The EIT Higher Education Institutions (HEI) Initiative Call for Proposals 2024 has a strong focus on enhancing the quality and competitiveness of European higher education. It will improve research and technology transfer from higher education and support business creation through strengthening collaboration between HEIs and business partners across Europe.
This call aims to fund up to 42 projects, with each selected project having a total duration of 25 months and an overall budget of EUR 1.34 million. The funding will be distributed across two phases:
Phase 1 (1 April to 31 December 2025): Up to EUR 540,000
Phase 2 (1 January 2026 to 30 April 2027): Up to EUR 800,000*
*Phase 2 funding is subject to the successful completion of Phase 1 activities and the EIT’s approval of the 2026-2027 Grant Agreement.
The call will incorporate a two-strand approach, where applicants will need to select one of the following strands to apply to:
Strand A: Innovation and entrepreneurship capacity building at higher education institutions (HEIs).
Strand B: Innovation and entrepreneurship capacity building at HEIs for the enhancement of Deep Tech.
The following EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KIC) may participate in the implementation of the EIT HEI Initiative:
- EIT RawMaterials
- EIT Climate-KIC
- EIT Digital
- EIT InnoEnergy
- EIT Food
- EIT Health
- EIT Manufacturing
- EIT Urban Mobility
- EIT Culture & Creativity
The types of organisations eligible for participation and funding are:
- Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). These are institutions which offer recognised degrees or other tertiary level qualifications and other comparable institutions at tertiary level, if recognised by their national authorities. Each HEI must submit proof of accreditation by the corresponding national authorities to offer recognized degrees.
- Businesses/ industry (private; small, medium or large enterprises)
- Research institutes.
- Public bodies at local, regional or national level.
- Intermediary organisations or associations which represent Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
- Social enterprises and NGOs.
Through the application portal: https://seedbook.eitrawmaterials.eu/Login.aspx?Action=SignUp