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EIT Water

As part of its strategy for 2021-2027, the EIT will create a new Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) in the field of water, marine and maritime sectors and ecosystems. This was confirmed by a European Commission analysis published on 27 June 2024 that presented how the establishment of the new KIC is needed to tackle water scarcity, droughts, floods, and marine and freshwater degradation. The EIT KIC will connect top partners and steer innovation to strengthen the blue economy and Europe’s competitiveness.

The Call for Proposals for the new KIC is open until 17 June 2025 and the designated EIT KIC will be launched in 2026. The KIC will unite water, marine, and maritime innovators to join the EIT Community and build a pan-European partnership that addresses the most pressing challenges facing water-related innovation ecosystems. 

Who is this Call for Proposals intended for?

In line with Article 9 of the EIT Regulation, the EIT Call for Proposals is for consortia consisting of leading organisations from business, education and research. In order to apply, consortia are not required to establish a KIC legal entity or other legal forms or entities. The full evaluation criteria for the Call for Proposals is available here.

 

How can I get involved?

Discover the details of the Call and apply through the links below:

Call Text FAQ Apply here  Call Notice in all EU Languages 

You can also join our B2B networking platform where you'll be able to connect with potential partners:

Network & collaborate

 

What will this new Knowledge and Innovation Community set out to do?

The new KIC will help position Europe as a global leader, strengthening the EU’s competitiveness, employment, and economic growth. 

It will apply the unique EIT KIC model and bring together top businesses, research centres, and universities to provide education programmes, innovation-driven research projects, and business creation and acceleration programmes.

It will also forge synergies and complement existing initiatives by creating a pan-European ecosystem in the water, marine and maritime fields, connecting business, education and research organisations. The KIC will capitalise on the knowledge and findings of Horizon Europe Partnerships and missions, including the EU Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’.

 

What is the timeline of the Call for Proposals?

 

Why the water, marine and maritime fields?

Water is essential for sustaining all life on Earth. It plays a significant role in the Earth’s climate and biodiversity. It has a crucial role for health, wellbeing and prosperity. It is also a vital source of food and renewable energy production, and a key driver of the global economy including for trade and transport. 

Freshwater and marine ecosystems have been under considerable and increasing stress due to the overuse and mismanagement of natural resources and changing land-sea uses. Global aquatic resources are significantly impacted, and biodiversity is threatened by climate change, industrial misuse and pollution.

The new EIT KIC will develop an integrated approach across freshwater, marine and maritime sectors, supporting education and skill development, innovation projects as well as the ideation, development, deployment and commercialisation of new technologies, products and services. 

 

What is an EIT Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC)?

An EIT Knowledge and Innovation Community is a thriving partnership that brings together partners from businesses, research centres and higher education institutions to power innovation. The EIT has set up nine KICs, each tackling a specific global challenge, from climate change to sustainable energy and urban mobility to the digitalisation of our societies.

The EIT Community powers:

  • a new generation of trained entrepreneurs and innovators
  • innovative products and services that are developed and launched on the market in green, health and deep tech
  • start-ups and ventures that are formed and scaled

Learn more about how KICs work

 

Find out more about the EIT Model! - Info Session 2024 Materials

Documents and useful links

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