Innovation Call: Main Innovation Projects 2025

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.

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.

Scope and topics of the call 

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.

Type of activities to be financially supported

Initiatives designed to advance technologies from TRL 6 to TRL 9, ensuring a smooth transition to market from Gaming, Audio-Visual Media, Fashion, Architecture and Cultural Heritage sectors.

Timeline

• Call opening: 11 February 2025
• Call closure: 11 April 2025 at 17.00 CET
• Eligibility and admissibility check: mid-April 2025
• External evaluation of proposals: Until beginning of May 2025
• Portfolio selection: Second half of May 2025
• Communication of results to applicants: End of May 2025
• Publication of results: Beginning of July 2025 (1 month standstill period)
• Tentative projects start date: Beginning of July 2025

More information: Innovation Call – Main Call 2025 – EIT Culture & Creativity