This call is now closed.
EIT Culture & Creativity invites you to submit proposals for the 2025 Innovation Programme, aimed at supporting cutting-edge projects that address key challenges in the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI). This call seeks to foster groundbreaking innovations in Fashion, Architecture, Cultural Heritage, Audio-Visual Media, and Gaming, helping stakeholders navigate the challenges of globalisation, digital transformation, emerging technologies (such as AI), and environmental sustainability.
Through this call, EIT Culture & Creativity aims to develop a balanced portfolio of high-impact projects, strengthen long-term partnerships, and expand the innovation ecosystem surrounding the sector. Selected projects may also benefit from additional services beyond the lifetime of the grant, including support for market access, investor pitching sessions, networking opportunities, and collaboration with the broader EIT community.
Milestones
Call opening
11 February 2025
Call closure
11 April 2025 at 17.00 CET
Eligibility & admissibility
Mid-April 2025
External evaluation
Until beginning of May 2025
Portfolio selection
Second half of May 2025
Results to applicants
End of May 2025
Publication of results
Beginning of July 2025 (1 month standstill period)
Projects start date
Tentative projects start date: Beginning of July 2025
Who can apply?
At least two eligible entities from two different EU Member States or countries associated with Horizon Europe are required to form a consortium. Single applicants will not be considered. One of the entities in the consortium must come from the business sector (micro enterprise, SME, large company, business association, etc.).
Additionally, the consortium must have both a commercial partner and a research or academic partner. If the consortium consists of only two partners, the business entity may also serve as the commercial partner.
The Regular Open Call for Main Innovation Projects supports one-year initiatives designed to advance technologies from TRL 6 to TRL 9, ensuring a smooth transition to market. Projects must address challenges in at least one of the KIC’s focus areas (Audio-Visual Media, Fashion, Architecture and Cultural Heritage). Projects must be completed within a 12-month period, with a focus on rapid commercialization. Projects will focus on refining prototypes, branding, market research, and scaling distribution channels. The expected outcome is a market-ready product, service, or business model, with a clear path to commercialization across multiple European markets.
Mandatory KPIs
- EITHE02.4 – Innovations Launched on the Market: The proposal must aim to launch at least one innovation (new product or service) on the market within the KAVA duration or within three years of completion, with documented sales revenue of at least €10,000. Minimum target: 1
Optional KPIs
- EITHE01.1 – Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): The proposal should aim to generate and apply for at least one IPR (patent, trademark, registered design, etc.) resulting from KIC activities.
- EITHE04.4 – Start-ups Created: The proposal should aim to establish a start-up based on the project’s outputs, with financial transactions of at least €10,000 for services/products sold to customers.
For the admissibility, eligibility, evaluation and portfolio selection criteria please see the call guidelines.
The application form will be available from 11 February 2025 until 11 April 2025 17:00 CET.
Please make sure you have a Participant Identification Code (PIC). If you lack a PIC, you will need to register first on the EU Funding & Tender Portal.
Please submit your proposal here
The following list of documents need to be submitted
- Application form, available on Monday platform (link above)
- Budget plan and EIT funding request (template below)
- Work plan and project timeline as Gantt chart
- Link to video demonstration
Key documents for your application
INNOVATION CALL
Call guidelines
— amended 11.03.2025
INNOVATION CALL
Budget plan and EIT funding request template
INNOVATION CALL
Eligibility of expenditure
INNOVATION CALL
FAQ
Useful links to prepare your application:
PIC Registration Guidance
External link
EIT Culture & Creativity Strategic Agenda 2024-2027
External link
List of participating countries in Horizon Europe
External link
Horizon Europe Model Grant Agreement (HE MGA)
External link
EU Financial Regulation (Article 61)
External link
Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union
External link
EIT Label Handbook for Quality system for non-degree education and training and EIT Competence Certification Model
External link
Ethics: Self-assessment
External link
Webinar 1
Overview: Information session on the strategic focus, scope, and topics of the call.19 February 2025, 10.00–11.00 CET.
Click here to view the recording: EIT Culture & Creativity_ Innovation Call 2025 – Webinar 1.mp4
Webinar 2
Commercialisation and financial sustainability: Information session on how proposals should address commercialisation and the project’s contribution to EIT Culture & Creativity’s financial sustainability.19 February 2025, 11.00–12.00 CET.
Click here to view the recording: EIT Culture & Creativity_ Innovation Call 2025 – Webinar 2.mp4
Webinar 3
Evaluation criteria and application process: Information session covering eligibility and evaluation criteria, assessment and application process.19 February 2025, 12.00–13.00 CET.
Click here to view the recording: EIT Culture & Creativity_ Innovation Call 2025 – Webinar 3.mp4
Webinar 4
Hands-on demonstration: Proposal preparation and submission process, including information on the application platform, detailed submission steps and budget setup. 19 February 2025, 13.00–13.30 CET.
Click here to view the recording: EIT Culture & Creativity_ Innovation Call 2025 – Webinar 4.mp4
Contact
In addition to the information sessions, applicants may submit their inquiries via the official EIT Culture & Creativity Contact Form:
This form should be used for all questions related to call content, technical aspects, thematic focus, administrative, financial, or procedural matters.
The relevant team will review and respond accordingly to provide clear and aligned guidance throughout the application process.