Elevating European digital innovator and venture ecosystems through integrated access to market expertise, co-investments and services in support of the EU digital policy priorities

By building on the recommendations of the working group between EIC and EIT boards, the LoI between the 1st wave EIT KICs and EIC and the MoU between EIT and EIC, this proposed initiative aims at piloting mechanisms by which the most innovative businesses stemming from EIT Digital can be channeled to the Enhanced EIC Pilot, creating a pipeline of impactful innovations.

In addition, the action will allow EIC-funded innovators to benefit from the support of the EIT Digital Accelerator and Innovation Factory. The collaboration will be along the following lines: 1.

EIT Digital Accelerator: (i) EIC Accelerator scaleup systematic access to the EIT Digital Accelerator: base fee (50k) will be 100% discounted for selected EIC Accelerator-funded scaleups signing up during the pilot.

This will guarantee scaleups having received EIC Accelerator funding, carefully selected by EIC based on excellence and growth potential (Seal of Excellence), to further grow with the support of EIT Digital and its network of corporates and investors. (ii) EIC investment in scaleups selected and coached by EIT Digital Accelerator would guarantee an intake of DeepTech scaleups with high-growth potential to the EIC and link them to a strong ecosystem of complementary investors. 2.

EIT Digital Innovation Factory: (i) EIC grants and investments in ventures and activities of the EIT Digital Innovation Factory would further support innovative startups, maximize the outcome of EIT Digital and its strong partner ecosystem and ultimately build a strong portfolio of European centaurs and unicorns; (ii) Channel EIC Pathfinder innovators to EIT Digital Innovation Factory to create and validate strong business plans and build ventures to bring their solutions to the market.

This will allow to build and grow European DeepTech ventures and help them succeed in the market.

The ultimate goal of the collaboration will be to enhance European support to innovators in alignment with EC's priorities.