European Innovation Fund Program
The European Innovation Fund (IF) is a funding program established by the European Union to support breakthrough innovation and research-driven entrepreneurship. The program provides financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, and other innovative companies that are developing new technologies and products with a high potential for impact and growth.
The IF offers a range of funding options, including grants, equity investments, and blended finance instruments that combine grants and equity. The program is designed to help innovative companies bridge the funding gap between research and market deployment, with a particular focus on high-risk and high-potential projects.
The main areas of support are:
- Innovative low-carbon technologies and processes in energy intensive industries
- Innovative renewable energy generation
- Energy storage
- Construction and operation of carbon capture and storage (CCS)
- Carbon capture and utilisation (CCU)
One of the key features of the IF is its emphasis on innovation and impact, with a strong focus on projects that have the potential to address major societal challenges such as climate change, health, and digital transformation. The program also offers a range of support services to help companies develop their ideas and accelerate their growth, including coaching, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
The IF is part of the broader Horizon Europe framework, which is the EU’s main funding program for research and innovation. The program has a budget of €10 billion for the period 2021-2027, making it one of the largest funding schemes of its kind in the world. By supporting innovative companies and driving the development of new technologies and products, the EIC aims to help Europe maintain its position as a global leader in innovation and create new opportunities for growth and job creation.
Symbios Funding & Consulting GmbH has its core competences in the energy, digital infrastructure and transport sector.
Selected Innovation Fund References
