EIC Accelerator How To Identify a High Quality SME Instrument Project (EIC Accelerator) Posted on October 12, 2019March 20, 2020 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… Read more
Horizon 2020 What Types of Companies Have Received Funding? Posted on March 19, 2019March 18, 2020 In 2018, the EC has published an annual report which contained some helpful statistics. It actually answers quite a few questions that I frequently receive from companies, so here are the bullet points: Of all funded companies, 84% (Phase 2) and 95% (Phase 1) applied as single entities Most… Read more
Horizon 2020 SME Instrument 2018 Changes Posted on March 19, 2019March 18, 2020 Before 2018, there were pre-defined industries (13 in total) which could apply to the SME Instrument. Starting February 2018, the funding is available to projects of all industries with no topic restrictions. The budgets and competitiveness of the old topics were highly disproportionate so this new development might level… Read more
Horizon 2020 Directly Applying for Phase 2 Posted on March 19, 2019March 18, 2020 I am talking to a lot of startups regarding EU funding and I frequently get asked if it is possible to apply to Phase 2 of the SME Instrument directly. The answer is: Yes. Technically you can but in reality, most startups do not have enough data (market, business… Read more
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