What Is the H2020 SME Instrument Phase 1 Funding? Posted on August 29, 2017May 23, 2020 By Stephan Segler, Ph.D. The SME Instrument is a €3 billion funding scheme that is part of the largest EU research and innovation programme in of the EU called Horizon 2020 (€80 billion budget). By the end of 2020, 7500 Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) will have received funding over a period of 6 years. To find out if your company is eligible for funding, please read Can My Company Receive Funding from the EU?. The SME Instrument The SME Instrument is structured in 3 Phases: Phase 1 – The Feasibility Study (€50.000) Phase 1 is officially optional, but without it, the chances of success for Phase 2 are minimal. If a project cannot be approved for Phase 1, it is highly unlikely that it will succeed in Phase 2. The duration of this project is around 6 months and its purpose is assessing the technical, commercial and financial feasibility of the project. As a result, a Business Plan is fully developed and it will be outlined if the project is a suitable investment. Phase 2 – Innovation Development & Demonstration (€0.5 to 2.5 million) Phase 2 typically takes 1 to 2 years and its purpose is to bring the technology from the prototype level to commercial readiness. This will be the main development of the project and receives the highest amount of funding. Phase 3 – Support for Market Entry (non-financial) Phase 3 gives additional support through the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) which can give guidance and advice on project related topics. Horizon 2020 Phase 1 Phase 2 SME Instrument / EIC Accelerator EIC Accelerator successIndustries & CompaniesInvestorsSME Instrument Phase 1SME Instrument Phase 2TimelineWriting Tips
EIC Accelerator Project Management and the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2) Posted on December 25, 2020December 18, 2020 Project management is a central part of every Research and Development (R&D) project but it is especially important when considering the strict budgeting and tracking under the EIC Accelerator blended financing program (formerly SME Instrument Phase 2, grant and equity financing). Managing a specific project, a task and performance indicators… Read More
EIC Accelerator EIC Accelerator Interview Preparation Process: Interviewee Considerations (Part 4) Posted on October 31, 2021October 26, 2021 In this fourth part of the EIC Accelerator interview guideline, the focus is shifted to specific training tools targeted at improving how questions are answered. Startups and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) can use these tools to better prepare for their own pitch event, investor conversations and, of course, interviews… Read More
EIC Accelerator How to Prepare a Good EIC Accelerator Application: General Project Advice Posted on April 10, 2023March 27, 2023 The EIC Accelerator funding (grant and equity, with blended financing option) by the European Innovation Council (EIC) and European Commission (EC) is a selective program designed for startups and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME). The funding per project can reach €17.5 million in total (€2.5 million in grant and €15… Read More