Choosing a Project Title for the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2)

The title of the proposal can be viewed as the tag-line of the project. If the project’s abstract is a condensed version of the entire proposal, then the title can be viewed as a condensed version of the abstract.

Here, it should be explained what the unique product is and an indication of its expected impact should be given.

In practice, the title should consist of a number of adjectives which describe the unique selling points (USP), a noun which identifies the product and it should end with the expected industry or European impact.

There is no structure or guide for the project title but the following template is a useful way of developing the projects tag-line:

[Introduction: “The first”, “Novel”, …] ;
[Adjective(s): “integrated”, “secure”, “sophisticated”, …] ;
[Noun: “Point-of-Care Device”, “Batter Management System”, …] ;
for ;
[USP’s of the product: “high-efficiency”, “uninterrupted”, “low-cost”, …] ;
[Noun: “biomarker analysis”, “operation”, “conversion”]
to ;
[Broader impact: “create a truly circular economy in the EU”, “mitigate climate change”, “increase European renewables penetration”, “develop cancer treatments”, …]

An example of a project title from the guide above could be:

“The first integrated Battery Management System for uninterrupted Operation to Increase European Renewables Penetration.”

This article was last modified on Oct 9, 2020 @ 11:10

These tips are not only useful for European startups, professional writers, consultants and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) but are generally recommended when writing a business plan or investor documents.

Deadlines: Post-Horizon 2020, the EIC Accelerator accepts Step 1 submissions now while the deadlines for the full applications (Step 2) under Horizon Europe are:

• Step 1
  • Open now: Apply as soon as possible to be eligible for the next Step 2 submission deadline
• Step 2 (closing 17:00 Brussels Time)
  • 1^st cut-off 2025: -
  • 2^nd cut-off 2025: March 12^th 2025
  • 3^rd cut-off 2025: -
  • 4^th cut-off 2025: October 1^st 2025
• Step 3
  • 4^th cut-off 2024: January 13^th to 17^th 2025
  • 1^st cut-off 2025: TBD
  • 2^nd cut-off 2025: TBD
  • 3^rd cut-off 2025: TBD
  • 4^th cut-off 2025: TBD

The Step 1 applications must be submitted weeks in advance of Step 2. The next EIC Accelerator cut-off for Step 2 (full proposal) can be found here. After Brexit, UK companies can still apply to the EIC Accelerator under Horizon Europe albeit with non-dilutive grant applications only - thereby excluding equity-financing.

Contact: You can reach out to us via this contact form to work with a professional consultant.

EU, UK & US Startups: Alternative financing options for EU, UK and US innovation startups are the EIC Pathfinder (combining Future and Emerging Technologies - FET Open & FET Proactive) with €4M per project, Thematic Priorities, European Innovation Partnerships (EIP), Innovate UK with £3M (for UK-companies only) as well as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants with $1M (for US-companies only).

Any more questions? View the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.

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by Stephan Segler, PhD
Professional Grant Consultant at Segler Consulting

General information on the EIC Accelerator template, professional grant writing and how to prepare a successful application can be found in the following articles:

A Quick FTO Guide for EIC Accelerator Applicants in a Rush

2023 Budget Allocations for EIC Pathfinder, Transition and Accelerator

Developing the Unique Selling Points (USP) for the EIC Accelerator

Explaining the Resubmission Process for the EIC Accelerator

A Short but Comprehensive Explanation of the EIC Accelerator

EIC Accelerator Success Cases

Deciding Between EIC Pathfinder, Transition and Accelerator

A Winning Candidate for the EIC Accelerator

EIC Accelerator Interview Preparation Process: Scripting the Pitch (Part 1)

Examples of successful abstracts, titles and acronyms can be found in the  Community Research and Development Information Service (CORDIS) database and on the EIC Accelerator call page.