MI_DICE is a Pilot Action to support market uptake of disruptive energy technologies. Pre-selected H2020 projects will be supported at early-stage research (TRL3/4) with a systemic approach to commercialization. The approach complements developments in the technology dimension (the TRL) with Intellectual Property (IP), market, access to finance, as well as regulation/legislation. A stage-gate methodology will be followed. The first stage will establish the path to commercialization (Feasibility Study), after which a decision will be taken by DG RTD about the progress or termination of the selected Project. If green light is given, selected Projects will develop along the technology as well as the other dimensions. Progress and probability for impact in the market will be (re-)assessed every six months and another gate decision will be taken by DG RTD. MI_DICE will support the Feasibility Study as well as subsequent stages with proven tools and experienced experts. At each step of the stage gating process, insights and lessons learnt with respect to market uptake will be shared with DG RTD.

EIT InnoEnergy is synonymous with innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of sustainable energy. It is achieving this by leveraging the potential of the knowledge triangle: higher education, research, and industry throughout Europe, and globally. For EIT InnoEnergy, sustainability in energy means aligning with the Energy Union strategy, contributing to three objectives: (1) Decrease the cost of energy (€/kWh), (2) Increase the security of the energy system (operability of assets and autonomy in supply), and (3) Reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We operate three business lines: (1) the Education Programmes, which create and accompany the future significant changes in sustainable energy; (2) the Innovation Projects, which focus on producing incremental and disruptive technological and business model innovations; (3) the Business Creation Services(entrepreneurship), where we nurture innovative start-ups and grow small enterprises in sustainable energy. These business lines are supported by the management and operations activities. EIT InnoEnergy is also orchestrating three industrial strategic value chains on batteries and Photovoltaic (PV) through the European Battery Alliance and European Solar Initiative, formally mandated, and endorsed, respectively, by the European Commission in 2017 and 2020. EGHAC (European Green Hydrogen Acceleration Center) is the third one on green hydrogen, implemented together with Breakthrough Energy. All our activities focus on six thematic fields (Smart Grids, Storage, Smart Cities and Efficient Buildings, Energy from Chemical Fuels, Renewables and Energy for Transport) that evolve with the energy market changes and are fully aligned with the European Union Energy Strategy and the NECP (National Energy and Climate Plans). EIT InnoEnergy will fully comply with the EIT Financial Sustainability principles, KIC fund principles, Innovation Principles, EIT RIS Hub Minimum Standards and Good Governance principles.

The overall objective of IC SALES is to ensure greater synergies between the Enhanced EIC Pilot and EIT InnoEnergy in support of the Green Deal and other European Union policy priorities, to be deployed under Horizon Europe. IC SALES will achieve this objective though: 1. Establishing a tested, innovator (customer)-centered and business-oriented, coordination mechanism, notably around • seamless flow of innovative business cases from the EIC Accelerator to EIT InnoEnergy and vice versa, • leveraging of the EIT InnoEnergy eco-system and topical expertise for de-risking innovative business cases funded by the EIC Accelerator Pilot, • investigating and defining the possibility of co-investments, 2. Supporting a significant number of innovators funded by the EIC Accelerator Pilot which are not already connected to EIT InnoEnergy. 3. Supporting a significant number of innovators from the portfolio of EIT InnoEnergy to connect to the EIC Accelerator pilot. 4. Supporting a conducive eco-system (capital, connectedness, competence) in low-carbon energy. 5. Extending the benefit of EIT InnoEnergy Business Acceleration Services to innovators receiving the EIC’s Seal of Excellence Those objectives are fully in line and highly relevant for the Work Programme’s objectives of delivering a successful European Green Deal (climate-neutral EU 2050 and Green Recovery) and ultimately stimulating impact, i.e. market-creating breakthroughs for a resilient, competitive EU economy (growth, jobs, industrial leadership).