Innovation plays a key role in responding to the significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis. The world we live in is changing dramatically with significant changes to our society, how we look at opportunities and how we respond to challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the EIT Community and, in particular, the unique support it provides across Europe to students, entrepreneurs and innovators dedicated to developing innovative solutions to global challenges. Under the EIT’s coordination, the eight Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) have mobilised their partnerships, are proactively responding in a strategic and operational manner to the short-term challenges resulting from COVID-19, and also looking ahead to the expected economic and social challenges to follow.

The EIT Community is responding with concrete activities and resources to support the global response to the pandemic and with solutions powered by innovators and organisations within its ecosystem. The EIT therefore launched the EIT Crisis Response Initiative as part of the EU’s collective efforts to tackle the COVID-19 crisis.