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Enterprise Europe Network
News article24 November 2022

EEN2EIC: boosting quality support services for innovation and gender equality

The Enterprise Europe Network and the European Innovation Council joined forces in the EEN2EIC project to support women entrepreneurs, widening countries, and Seal of Excellence (SoE) holders.

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The project aims to develop a strong cooperation mechanism between Enterprise Europe Network and the European Innovation Council (EIC) that will enable innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups to grow their business faster and with greater impact.

Through EEN2EIC, Network offices will support potential EIC applicants increase the number of quality proposals submitted in response to EIC calls with a focus on:

  • Women-led innovative companies in the EU and Horizon Europe 3rd pillar
  • EIC Accelerator Seal of Excellence holders
  • Widening countries capacity building

The community of EEN2EIC advisers will also exchange best practices within the Network and will facilitate access to valuable expertise and private sector actors for the benefit of Network contact points in widening countries and Horizon Europe 3rd pillar Associated Countries. Together, these actions will help address the gap between widening and non-widening countries by improving the participation and quality of proposals submitted while also supporting women-led companies.

The initiative is led by a consortium of 5 partners with extensive expertise in supporting or funding scientific research and innovation as well as working with women entrepreneurs and widening countries: APRE, BPIFRANCE, PRAXI, LIC, and STEINBEIS.

To learn more about the EEN2EIC project and its leading consortium, explore their dedicated platform.