What Is the H2020 SME Instrument Phase 1 Funding? Posted on August 29, 2017May 23, 2020 By Stephan Segler, Ph.D. The SME Instrument is a €3 billion funding scheme that is part of the largest EU research and innovation programme in of the EU called Horizon 2020 (€80 billion budget). By the end of 2020, 7500 Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) will have received funding over a period of 6 years. To find out if your company is eligible for funding, please read Can My Company Receive Funding from the EU?. The SME Instrument The SME Instrument is structured in 3 Phases: Phase 1 – The Feasibility Study (€50.000) Phase 1 is officially optional, but without it, the chances of success for Phase 2 are minimal. If a project cannot be approved for Phase 1, it is highly unlikely that it will succeed in Phase 2. The duration of this project is around 6 months and its purpose is assessing the technical, commercial and financial feasibility of the project. As a result, a Business Plan is fully developed and it will be outlined if the project is a suitable investment. Phase 2 – Innovation Development & Demonstration (€0.5 to 2.5 million) Phase 2 typically takes 1 to 2 years and its purpose is to bring the technology from the prototype level to commercial readiness. This will be the main development of the project and receives the highest amount of funding. Phase 3 – Support for Market Entry (non-financial) Phase 3 gives additional support through the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) which can give guidance and advice on project related topics. Horizon 2020 Phase 1 Phase 2 SME Instrument / EIC Accelerator EIC Accelerator successIndustries & CompaniesInvestorsSME Instrument Phase 1SME Instrument Phase 2TimelineWriting Tips
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 How the Future of the EIC Accelerator Could Look Like (SME Instrument) – Part 2 Posted on December 24, 2020December 18, 2020 This article is a continuation of Part 1 and presents a collection of areas that the EIC Accelerator might evolve towards in the future. The EIC Accelerator blended financing (formerly SME Instrument Phase 2, grant and equity financing) is a constantly evolving and growing funding arm of the European Innovation… Read More
EIC Accelerator Where can EIC Accelerator Results be found? (SME Instrument Phase 2) Posted on October 29, 2020October 19, 2022 The EIC Accelerator blended financing (formerly SME Instrument Phase 2, grant and equity financing) is an interesting opportunity for startups or Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) to gain government funding for innovation activities. When working with a consultancy or professional grant writer, the process is simplified significantly but, when applying… Read More