An online information day will be held on September 18 within the scope of "Next Generation Innovation Talents (HORIZON-EIC-2023-TALENTS-01)" by the European Commission.
  11 September 2023

An online information day will be held on September 18 within the scope of "Next Generation Innovation Talents (HORIZON-EIC-2023-TALENTS-01)" by the European Commission.
Registration for the event can be done here

The Information about the Call

The purpose of this call is to enhance the understanding and experience of researchers and innovators in navigating the complex process of advancing innovation beyond invention, while also aiding them in developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Moreover, this call aims to provide innovative start-ups access to new ideas from current research, thereby accelerating the development of their innovations.

Within the scope of this call, researchers benefiting from the programs listed below can undertake internships in eligible companies:

For eligible researchers for internships: European Research Council (ERC); EIC Guide; Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) postdoctoral fellowships; doctoral networks and COFUND programs; doctoral candidates and/or postdoctoral researchers participating in projects financed by the Horizon Europe Research Infrastructures program; participants of Master's and PhD programs bearing the EIT Label, as well as graduates of these programs; participants in the EIT Alumni network; participants in the EIT Jumpstarter program; and participants in other postdoctoral training programs supported by EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs).

For eligible companies for internships: Start-ups and SMEs supported by EIC Accelerator, including the H2020 SME Instrument program; SMEs/start-ups awarded the EIC Seal of Excellence within the EIC Transition Program; start-ups/SMEs supported by EIT-KIC innovation and business development services, including the EIT Jumpstarter program.

During the two-year call period, it is expected to support approximately 600 innovation internships, each lasting approximately three to six months. The final number of participants per program may vary based on demand, but assuming high demand from all partner programs, at least 150 researchers are projected to become interns through the EIC Guide program.

The plan comprises two main streams:
I. "Deep tech capabilities" stream: A 3 to 6-month internship period, open to doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers currently engaged in ERC, EIC Guide, MSCA, EIT, and Research Infrastructure projects. These internships will involve specialized work on a specific project or assistance to a high-level executive (CEO, CTO, CSO) as required by the host company.

II. "Emerging innovators" stream: Open to relevant students (current and graduates) of Master's and PhD programs bearing the EIT Label, EIT Alumni, and participants of the EIT Jumpstarter program for internships of up to 6 months.

Activities within this call should encompass the following key tasks:
Supporting the preparation and implementation of the statement of intent process for eligible researchers and host companies in coordination with relevant Horizon Europe programs.
Establishing a matching IT platform between relevant researchers (internship candidates) and companies.
Providing guidance and support for candidate interns and companies.
Negotiating agreements, including standard agreements related to intellectual property, working conditions, etc., with research institutions and companies.
Monitoring practical aspects of internships.
Organizing information and dissemination campaigns.
Providing financial support to third parties to cover additional costs of interns when necessary.
Regular reporting to each relevant Horizon Europe program, company, and intern.
Providing feedback on the impact of the call.

Within this call, the funded project coordinator will provide financial support for ERC and EIC Guide researchers. Reimbursement of internship costs for researchers financed by MSCA, Research Infrastructures, and EIT/EIT KICs will be covered by the relevant partner programs.

The selected project coordinator should possess the necessary knowledge, expertise, and tools to implement the program. In particular, the project coordinator should demonstrate their knowledge about the EIC and experience in managing multi-stakeholder projects, expertise in human resources consulting, capacities in talent acquisition and hiring for start-ups and spin-offs, experience in providing legal and accounting services. Proposals should foresee close collaboration with the European Commission and relevant organizations for the implementation of the program.

The project coordinator should present a comprehensive work plan detailing how each internship will be organized from intern-company matching to the end of the internship period. During matching, factors such as country-gender distribution for interns and thematic area, sector, and country distribution for host companies should be considered. Furthermore, applicants should explain the methodology for measuring the effectiveness, satisfaction, and impact of the program.

Type of Action: Coordination and Support Action (CSA)
Estimated Duration: 24 months
Expected number of projects to be supported: 1