The EIC Innovation Procurement Programme powered by SPIN4EIC is organising an online pitching session in cooperation with the Belgian Customs on Tuesday, 30 September 2025 from 11:00 to 12:30 CEST. This will be an unmissable opportunity for EIC beneficiaries to share their solutions in the field of advanced chemical detection of cocaine in maritime freight containers via air sampling techniques.
Are you an EIC beneficiary with an interesting solution to address the needs of the Belgian Customs?
Apply here before 20 July 2025!
Existing detection methodologies predominantly rely on physical inspections, which are inherently invasive, labor-intensive, prone to inaccuracies, and frequently disruptive to logistical operations. Consequently, there exists an urgent demand for advanced chemical detection methods that are rapid, minimally intrusive, and exhibit high analytical accuracy.
What’s in it for you?
The Belgian Customs are aiming to establish maritime logistics infrastructures equipped with sophisticated chemical detection systems capable of rapidly and accurately detecting cocaine through minimally invasive air sampling methods, thereby securing international trade routes and substantially reinforcing global maritime security protocols.
The goal is to advance chemical detection technologies or integrated analytical systems capable of identifying cocaine accurately and expediently through the chemical analysis of air samples collected from maritime containers.
Engaging in this initiative offers EIC beneficiaries a unique opportunity to collaborate directly with the Belgian Customs, a key player in safeguarding international trade routes. Beyond contributing to the advancement of cutting-edge chemical detection technologies, participants stand to gain valuable exposure to real-world operational challenges and the chance to tailor their solutions in alignment with pressing security needs. This collaboration opens the door to building new connections within the maritime logistics and security ecosystem, potentially leading to long-term partnerships or future deployments of successful solutions.
When is the session taking place?
30 September 2025, from 11:00 to 12:30 CEST, online.
A pitching guiding session will be organised prior to the event to help you prepare your pitch and presentations. Applicants are kindly requested to apply only if they can commit to participating in both the pitching session and the pitching guiding session:
- A max 2 hour online pitching guiding session: September 2025
- The online pitching session, scheduled to take place on 30 September 2025, 11:00 to 12:30 CEST
Who can apply?
For this opportunity, a maximum of 5 EIC beneficiaries will be selected to participate in the pitching session. This challenge specifically targets the development and enhancement of chemical analytical methods based on air sampling techniques for the detection of cocaine residues within maritime freight containers at international port facilities. Proposals must focus on:
- Minimally invasive sampling procedures designed to minimise operational disruption
- Exceptional chemical sensitivity and specificity toward cocaine
- Rapid detection capability approaching real-time analytical feedback
Explicitly outside the scope of this challenge are detection methodologies that do not involve air sampling, modalities unrelated to maritime freight transportation, and narcotics other than cocaine.
EIC beneficiaries from the following schemes are eligible for this open call:
- EIC awardees from the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument included), EIC Transition and EIC Pathfinder (FET Active and FET Open included) funding schemes
- Women TechEU awardees (implemented under the European Innovation Ecosystems)
- Members of the EIC Scaling Club
- Seal of Excellence (under Horizon Europe)
How to apply?
In order to qualify for selection, you must complete this form before 20 July 2025.
Please note the following application requirements:
- Only applications in English will be considered;
- the application form will allow the Belgian Customs to gain a comprehensive understanding of your value proposition and assess the company’s suitability to participate in the pitching event;
- applicants will be asked to upload their pitching deck, which should include information about the company, the solution and its value proposition, how it addresses the challenge described (technical details), practical application of the solution -references, market and competition, and business model.
Should you have any questions regarding this matchmaking opportunity or your eligibility, please contact us through our Helpdesk by selecting the category "SPIN4EIC powered by EIC BAS Innovation Procurement Programme”, or reach out to us via spin4eic@intelleraconsulting.com.
About SPIN4EIC
SPIN4EIC is an innovative and unique flagship initiative powered by the EIC Innovation Procurement Programme, dedicated to delivering valuable support services to EIC innovators. The programme is committed to promoting the entry of outstanding EIC innovators into procurement markets, generating broader prospects for inventive SMEs and start-ups. Subscribe to the SPIN4EIC Newsletter to receive all the relevant news about the initiative!
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SPIN4EIC is an initiative of the wider EIC Business Acceleration Services available to all EIC-backed innovators.
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DISCLAIMER: This information is provided in the interest of knowledge sharing and should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission, or any other organisation.