Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, NCPs are expected to have a stronger involvement. They will receive your application once submitted, although this involvement might be optional. Consider contacting your local NCP for support.

No, the pitch deck you prepare for Step 1 will not be used during the Step 3 interview. It seems each step requires tailored materials, so focus on the specific requirements for each stage.

The EIC Fund closely examines the capital structure of companies during due diligence. If the exit strategy appears complex or impossible, the Fund is unlikely to invest. Ensure your company's structure is clear and facilitates potential exits.

You'll select the challenge or topic in Step 2 of the application process, not in Step 1. This allows you to refine your focus after the initial pitch and before the more detailed application.

You'll upload the pitch video directly to the EIC platform. It won't be submitted as an external link. Make sure your video meets the guidelines that will be provided, as there won't be a specific pitch deck template for Step 1.

The EIC envisions a future where consultants can become part of their platform, potentially for a fee. This platform will also include Venture Capitalists (VCs) and loan agencies, creating a more integrated ecosystem.

The due diligence process for equity investments from the EIC Fund is expected to take approximately 3-4 months. This is a crucial period where the EIC Fund thoroughly assesses your company.

The threshold for passing Step 1 is likely to be similar to the previous scoring system under Horizon 2020, around a score of 13. This resulted in a success rate of approximately 30-40%.

Each document must address the problem your innovation solves. However, the way you present the problem can vary depending on the medium. The written proposal might offer a detailed analysis, while the video could focus on the human impact of the problem.

Focus on a waterproof narrative with quantifications in the written proposal. Create a visual presentation that simplifies complex parts in the read deck. And in the pitch video, highlight the vision, motivation, and team behind the project, adding a human touch.

Having multiple media choices is a benefit in this case. Use each format to emphasize different aspects of your project. If a narrative has multiple paths or emphases, use different media to express them, maximizing the impact of your overall message.

The read deck should be a highly visual presentation that simplifies complex information. Use graphics, charts, and imagery to connect different aspects of your application and make the investment opportunity seem more straightforward. Quantifications are still important, but the focus is on visual appeal.

The biggest challenge is balancing the content across the three required documents: the read deck, the pitch video, and the written proposal. Each document has a specific purpose and format, so you need to tailor your message accordingly while ensuring a cohesive overall narrative.

The written proposal should be precise, quantified, and in-depth. Provide a technical understanding of your innovation, team, and market opportunity. Use numbers wherever possible and ensure your narrative is well-supported and credible.

The pitch video is your chance to add a human touch to your application. Focus on the mission, the team's motivation, and the vision behind your project. Show how your innovation will change the world, rather than just focusing on how funding will change your innovation.

While some overlap is unavoidable, avoid simply repeating the same content verbatim. Instead, consider how the information is presented in each medium. Focus on matching the presentation style to the strengths of each format, like visuals for the deck and human connection for the video.

No, there isn't a strict structure. This allows for flexibility in how you present your information. However, ensure each document can tell the whole story independently, as evaluators may review them in any order.

The key is to ensure a uniform storyline but diverse content across the written proposal, read deck, and pitch video. Embrace the unique opportunities each medium offers to maximize your chances of success in Step 1.

Yes, you can add images like logos, watermarks, or your company name to the side of the page in Document 1. However, keep it subtle and professional to avoid overloading the page with visual elements.

Yes, always include page numbers in your proposal. This makes it easier for evaluators to navigate and reference specific sections of your document.

Refer to the article 'Writing an EIC Accelerator Application: Microsoft Word vs. Adobe InDesign (SME Instrument Writing)' for information on the different documents and their purpose within the application process.

Download the watermarked PDF file from the Funding and Tender Portal. Check if the design elements on the margins are still visible and properly formatted. This ensures your design translates correctly in the final submission.

Hyperlinks make your proposal more interactive and easier to navigate. They allow readers to quickly jump to footnotes, in-text references, or other relevant sections. This attention to detail is appreciated by evaluators and can help avoid repetition, increasing your chances of success.

Structure your bookmarks to reflect the document hierarchy. Use the document numbers (e.g., Document 1, Document 2) as the top-level hierarchy. This ensures the bookmarks remain organized when the documents are merged into a single PDF.

Introduce figures and tables at the end of a sentence in brackets (e.g., Table 1 & Figure 2). This encourages you to explain the concept in the text first, rather than relying solely on the visual aid.

