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 Update: Proposal Template for the EIC Accelerator Green Deal Deadline (SME Instrument May 2020) Posted on April 16, 2020October 14, 2020 There has been an update on April 3rd (here) for the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument) template which now gives applicants the opportunity to receive inquiries from potential investors, provided a Seal of Excellence (score of 13/15) has been received. In Annex 3 of the proposal, every applicant now has the… 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
EIC Accelerator EIC Accelerator Success Rates and Feasibility Studies (SME Instrument) Posted on February 15, 2021February 9, 2021 The EIC Accelerator blended financing (formerly SME Instrument Phase 2, grant and equity financing) is a competitive program targeted at innovative Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) and startups. Under the name SME Instrument, it was active for many years and provided a financial support system over two phases – Phase… Read More