KInIT as your
Are you an emerging or established researcher with a strong track record and a ground-breaking research idea? Or were you recently awarded an ERC grant and are looking for a new host institution?
At KInIT, we believe that world-class research is not limited to large countries. We are building a supportive research environment right here in Slovakia and we want talented researchers to grow with us. KInIT connects researchers, educators, and innovative companies, linking together strong research with practical industry needs in a joint mission to advance world class research.
The European Research Council (ERC) supports the most ambitious, creative scientific ideas. The vision behind the ERC grants and the pursuit of these prestigious awards aligns perfectly with our mission to cultivate excellent, responsible research and support the next generation of scientific leaders.
We welcome outstanding researchers at any career stage who are preparing their ERC proposal, are interested in developing a grant idea in collaboration with our research teams or are seeking a new host institution for an already awarded grant.
Why choose KInIT?
1. A strong interdisciplinary expertise in AI and related fields
At KInIT, we bring together top researchers across the topics of web & user data processing, green and secure environment, natural language processing, ethics and human values in technology, which is an ideal expertise for ERC projects that push boundaries across disciplines. The institute also combines primary research in high‑impact domains with applied research carried out directly in cooperation with partners from the private and public sectors.
2. Deep collaboration across sectors
KInIT helps integrate the research community, industry, and the public sector into a single, interconnected research ecosystem, strengthened through long-term international partnerships and collaborative projects. As a teaming Centre of Excellence, KInIT is well connected within the European research landscape and collaborates on 15+ European projects (primarily Horizon Europe) with more than 130 international partners (e.g., DFKI Germany, ADAPT Ireland, and CERTH Greece). This way, KInIT offers future ERC grantees access to a strong international network for interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral cooperation, industry partners, applied research opportunities, and pathways for broader impact.
3. A unique model in Slovakia
We create an environment where talented researchers can build meaningful careers in Slovakia, with a strong emphasis on scientific excellence and innovation-driven knowledge transfer in AI and related fields. As an institute inspired by similar global institutions, KInIT attracts international talent and fosters collaborations that strengthen ERC proposals and long-term research trajectories and helps create a supportive environment that actively supports grant writing, project development and international networking.
4. Driving positive societal change
One of our goals is to encourage responsible innovation, expand knowledge, develop talent, and improve Slovakia’s competitiveness, in cooperation with the private and public sectors. As an independent institute, KInIT tries to actively address current and emerging societal challenges, shaping a better future through ethical and green science and supports decision-making based on scientific arguments.
5. Dedicated support for ERC excellence
We openly invite researchers preparing ERC proposals or seeking a host institution, offering a supportive environment for proposal development and project realization. KInIT will provide necessary support to future ERC applicants, our research environment, administrative backing and strategic guidance, all to maximize the potential of a successful application. For the ongoing ERC grant principal investigators, we offer attractive long-term research positions, administrative support and our technological and research know-how.
More about the ERC grants
The ERC‘s mission is to encourage the highest quality research in Europe through competitive funding and to support investigator-driven frontier research across all fields, on the basis of scientific excellence.
ERC Funding Schemes Overview
| Target audience* | Maximum Grant Amount (EUR) | Maximum Additional Funding Amount (EUR) ** | Maximum Duration (months) | Working Time on Project per Principal Investigator (%) | Working Time in a Member State or Associated Country (%) | |
| Starting Grant | Researchers 2 – 7 years after PhD | 1 500 000 | 1 000 000 | 60 | 50 | 50 |
| Consolidator Grant | Researchers 7 -12 years after PhD | 2 000 000 | 1 000 000 | 60 | 40 | 50 |
| Advanced Grant | All researchers | 2 500 000 | 1 000 000 | 60 | 30 | 50 |
| ERC Plus grant | All researchers | 7 000 000 | – | 84*** | 30 | 50 |
| Synergy Grant | All researchers | 10 000 000 | 4 000 000 | 72 | 30 | 50 |
| Proof of Concept Grant | Previous ERC grantees | 150 000 | – | 18 | – | – |
Eligibility Period Extension: maternity/paternity/parental leave, long-term illness, national service, disability, clinical training, major disasters, seeking asylum, gender-based or any other form of violence * max 2 mil. for out- of Europe researchers, ERC Grants for Non-European Researchers: Opportunities in Europe
*** Minimum duration: 48 months
You can find all further information relevant to the 2026 calls directly on the ERC website and current deadlines below:
Starting Grant Call: TBA 2027
Consolidator Grant Call: 13.1.2026
Advanced Grant Call: 27.8.2026
Synergy Grant Call: TBA 2027
ERC Plus Grant Call: 2.9.2026
KInIT is ready to be your host institution and your partner on this exciting journey.
Interested?