European Innovation Council funding an interesting prospect for Swiss research institutions and businesses

In Europe research results should be turned into marketable innovations more quickly. As part of its current Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (Horizon 2020; 2014-2020), to which Switzerland is associated, the European Union has taken the decision to enhance the funding opportunities available through the European Innovation Council. A high-level delegation from the European Commission today presented the EIC's funding instruments at an information event in Bern, and set out how Swiss research institutions and businesses can benefit, especially SMEs. The European Innovation Council was set up at the end of 2017 on a trial basis. In March, the European Commission decided to intensify the pilot phase and set aside a budget of EUR 2 billion for 2019 and 2020. The EIC is currently touring a number of countries to present the enhanced funding opportunities. Switzerland is one of the first stops on the tour.