At EMDESK Academy, we are committed to offering insights into key EU funding programs that shape Europe's research and innovation landscape. Today, we are excited to feature a compelling new podcast episode from The Grant — a highly regarded, independent initiative exploring EU funding schemes.
About the Episode
Episode #169 – Innovation Fund: An Introduction (Part 1)
In this new episode of The Grant, host Niels Tudor-Vinther welcomes Irene Larroy, Innovation Fund expert and Partner at EY, to explore one of Europe's most impactful funding initiatives: the Innovation Fund.
Through a detailed conversation, the episode unpacks:
- Why the European Commission created the Innovation Fund as part of the European Green Deal.
- How the fund accelerates decarbonization by supporting the construction of industrial-scale projects rather than early-stage research.
- The program structure, including the five main project categories: small, medium, large, pilot, and clean tech manufacturing.
- Key evaluation criteria such as financial close, technical readiness, and cost efficiency.
- Insights into how the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) finances the Innovation Fund — making it uniquely dynamic among EU programs.
Irene shares hands-on perspectives, including why strategic commitment and high-level management support are critical for successful applications, and what makes Innovation Fund projects so different — and demanding — compared to classic Horizon Europe projects.
This podcast is published by The Grant and curated here to enrich your knowledge resources.
Why You Should Listen
Whether you're a seasoned EU funding professional, a newcomer considering the Innovation Fund for your project, or simply curious about how Europe supports industrial decarbonization, this episode offers a wealth of practical insights.
It's an essential listen for companies, consultants, and stakeholders aiming to make an impact at scale.
Discover more thought leadership and real-world experience — tune in now!
