Today, the EIT is launching the 2014 Call for Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) proposals. Two new KICs will be selected focusing on innovation for healthy living and active ageing, and on raw materials – sustainable exploration, extraction processing, recycling and substitution.

"This is the first step in our expansion of the EIT, with five new KICs planned over the next seven years. We're looking for great innovators and entrepreneurs with the drive to tackle concrete challenges and deliver results. I hope that many organisations will respond to this call and join us in this exciting journey," said Androulla Vassiliou, the European Commissioner responsible for the EIT.

An Information Day will be held in Budapest on 14 March 2014. The application process is open until 10 September 2014. One KIC will be designated on 9 December 2014 in each theme, following an independent evaluation guided by specific selection criteria.

For more information: EIT 2014 Call for KICs

For all call documents: EIT 2014 Call for KICs documents