What is Phase 1 for and What Comes Next? Posted on August 29, 2017October 13, 2017 By Stephan Segler, Ph.D. The purpose of Horizon 2020s SME Instrument Schemes Phase 1 is a feasibility study for the project (lasting around 6 months depending on the specific topic) and is financed with a flat rate of €50,000. The feasibility study entails the development of a business plan and assesses the viability of the project. The EC also offers coaching services such as: Optional Innovation and Business Development Coaching is offered in parallel throughout phases 1 and 2 to help SMEs: enhance the company’s innovation capacity align the project to the identified business development strategy develop the commercial/economic impact and long term sustainability. Coaching is provided by experienced business coaches, selected through the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN). The result of the study will be a feasibility report (an example can be found here). This report will contain: 1. Technical report (1a. Publishable Summary; 1b. Feasibility Study) 2. the answer to a questionnaire on socio-economic implications 3. a financial report including the request for payment of the balance The feasibility study is optional but greatly increases the chances for Phase 2 of the project and is highly recommended. A more detailed description by the European Commission can be found here and here. Horizon 2020 Phase 1 Phase 2 SME Instrument / EIC Accelerator EIC Accelerator helpIndustries & CompaniesSME Instrument Phase 1SME Instrument Phase 2Timeline
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 Freelancers: The Other Side of the Consulting Industry (EIC Accelerator, SME Instrument) Posted on February 17, 2021February 14, 2021 The EIC Accelerator blended financing (formerly SME Instrument Phase 2, grant and equity financing) is a competitive funding program supported by a variety of consultancies and professional writers in the EU. Due to the high EU budgets and demand from Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) and startups, there are diverse… Read More
EIC Accelerator How to Select an EU Grant Financing Program such as the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument) – Part 1 Posted on December 26, 2020December 20, 2020 The EIC Accelerator blended financing (formerly SME Instrument Phase 2, grant and equity financing) program is an interesting opportunity for startups and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) but it might not be suitable for all applicants (read: Introduction). There are a variety of considerations to be made in advance which… Read More