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 will be published in 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.
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.
Timeline for the establishment of the EIT Water KIC:
This Call for Proposals is 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. The full evaluation criteria for the Call for Proposals will be available upon the launch of the Call.
In order to have more information related with the call please join the online info-session:
Info Session Dates
18 September 2024 (10.30 – 12.00 CET) – Information session: Innovating with the EIT and creating a new partnership
25 September 2024 (10.30 – 12.00 CET)– Information session: Key EIT activities
2 October 2024 (10.30 – 12.00 CET) – Information session: Nuts and bolts of the EIT granting model
Please follow this link as well to download useful documents, such as EIT Press Release, EIT Water Factsheet, EIT Water Brochure related with the call.