Horizon 2020 What Does “Prototype Stage” Mean? Posted on March 19, 2019March 18, 2020 If you already have a prototype (an App or a physical product) then it is important to have some quantifiable feedback. For example: (a) You have active users on your platform who have given you feedback regarding the effectiveness of your solution (lowered costs or other benefits – expressed in… Read more
Horizon 2020 What Makes a Good Project? Posted on March 19, 2019March 18, 2020 I am talking to a lot of startups who are at different stages in their development. When first discussing a project, I look for 2 main components to see if an application can be successful: (1) Is the project ahead of the competition and a leap from the current stage… Read more
Horizon 2020 When Is the Grant Paid in Phase 1? Posted on March 19, 2019March 18, 2020 From submission to approval of the project, it can take 4-6 weeks followed by another 4 weeks for the signing of the grant agreement contract and release of the funds. Phase 1 is funded with €50.000 out of which 40% is paid in advance (€20,000) and the rest will… Read more
Horizon 2020 Technical Writing Tips Posted on March 19, 2019March 18, 2020 When you write your proposal, you must make sure that your technology is well explained and that your explanation is not too superficial. This is difficult since the proposal has a page limit but the evaluator must see that you and your team have put a lot of development efforts… Read more
Horizon 2020 Do You Need Additional Investors? Posted on March 19, 2019March 18, 2020 Phase 1 is funded as a flat fee of €50,000 for the purpose of performing a feasibility study. Phase 2, while being flexible with €500,000 to €5,000,000 in funding, is also paid as 70% of the total projects costs. The reason for the remaining 30% is that the… Read more
Horizon 2020 What Projects Does the EU Like Most? Posted on March 19, 2019March 18, 2020 The EU is not a private investor. Next to a great business proposition, the EU also cares about long term social, environmental and economic benefits in Europe with respects to climate change, a reduction in unemployment, boosting innovation, gender equality, integration of ethnic minorities, sustainability, infrastructure and facilitating the introduction of future… Read more
Horizon 2020 What is the Timeline for the Application? Posted on March 19, 2019March 18, 2020 Since I am frequently asked about the specific timeline and duration for the EU’s SME Instrument funding, here is a brief overview of how long it takes to apply: Phase 1: – There are 4 deadlines per year for which applications can be submitted (usually February, May, September and… Read more
Horizon 2020 Professional Grant Proposal Writing Posted on October 12, 2017April 12, 2019 Why hire a professional grant proposal writer? The EC has published templates for grant proposals but they are very general and do not guide the applicant to the content that makes a high-quality proposal. We know what evaluators are looking for and what content needs to actually be in the… Read more
Horizon 2020 What is Phase 1 for and What Comes Next? Posted on August 29, 2017October 13, 2017 The purpose of Horizon 2020s SME Instrument Schemes Phase 1 is a feasibility study for the project (lasting around 6 months depending on the specific topic) and is financed with a flat rate of €50,000. The feasibility study entails the development of a business plan and assesses the viability of the… Read more
Horizon 2020 What Is the H2020 SME Instrument Phase 1 Funding? Posted on August 29, 2017May 23, 2020 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… Read more
Horizon 2020 The Success Rate For Receiving Government Funding Posted on August 29, 2017October 13, 2017 This version considers the SME Instrument 2016-2017. Once the 2018 topics are released, it will be updated. A list of all beneficiaries for the Horizon 2020 SME Instrument can be found here (both Phase 1 & 2). To find out what topics are generally eligible for funding, please read What Types of… Read more