EIC Accelerator Choosing a Good Project for the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2) Posted on May 29, 2020October 9, 2020 While any type of industry or product is eligible for an EIC Accelerator application, the EU specifically seeks out innovative businesses that are providing high-risk and high-reward products or services. The evaluation criteria directly mention new market creation, market disruption as well as the establishment of new value-chains and, while… Read more
EIC Accelerator Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) for the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument) Posted on May 28, 2020October 9, 2020 To apply for the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2) financing, your project will need to be at the prototype level which is defined as TRL6 (i.e. proof-of-concept) according to the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) classifications which are ranging from TRL1 (i.e. basic research or idea stage) to TRL9 (i.e…. Read more
EIC Accelerator Presenting Customer Interest for a Successful EIC Accelerator Application (SME Instrument Phase 2) Posted on May 27, 2020October 9, 2020 Next to outlining the innovative nature of a project, being able to demonstrate customer interest (i.e. traction) is a key factor for the success of an EIC Accelerator application. Like most other recommendations, this criteria is not an official requirement to be eligible for the financing but the evaluation checklist… Read more
EIC Accelerator EIC Accelerator Applications and EU Policies or Targets (SME Instrument Phase 2) Posted on May 25, 2020October 9, 2020 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… Read more
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 The European Green Deal – A Dedicated Cut-Off for the EIC Accelerator Posted on March 20, 2020October 14, 2020 Here is some information on the new “Green Deal” deadline for the EIC Accelerator – the EU’s innovation startup funding (up to €17.5m per project). One of the four cut-off dates in 2020 has been dedicated to innovations which are focusing on anything that can have a positive and quantifiable… Read more
EIC Accelerator Changes in the EIC Accelerator during 2019 Posted on January 13, 2020October 14, 2020 Since 2019 has come to an end, here is a summary of the main changes that have occurred regarding the EUs startup grant – the EIC Accelerator: 1. Equity Finance: The most significant change was the discontinuation of Phase 1 (€50,000 grant financing) and the introduction of the new blended financing… Read more
EIC Accelerator SME Instrument Phase 1 vs. Phase 2 (EIC Accelerator) Part 2 Posted on October 12, 2019October 9, 2020 Here is some additional information regarding the EU’s Startup Funding (The SME Instrument) that I frequently get questions about: Since Phase 1 will have its last two cut-off days this year with Phase 2 applications still being open, let me give you the main things to keep in mind… Read more
EIC Accelerator SME Instrument Phase 1 vs. Phase 2 (EIC Accelerator) Posted on October 12, 2019March 20, 2020 Since Phase 1 (€50,000) of the EUs start-up grant will be discontinued after September 2019 but Phase 2 (€2,500,000) will remain open, here is an overview of the main differences between the applications. While Phase 1 &2 proposals do follow almost the exact same template, there are important variations… 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 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