The European Commission has officially appointed the 20 members of the renewed European Innovation Council (EIC) Board, marking an important step in strengthening Europe’s innovation leadership
The newly formed EIC Board combines continuity and renewal, with 15 new members joining alongside five members from the previous Board whose mandates have been extended.
The renewed EIC Board will play an important part in shaping the future direction of the European Innovation Council, Europe’s flagship programme for breakthrough innovation and deep-tech scale-ups. The first meeting of the new Board is scheduled for 29 January 2026.
Europe’s innovation ecosystem
Led by its President, the EIC Board brings together high-level representatives from across the European innovation ecosystem. Members have strong professional backgrounds spanning academia, entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, finance and innovation policy.
This expertise is designed to ensure the EIC remains responsive to innovators’ needs at every stage of development.
The Board’s mission is to guide the European Innovation Council in becoming Europe’s primary instrument for breakthrough innovation. This includes maximising the impact of public investment, ensuring resources are channelled efficiently, and reinforcing Europe’s strategic autonomy in critical technologies.
The Board advises the European Commission on the EIC’s overall strategy, its annual work programmes and the development of thematic portfolios. It may also be invited to contribute to discussions on broader innovation policy issues that affect Europe’s competitiveness and technological sovereignty.
Strong interest from across Europe
The new members were selected following a highly competitive call for expression of interest published in April 2025. A total of 951 applications were submitted, reflecting strong interest from across Europe’s innovation community and highlighting the growing prominence of the EIC within the Horizon Europe framework.
EIC Board members serve in a personal capacity rather than representing organisations or countries. Each appointment is for a two-year term, with the possibility of renewal up to two times. This structure aims to balance fresh perspectives with continuity in governance and strategic direction.
Commitment to excellence, diversity and balance
The composition of the renewed EIC Board ensures a high level of expertise across key innovation domains aligned with EIC priorities. Members bring deep knowledge in areas such as digital technologies and artificial intelligence, health and biotechnology, and the Green Deal and energy transition. This thematic breadth reflects the EIC’s ambition to support transformative technologies that address major societal and economic challenges.
Diversity and balance are also central features of the new Board. Gender representation is fully balanced, with women and men equally represented. From a geographical perspective, the Board includes members from 16 nationalities, of which 7 are from Horizon Europe widening countries. This diversity is intended to strengthen inclusiveness and ensure that innovation potential from all parts of Europe is recognised and supported.
About the EIC
The European Innovation Council is the EU’s flagship programme for identifying, developing and scaling up breakthrough technologies and game-changing innovations. Established under Horizon Europe, the EIC has a budget of €10.1 billion to support innovation throughout its lifecycle, from early-stage research and proof of concept to technology transfer, financing and the scale-up of startups and small and medium-sized enterprises.
With its renewed Board now in place, the EIC is well positioned to continue driving Europe’s innovation ambitions and supporting the next generation of transformative technologies.
