The detailed topic descriptions can be found here. When you are unsure if a specific topic applies to your project, please read the detailed description carefully. To gain an overview of the topics, continue reading.
To find out if your company can receive funding by the EU, please read Can My Company Receive Funding from the EU?
For general rules on how to increase the chances of your project, please read How To Improve Your Chances of Getting Funded.
The Specific Topics
The Horizon 2020s SME Instrument funds a great variety of industries and has established 13 topics, namely:
01: Open Disruptive Innovation Scheme
“Focus will be on companies proposing disruptive [Information and Communications Technology (ICT)] concepts, products and services applying new sets of rules, values and models which ultimately create new markets (e.g. by tackling non-consumption) or disrupt existing markets.”
02: Accelerating the uptake of nanotechnologies advanced materials or advanced manufacturing and processing technologies by SMEs
“The goal is to create added value by creatively combining existing research results with other necessary elements, to transfer results across sectors where applicable, to accelerate innovation and eventually create profit or other benefits.”
03: Dedicated support to biotechnology SMEs closing the gap from lab to market
“SMEs working in the field of industrial biotechnology and ideas/concepts involving the use of systems and/or synthetic biology are particularly invited to apply for funding.”
04: Engaging SMEs in space research and development
“It is considered that actions in the areas of applications, especially in connection to the flagship programmes Galileo and Copernicus, spinning-in (i.e. application of terrestrial solutions to challenges in space) and the development of certain critical technologies could be adequately suited for this call.”
05: Supporting innovative SMEs in the healthcare biotechnology sector
a) Clinical research for the validation of biomarkers and/or diagnostic medical devices
b) Cell technologies in medical applications
06: Accelerating market introduction of ICT solutions for Health, Well-Being and Ageing Well
“The challenge is to help overcome the current gaps in exploitation of promising research results in ICT for Health, Well-being and Ageing well and to stimulate
increased availability and market uptake of relevant ICT products and services”
07: Stimulating the innovation potential of SMEs for sustainable and competitive agriculture, forestry, agri-food and bio-based sectors
“SMEs can play a crucial role in developing resource-efficient and costeffective solutions to secure sufficient supplies of safe, healthy and high quality food and other bio-based products, by developing productive, sustainable and resource-efficient primary production systems, fostering related ecosystem services and the recovery of biological diversity, alongside competitive and low-carbon supply, processing and marketing chains. “
08: Supporting SMEs efforts for the development – deployment and market replication of innovative solutions for blue growth
“SMEs contribution to the development of the ‘Blue Growth Strategy’ (COM (2012) 494) can be significant in particular in the fields of marine biotechnology, fisheries, marine and fresh water aquaculture (including production and processing of feed and food), marine litter prevention. “
09: Stimulating the innovation potential of SMEs for a low carbon and efficient energy system
- Reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint by smart and sustainable use,
- Low-cost, low-carbon electricity supply (including renewable energy as well as carbon capture and storage and re-use),
- Alternative fuels and mobile energy sources,
- A single, smart European electricity grid,
- New knowledge and technologies, and Robust decision making and public engagement
10: Small business innovation research for Transport and Smart Cities Mobility
“SMEs are pivotal for delivering the innovations needed for greater sustainable and smarter mobility, better accessibility and logistics serving business and citizens, and thus higher economic growth, in a context where the majority of population lives in urban and urbanised areas.”
11: Boosting the potential of small businesses in the areas of climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw materials
“This topic is targeted at all types of eco-innovative8 SMEs in all areas addressing the climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw materials challenge – including but not restricted to the 2016-2017 strategic priorities of systemic eco-innovation and circular economy, nature-based solutions, climate services, sustainable supply of raw materials, harnessing GEOSS Earth observation data, cultural heritage for sustainable growth, and water – focusing on SMEs showing a strong ambition to develop, grow and internationalise. “
12: New business models for inclusive, innovative and reflective societies
“A change of paradigm from ownership to access, from individual consumption to shared
functionalities can be applied in several sectors benefiting from digital technologies and
ensuring more sustainable lifestyles to EU citizens particularly in cities.”
13: Engaging SMEs in security research and development
“The actions under this topic should cover any aspect of the Specific Programme for “secure societies – protecting freedom and security of Europe and its citizens””
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General information on the success rates for the specific topics can be found in The Success Rate For Receiving Government Funding.
