The European Innovation Council welcomes new Programme Managers

The European Innovation Council warmly welcomes Franc Mouwen, Samira Nik, Ivan Stefanic and Stela Tkatchova - new Programme Managers covering the fields of space, quantum tech & electronics, construction & artificial intelligence (AI) and food & agri-tech. By doubling the number of Programme Managers from four to eight and increasing the scope of technological and application areas, the European Innovation Council expands its vision-building capabilities and its pro-active approach to managing portfolios of projects.

The Programme Managers were appointed following a highly competitive selection procedure based on their leading expertise in fields of breakthrough technology and their ability to develop visions for future breakthroughs. The European Innovation Council is especially proud to have appointed the first two female Programme Managers.

Meet the new Programme Managers

• Franc Mouwen, Programme Manager for construction & AI
• Samira Nik, Programme Manager for quantum tech and electronics
• Ivan Stefanic, Programme Manager for food & agri-tech
• Stela Tkatchova, Programme Manager for space

Background information

Through EIC Programme Managers, the EIC is adopting innovative ways to manage funding. They are high-level experts employed by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Agency to develop visions for future technology and innovation breakthroughs and to manage one or more EIC Portfolios to achieve these visions. They work in close interact with EIC funded projects as well as the wider innovation ecosystem within their fields, including the European Institute of Innovation Technology (EIT), European Research Council (ERC), and Member State and private initiatives. They are high-level experts in their field and in the EU innovation landscape and are appointed to work in the EIC for a limited duration up to four years. They are supported by EIC Project Officers and will interact with the EIC Board and President. The EIC Programme Managers are subject to strict rules concerning conflicts of interest and confidentiality.

More information

• EIC Programme Managers
• Interview with Francesco Matteucci, EIC Programme Manager for materials for energy and environmental sustainability, innovation management.
• Interview with Antonio Marco Pantaleo, EIC Programme Manager for energy systems and green technologies