In conformity with Regulation (EU) 2021/819 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021 on the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), notice is hereby given of the launch of a call for proposals for a new EIT Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) on the Water, Marine and Maritime Sectors and Ecosystems (‘Water’). Proposals are invited for the call.

In line with Article 9 of the EIT Regulation, the EIT Call for Proposals is for consortia consisting of leading organisations from business, education and research.

The new KIC will address the following challenges:

—	Water scarcity, drought and floods,

—	Marine and freshwater ecosystem degradation,

—	The circular and sustainable blue economy.

The forthcoming KIC will unite water, marine, and maritime innovators and build a pan-European partnership that addresses the most pressing challenges facing water-related innovation ecosystems by commercialising innovative solutions and nurturing talent and start-ups. The KIC will provide entrepreneurial and skills education, implement innovation projects and commercialise their outcomes, as well as provide a vast support to entrepreneurs and start-ups.

The call deadline and all relevant information on the modalities of the call, the evaluation criteria and the guidance for applicants on how to submit proposals is available in the call text and on the call page of the EIT website:

https://eit.europa.eu/our-activities/call-for-eit-communities/eit-water