Yes, while the written content is the primary focus, the overall impression (consistency, quality, and design) is also important. A well-designed proposal can even improve your score after a resubmission, even without changes to the text.

Use blue for hyperlinks to external web pages. For cross-references within the document, use a different color like orange, purple, or grey. This helps differentiate between external links and internal references.

Place figure captions below the figure and table captions above the table. This is standard practice and ensures clarity and professionalism in your document.

Employ symbols like checkmarks, crosses, or numbered lists (1/2/3, i/ii/iii, etc.) to separate lists from the main text and provide a clearer structure. Colors can also highlight key aspects like competitive differentiators or market problems for intuitive assessment.

Use sub-sections to break down different aspects of your proposal. For example, in Section 2, you could use sub-sections like 'User Needs,' 'Unique Selling Points,' and 'Customer Interest' to clearly organize the information. Format the headers according to their hierarchy, with Header 1 being the most prominent.

Yes, using different header styles (Header 1, Header 2, etc.) is recommended to create a clear hierarchy. Header 1 should be the most prominent, while subsequent headers should be less so. This helps evaluators quickly understand the structure of your proposal.

This article is part 1 of a series. Part 2, which contains additional formatting tips, will be available soon. Check back for the follow-up article to get even more guidance on creating a well-formatted proposal.

The most important thing is to prioritize a clean and easy-to-read structure. Formatting should enhance the readability of your proposal, not detract from it. Keep it professional and focused on conveying your message effectively.

Good formatting makes your proposal easier to read and understand. Evaluators will appreciate a clean, well-structured document, which can positively influence their overall impression of your application. Prioritize clarity over dense blocks of text or distracting formatting.

The official template recommends a minimum font size of 11 pt. However, you can use a smaller font size, such as 9 pt, for footnotes and graphics without any issues. This helps to keep the main text readable while still providing necessary details.

Use indents to improve readability, especially for separating headers from paragraphs and for creating lists. However, be mindful of space. Only use indents when they are needed to loosen up the text or display shorter lists, as they can consume valuable space if lists span multiple pages.

Yes, too much formatting can be distracting. The goal is to present a clean and easy-to-read document. Avoid excessive use of colors, fonts, or other elements that might detract from the content itself. Focus on clarity and structure.

Provide every reference as a footnote at the bottom of the page, using superscript numbers after the sentence or comma. For blog or news articles, list the Title (Source). For scientific articles, follow a specific style guide (e.g., American Chemical Society) for citations.

If your grant request includes activities related to product deployment and marketing, it might be deemed ineligible for grant funding. In this case, the funding request may be transferred to the equity financing option instead.

No, the application and reviewing process is the same for both the pure grant and blended finance options. However, the equity contribution requires more detailed information regarding ownership, valuation, and exit strategy.

The EIC Accelerator equity contribution targets high-risk companies with limited or no turnover and negative EBITDA. Profitable companies seeking scaling support are generally not the intended recipients of this equity financing.

The EIC Accelerator offers two options: a pure grant and blended finance (grant + equity). While the application process is similar, the funding sources differ, leading to slightly different criteria for a successful proposal. The equity portion requires offering company shares in exchange for investment.

You need to describe your company's valuation progression, including past data and future projections. Explain the reasoning behind your valuation estimates and how you expect it to change over time.

Your proposal needs a clear exit strategy, outlining your plans for the company's future. The EU looks for ROI within 7-10 years, with a maximum of 15. Acceptable exit strategies include buyouts, IPOs, or liquidations.

A 'non-bankable' business, in this context, means that the company is considered high-risk and hasn't yet attracted interest from traditional investors or the market. This is a key characteristic for companies seeking equity financing through the EIC Accelerator.

The EIC Accelerator equity financing is specifically for projects at Technology Readiness Level 9 (TRL9). This means your project should be focused on market deployment rather than technical development or research.

Blended finance refers to a combination of a grant and equity-based financing offered by the EIC Accelerator. This allows companies to receive both non-dilutive funding and equity investment to support their growth and market deployment.

The EIC Accelerator guidelines suggest offering a minority ownership stake. This should be at least 10% and can be up to a maximum of 25% of your company.

Focus on the unique technology or approach behind your product or service. Explain why it's difficult to copy and not just an extension of existing products. Clearly articulate the problem you're solving and how your unique value proposition addresses it in a way no one else can.

Simply combining existing features is unlikely to qualify as innovation for the EIC Accelerator. The focus is on novel technology or a unique approach that creates a significant advantage. You need a defensible, innovative core.