How To Identify a High Quality SME Instrument Project (EIC Accelerator) Posted on October 12, 2019March 20, 2020 By Stephan Segler, Ph.D. If you are considering to apply for the start-up grant by the EU, here is the most important information on how to identify a high-quality project: (1) Hardware products: More than 60% of all funded projects are related to hardware manufacturing, followed by subscription services at only 16%. This does not exclude pure software projects but shows that hardware innovations have a better way of showing a need for funding due to high production costs. They also have an easier time to patent the solution and show the innovative nature of the project. (2) High Value Industries: While the budget distribution in the newest installation of the SME Instrument has changed, the past data shows that the most frequently funded projects are related to healthcare, cleantech, energy, analytics and transportation. (3) Revenue Model: B2B is by far the most sought after project type with 76% of all funded projects, followed by B2C revenue models. It is usually difficult for B2C projects to show investors any customer interest if the technology is still in the pre-commercial stage but e.g. retailer & distribution agreements can help in this regard. EIC Accelerator Horizon 2020 Phase 1 Phase 2 SME Instrument / EIC Accelerator EIC Accelerator grantEIC Accelerator helpHardwareIndustries & CompaniesInvestorsSME Instrument Phase 1SoftwareTimelinetip#16
EIC Accelerator EIC Accelerator and the Vanevo GmbH Success Case Posted on October 19, 2022February 28, 2024 The EIC Accelerator funding (grant and equity, with blended financing option) by the European Innovation Council (EIC) and European Commission (EC) has recently closed its latest financing cut-off with a total budget of €396.7 million (read: Diverse Grant Strategy). The 75 winners are startups and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME)… Read More
EIC Accelerator The Difference Between Innovation and Features (EIC Accelerator) Posted on January 17, 2020October 14, 2020 Here are some tips regarding applications for the EU’s start-up grant (up to €2,500,000 via grant + €15,000,000 through equity financing). The central component for the grant application is the innovative nature of the project, meaning that it not only addresses customer needs and has a significant market impact but… Read More
EIC Accelerator Developing a Commercial Strategy for the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2) Posted on August 18, 2020October 9, 2020 One of the core sections of an EIC Accelerator application (SME Instrument Phase 2), taken from the official grant proposal template, is the commercial strategy. Such a strategy might seem very straight forward in many cases but, in order to fully advertise the impact and scalability of a project, great… Read More