Choosing a Project Title for the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2) Posted on June 15, 2020October 9, 2020 By Stephan Segler, Ph.D. 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 (short proposal) open now Step 2 (business plan, closing 17:00 Brussels Time) 1st cut-off: - 2nd cut-off: - 3rd cut-off: - 4th cut-off: October 3rd 2024 Step 3 (interview) 1st cut-off: - 2nd cut-off: June 10th to 14th 2024 3rd cut-off: - 4th cut-off 2024: January 13th to 17th 2025 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. Want to see all articles? They can be found here. For Updates: Join this Newsletter! by Stephan Segler, PhDProfessional 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. EIC Accelerator Horizon 2020 Phase 2 SME Instrument / EIC Accelerator EIC Accelerator templateIndustries & CompaniesSME Instrument Phase 2Writing Tips
EIC Accelerator EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2) – Introduction and Blended Finance Posted on May 22, 2020October 9, 2020 Writing a successful EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument) application is always challenging due to the competitive nature of the grant and the 2 step evaluation process (i.e. written application and in-person interview). Success Rates Typical success rates range between 2% and 5% depending on the individual budget and the number of… Read More
EIC Accelerator How to Select an EU Grant Financing Program such as the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument) – Part 1 Posted on December 26, 2020December 20, 2020 The EIC Accelerator blended financing (formerly SME Instrument Phase 2, grant and equity financing) program is an interesting opportunity for startups and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) but it might not be suitable for all applicants (read: Introduction). There are a variety of considerations to be made in advance which… 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