EIC Accelerator Applications and EU Policies or Targets (SME Instrument Phase 2) Posted on May 25, 2020October 9, 2020 By Stephan Segler, Ph.D. Preparing a great EIC Accelerator application always includes the consideration of the EU policies and targets which are directly supported by the project but this strategy goes both ways. While the EIC Accelerator is open to innovations of all industries, any project that is directly going against EU policies will not be funded and be deemed ineligible. Examples for this would be new AI-solutions to better identify rich oil fields or new innovations to bring cheap diesel generators to third world countries. These two innovations are directly moving against the desired fossil fuel phase-out in the EU and would likewise oppose climate targets. The same principle can be extended to societal (i.e. relating to poverty, liberty, ethics or human rights), gender (i.e. in respect to giving more opportunities to women) or ethnic implications (i.e. immigration or discrimination issues). A new platform to help men find careers in STEM fields is less interesting than an innovation which provides an equivalent service for women due to the EU’s pronounced interest in gender issues. Avoiding all conflicts with EU policies while highlighting its alignment and even support of the EU’s agenda is an important part of writing a successful application. This article was last modified on Oct 9, 2020 @ 11:19 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) 1st cut-off 2025: - 2nd cut-off 2025: March 12th 2025 3rd cut-off 2025: - 4th cut-off 2025: October 1st 2025 Step 3 4th cut-off 2024: January 13th to 17th 2025 1st cut-off 2025: TBD 2nd cut-off 2025: TBD 3rd cut-off 2025: TBD 4th 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. 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) EIC Accelerator Horizon 2020 Phase 2 SME Instrument / EIC Accelerator EIC Accelerator helpEIC Accelerator womenSME Instrument Phase 2SoftwareWriting Tips
EIC Accelerator Why it’s Important to Have a Diverse Grant Strategy (EIC Accelerator, SME Instrument) – Part 2 Posted on February 19, 2021February 15, 2021 This article is a continuation of Part 1 and describes a perspective as to how startups and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) should view grant applications. Since especially the EIC Accelerator blended financing (formerly SME Instrument Phase 2, grant and equity financing) is highly competitive and templates can be difficult… Read More
EIC Accelerator EIC Accelerator: New Proposal Template from March 20th (2020) Posted on March 26, 2020October 14, 2020 The new proposal template for the EIC Accelerators Green Deal deadline on May 19th has recently been released and this article summarises the major changes. New Form Fields: The first change is found in the application forms under “Call Specific Questions” where it is now required to provide the gender of… Read More
EIC Accelerator EIC Accelerator Interview Preparation Process: Jury Considerations (Part 3) Posted on October 30, 2021October 26, 2021 One could argue that the Question & Answers (Q&A) session that is part of the EIC Accelerator interviews requires a significant amount of the overall preparation time. With a length of up to 35 minutes after the 10-minute pitch by the startup or Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME), it can… Read More