What Makes a Good Project? Posted on March 19, 2019March 18, 2020 By Stephan Segler, Ph.D. I am talking to a lot of startups who are at different stages in their development. When first discussing a project, I look for 2 main components to see if an application can be successful: (1) Is the project ahead of the competition and a leap from the current stage of the art? In other words: Can you name at least one thing that is unique about your project? (2) Is there a great market demand? It is very important that future users have a tangible reason to buy the product. Is it cheaper than current alternatives? Higher in quality? A unique feature? Horizon 2020 Phase 1 SME Instrument / EIC Accelerator SME Instrument Phase 1tip#02
EIC Accelerator The Difference Between Innovation and Features (EIC Accelerator) Posted on January 17, 2020October 14, 2020 Here are some tips regarding applications for the EU’s start-up grant (up to €2,500,000 via grant + €15,000,000 through equity financing). The central component for the grant application is the innovative nature of the project, meaning that it not only addresses customer needs and has a significant market impact but… Read More
EIC Accelerator What Would AI EIC Accelerator Evaluation Criteria Look Like? (Part 3) Posted on April 17, 2025April 19, 2025 The EIC Accelerator funding (grant and equity, with blended financing option) by the European Commission (EC) and European Innovation Council (EIC) awards up to €2.5 million in grant and €10 million in equity financing per project (€12.5 million total) and is designed for startups and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME),… 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