The EIT and KICs are targeting businesses, universities, local authorities, regions etc. Today, ni KICs exist with focus on different topics and subject areas. In addition, one new KIC on the water industries are expected to be launched in 2026.
Each KIC normally consists of five to six regions covering several countries, and activities within a KIC are normally exclusive to partners. All KICs have an external board assisting in setting objectives and direction for the work.
KICs are born with a relatively high initial budget that is gradually lowered during a 15-years period, after which they must be financially self-sustaining. In other words, external funding from the partners (businesses, universities, local authorities, etc.) must finance operation and activities. Today, more than 1,500 partners have joined the EIT and the KICs. By contacting the relevant KIC, universities, businesses, local authorities, etc. can apply for becoming a partner.
What can be Funded?
The KICs support the following activities, among others:
Seed funding and assistance to start-ups and SMEs in connection with innovation and commercialisation of research.
Educational programmes, master classes, summer schools with focus on innovation and commercialisation of new ideas.
Establishment of innovation networks with inclusion of businesses and universities.
Main Fields of Programme
Today, these nine KICs and one EIT Alumni initiative exist:
- EIT Climate-KIC
- EIT Digital
- EIT Food
- EIT Health
- EIT InnoEnergy
- EIT Manufacturing
- EIT RawMaterials
- EIT Urban Mobility
- EIT Culture & Creativity
- EIT Alumni
One new KIC will be launched in 2026:
- Water KIC (Water, Marine and Maritime Sectors and Ecosystems).
How to Find Open Opportunities and Application Deadlines
Calls, conditions, and application deadlines are published on:
Who can Apply?
As a general rule, activities under the KICs are exclusive to members, but it is expected that more activities will be open in the future. Application conditions appear from the EIT website and on the websites of the different KICs.
KICs have a regional focus, so to participate in activities it is normally a precondition that you contact the regional co-location centre.
KIC partners may be universities, government-approved research and technology organisations (RTOs), SMEs, large businesses, local authorities, regional authorities, interest organisations, industry organisations, etc.
Read More
On the EIT website you can read more about the broad range of activities of EIT and KICs within education, entrepreneurship, innovation, etc.: