• H2020
• Policy & Research
• Knowledge & Innovation

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) is today launching the 2016 call for the creation of two new Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KIC): EIT Food and EIT Manufacturing.

EIT Food will seek to develop innovative solutions to ensure a climate-resilient and sustainable global food value chain. EIT Manufacturing will look to strengthen and increase the competitiveness of Europe’s manufacturing industry.

They will add to the five already up and running in the areas of climate, digital, energy, health and raw materials innovation.

“The EIT was founded on the belief that by working in partnership we can face the challenges ahead and enhance Europe’s competitiveness and wellbeing. I am convinced that two new KICs in food and manufacturing will enhance the EIT’s ability to do just that,” said Peter Olesen, chairman of the EIT Governing Board.

EIT interim director Martin Kern added: “The EIT demonstrates Europe’s ability to innovate and to build a future, which is both sustainable and creates new jobs. I would like to invite innovators in food and manufacturing across Europe to seize this opportunity and participate in the call for proposals to join our EIT Community.”

The proposals to form a KIC should be submitted by partners from business, higher education and research institutions, with the aim of tackling societal challenges by developing innovative products and services.

The call is open until July 2016. The winning partnerships will be announced in November 2016.

For more information, visit the EIT website.