EIT launches KICs calls on active ageing and raw materials

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has launched the 2014 Call for Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) proposals, with two new KICs focusing on innovation for healthy living and active ageing, and on raw materials (including sustainable exploration, extraction processing, recycling and substitution).

Alexander von Gabain, chairman of the EIT governing board, said: “This is an exciting day in the EIT’s history that we have been working towards since the setup of the first three KICs. The call offers a unique opportunity for leading universities, businesses and research centres to work with us and make innovation and entrepreneurship happen across Europe.”

An information day will be held in Budapest, Hungary, on 14 March 2014. Following an independent evaluation guided by specific selection criteria, the final structure of the KICs will be designated on 9 December 2014.

Adding his thoughts, José Manuel Leceta, EIT director, commented: “We look forward to co-operating with two more excellent and innovative partnerships that bring together entrepreneurially-minded people within European innovation ecosystems to tackle challenges facing our society, and to create new opportunities for sustainable growth and jobs.”

The application process is open until 10 September 2014.