services, and are central to any sustainable future.
Main topics of the Cluster 4: Digital
● AI & Data & Robotics
● Computing Technologies
● Photonics/Quantum
● Innovative Materials
● Virtual Worlds
Main topics of the Cluster 4: Industry
● Manufacturing Industries
● Energy Intensive Process Industries
European Innovation Council (EIC)
The EIC is Europe’s flagship innovation programme to identify, develop and scale up breakthrough technologies and game changing innovations.
The European Innovation Council (EIC) has been established under the EU Horizon Europe programme. It has a budget of €10.1 billion to support game changing innovations throughout the lifecycle from early stage research, to proof of concept, technology transfer, and the financing and scale up of start-ups and SMEs.
European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)
EIT aims to boost and significantly accelerate the innovation process - from idea to product and service, from student and researcher to entrepreneur, from lab to the market - thereby triggering a change towards a more entrepreneurial mindset.
The EIT nurtures entrepreneurial talent and supports new ideas, bringing together the ‘knowledge triangle’ of leading companies, universities and research centres to form dynamic cross-border partnerships called Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). Through the KICs, the EIT develops and tests new models of how innovation is approached, managed, financed and delivered in Europe. The KICs carry out activities that cover the entire innovation chain from research to the market:
- Development of innovative products and services,
- Entrepreneurial education and training programmes,
- Incubation of and support to start-ups and ventures.
Cascade Funding Mechanism
The Cascade Funding Mechanism (also known as Financial Support for Third Parties or FSTP) is an important part of Horizon Europe. It allows smaller organizations, such as startups, SMEs, and research groups, to access funding more easily. This mechanism simplifies the process of distributing funds to multiple parties through larger projects managed by coordinators who have received grants from Horizon Europe such as MIND4MACHINES. Here’s how it works:
Large Project Coordinators: Organizations or consortiums that have received grants under Horizon Europe manage large projects. They act as intermediaries and are responsible for distributing a portion of their funds to smaller organizations.
Third-Party Beneficiaries: These are smaller organizations such as startups, SMEs, universities, or research institutes that can apply for funding through the larger projects. The beneficiaries typically receive smaller amounts of funding compared to the main grant, but it provides them with a valuable opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research and innovation activities.
Application Process: The application process for cascade funding is generally more straightforward and less bureaucratic compared to applying directly to Horizon Europe. Each large project sets its criteria and calls for proposals, allowing smaller organizations to apply directly to these projects.
Benefits of Cascade Funding:
Simplified Access: Easier access to EU funds for smaller organizations.
Collaborative Opportunities: Involvement in larger projects and partnerships.
Reduced Administrative Burden: Less complex application and reporting procedures.
Please click here to find Open Calls for Cascade Funds
