Economy - published on 27 July 2020
Source: European Commission Spokesperson’s Service
The
European Innovation Council (EIC) has awarded over €307 million to 64 innovative start-ups and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) contributing to the objectives of the European
Green Deal and the
Recovery Plan for Europe. The
winning proposals range from pioneering solutions for the automotive, aerospace and maritime sectors to advanced materials and Internet of Things technologies. Mariya Gabriel,
Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: The European Innovation Council supports visionary entrepreneurs who create transformative solutions to pressing
societal and environmental challenges, supporting the Green Deal and the recovery plan for Europe. These start-ups and SME are set to scale up, creating jobs and growth and giving Europe the global
lead in green technologies and solutions. I am also proud of the increased inclusiveness with the greater numbers of women innovators and geographic spread across Europe. Over one third of the
selected companies are led by women CEOs, which is a big increase (tripling) compared to previous EIC funding rounds. This increase reflects a pilot measure introduced for the first time in EIC
funding, which guaranteed at least a quarter of companies invited to the final interviews would have female CEOs. The companies are based in wide range of countries, including 17 EU Member States,
making it the most geographically diverse EIC call so far. In addition, the EIC awarded 562 “Green Deal”
Seals of Excellence to start-ups and SMEs, which were assessed to deserve funding but did not get it due to budget limits, to help them access funding from other sources.
