The Request for Proposals for a qualified supplier to act as the EIT Community Officer (ECO) for the EIT Community Hub in Estonia

EIT Food is pleased to announce this Request for Proposals (“RfP”) aimed at identifying a qualified supplier to carry out the EIT Community Officer role in Estonia. This RfP is issued on behalf of the EIT Community RI&I Cluster, a collaboration between all nine EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), with the possibility of changes in participating KICs over time.

The selected provider will act as the central operational and coordination point for EIT Community activities in Estonia, strengthening the visibility and impact of the EIT Community at local, regional, and national levels. The EIT Community Officer (“ECO”) will be responsible for implementing joint activities, engaging diverse stakeholder groups, and fostering synergies between the EIT KICs to maximise community outreach and innovation uptake, acting as the one-stop shop for EIT Community activities in Estonia.

This RfP covers the intended period starting on August 12th 2026 until December 31st  2027. Pending evaluation and funding availability, it may be extended for an additional period of 12 months (2028). 

Applicants’ proposed expert should demonstrate proven experience in innovation ecosystem engagement, project coordination, and stakeholder mobilisation, particularly in the Estonian context. The successful applicant is expected to propose a dynamic, collaborative, and impact-oriented activity plan that leverages the strengths of all KICs, and of the EIT Community while remaining responsive to local innovation needs.

With regard to the eligibility requirements, applicants must have physical presence in Estonia as a legally registered entity within the country. 

The KICs that actively take part in the EIT Community are:

• Climate-KIC: Working to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon economy;
• 28Digital: Driving Europe’s digital transformation;
• InnoEnergy: Achieving a sustainable energy future for Europe;
• EIT Food: Leading a global revolution in food innovation and production;
• EIT Health: Giving EU citizens greater opportunities to enjoy a healthy life;
• EIT RawMaterials: Developing raw materials into a major strength for Europe;
• EIT Urban Mobility: Smart, green and integrated transport;
• EIT Culture and Creativity: Creatives without borders, innovation without limits.

In this context, on behalf of the EIT Community RI&I Cluster, EIT Food is aiming to conclude one contract for the entire period stated above (12th August 2026 – 31st December 2027), with the possibility of a 1 year extension. The specifications of the present RfP will become an integral part of the contract. Non-compliance during the implementation phase may lead to early termination by EIT Food. 

The proposal deadline is 21 July 2026 at 16:00 CEST, and submissions must be sent in English by email with the required annexes, activity plan, and financial offer. 

All the details and requirements can be found in the Request for Proposal document and Annexes.