EIT InnoEnergy's model for innovation

EIT InnoEnergy looks for new products, new solutions and new services to support and develop in the sustainable energy sector. Innovation is a unique process, and EIT InnoEnergy is keenly aware that taking the spark of an idea and turning it into a successful and marketable product can be a long and complex journey, where technical expertise, commercial awareness and access to a variety of skills and resources are critical.
To support innovators in this process, EIT InnoEnergy offers the following means of support:

EIT InnoEnergy Annual Investment Round

EIT InnoEnergy's investment round is open to applications all year round, offering investment and support for innovation projects. If you are looking for a partner to help you bring your innovations in the energy field to market, then this is the ideal offer for you.

EIT InnoEnergy thematic fields

EIT InnoEnergy supports innovation projects and businesses with a proven concept that is related to one of their thematic areas that will change the future of the energy industry.

Energy storage

The way we generate, transmit and distribute power is changing. Energy Storage has a vital role to play in the development of the smart grid. EIT InnoEnergy is encouraging innovation in large and small-scale storage that will:

• Help integrate renewable energy into the electricity grid;
• Enable a more distributed and responsive distribution system;
• Improve stability across the grid.

Smart electric grid

The electricity grid is showing its age. Increased use, intermittent generation sources, and new regulations are threatening its ability to deliver low-cost, safe and secure power supply. EIT InnoEnergy is encouraging new solutions that:

• Enable information, communication and analytics capabilities on a large scale;
• Support enhanced cyber-security and critical infrastructure protection;
• Increase control over intermittent sources of electricity.

Smart and efficient buildings and cities

Forty per cent of the world’s energy is consumed in the built environment. Energy efficient buildings and cities are key to sustainable development. The innovation community is fostering innovation that:

• Enables energy-positive homes and commercial buildings;
• Encourages energy-saving behaviours at home and at work;
• Supports a smart and sustainable transport system.

Energy efficiency

Reducing consumption at home and at work is still the most cost-effective way to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy security and competitiveness. The innovation community is encouraging innovation in two areas that together account for more than 50 per cent of the EU's energy consumption, and at least 33 per cent of its CO2 emissions:

• Energy efficiency in buildings;
• Energy efficiency in industry. 

Renewable Energies

Renewable energy sources play an essential role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and creating energy autonomy. EIT InnoEnergy encourages innovation that:

• Improves the production, penetration and profitability of renewable energy;
• Continues to develop all forms of solar technology;
• Improves reliability, accuracy and integration of onshore and offshore wind;
• Increases performance, lifespan and scalability of wave power.

Nuclear instrumentation

Nuclear and renewable energy can complement each other to provide the stable, secure and low-carbon power we need. The innovation community is encouraging investigation into these synergies and fostering innovation in:

• Advanced materials and processes for nuclear and renewable sources;
• Energy efficiency in industrial and manufacturing sectors;
• Instrumentation, measurement and control systems for nuclear power.

Energy for circular economy

The Energy for Circular Economy thematic field focuses on conversion processes and complete conversion routes from fossil, biogenic and waste resources to final energy carriers and chemicals. The thematic field scope outline for the Energy for Circular Economy:

• Feedstock sourcing technologies;
• Energy conversion technologies;
• Smart grids for energy carriers – logistics, transportation and distribution;
• Smart heat grids;
• Air quality and sustainability of conventional energy sources;
• Decommissioning technologies.

Energy for transport and mobility

The transport and mobility sector is responsible for about 1/3 of Europe's energy consumption and about 1/4 of overall greenhouse gas emissions. As such, this thematic area plays a significant role in the transition of the energy system of the EU. Points of interest for EIT InnoEnergy are currently: e-mobility, hydrogen, alternative synthetic fuels, smart integration of the energy sectors power and transport. We see opportunities in all transport modes and further innovation opportunities arise from, for example:

• New mobility business models;
• Last mile solutions;
• Multi-modality and sharing economy.