How to Interpret the Evaluation Summary Report (ESR) of an EIC Accelerator Application (SME Instrument) - Part 2

This article is a continuation of Part 1 which can be found under the provided link.

The Evaluation Summary Report (ESR) provides the EIC Accelerator blended financing applicant (formerly SME Instrument Phase 2, grant and equity financing) with feedback regarding the proposal quality. While separating and grading the central sections of Impact, Excellence and Implementation, it gives additional scores on selected subcriteria (read: Using the ESR).

A professional writer or consultant is used to interpreting such documents but, for many startups and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) who are looking to resubmit a previously rejected application, it can be a difficult task.

3. Scores for Sub-Criteria

The last parts to investigate in an ESR are the individual scores for the sub-criteria which are graded as:

• Very Good to Excellent (4.5 – 5)
• Good to Very Good (3.5 – 4.49)
• Fair to Good (2.5 – 3.49)
• Insufficient to Fair (1.5 – 2.49)
• Insufficient (0-1.49)

All of the sub-criteria are graded in a very general way whereas strong overlap is found for each criterion so that it is not entirely clear where flaws could be. In a broad sense, the best way to analyze these scores is to look at their relative values and identify the parts that do stand out.

For example, If every score is Good to Very Good while only one is listed as Insufficient to Fair then this is a strong clue as to where improvements need to be made. It is meaningless to try and raise every single score higher and much more beneficial to balance the sub-criteria all to the same level and then increase the overall appearance of the proposal as a whole.

If the entire proposal has a score of Good to Very Good then improving the quality of the writing, quantification, consistency, design and narrative alone can be enough to raise the base score to Very Good to Excellent without addressing each sub-criteria. The overall impression of EIC Accelerator proposals is extremely important and if the evaluator sees a cut-off text on the first page, unreadable graphics, inconsistent font use then this alone can reduce the score significantly.

4. Common Improvements

As mentioned above, the general perception is very important and is usually the first thing to address in very low-scoring applications. The following is a list of some general approaches regarding improvements for unsuccessful EIC Accelerator applicants who want to improve their results through a re-submission to the next deadline.

• The proposal has a very low quality and it is likely that the template was now addressed properly or answers were only brief and undetailed (read: Visual Guide for an EIC Accelerator Application).
• It is also likely that the product or service does not fit the criteria of innovation as defined by the European Union (EU) (read: Assessing the Innovation).
• Lastly, the writing, design and overall quality are highly insufficient (read: Design Tips).
• Advice
  • Work with a professional writer or grant consultant since gradual improvements will likely be unsuccessful.

• The proposal remains insufficient and the points above are likely still unaddressed to a large degree.

• This is an average score and, in many cases, improving the narrative of the application (i.e. EU impact, quantifying sections better, clearer roadmaps) can be sufficient in reaching a higher score.
• Advice
  • Re-assess the narrative and consistency of the application (incl. design).
  • Re-assess if the innovation is sufficiently presented.

• This score level is already excellent and has reached the EU's Seal of Excellence (SOE) which makes it eligible to receive grant funding.
• Improvements are usually found in very detailed parts and small in magnitude whereas editions should be done with a scalpel rather than a broadsword.
• Advice
  • Focus on the consistency of the application and identify parts that could "throw the reader off".
  • Focus on the impact of the innovation and if it is something the EU cares about (read: A Broad Vision).

Conclusion

• Overall Score: Decide if the application should be re-worked or abandoned.
• Scores for Sections: Identify which section is the most lacking and why.
• Scores for Sub-Criteria: Focus on the balance between scores rather than every single one.
• Common Improvements: A shortlist of strategies based on experience

These tips are not only useful for European startups, professional writers, consultants and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) but are generally recommended when writing a business plan or investor documents.

Deadlines: Post-Horizon 2020, the EIC Accelerator accepts Step 1 submissions now while the deadlines for the full applications (Step 2) under Horizon Europe are listed below. The Step 1 applications must be submitted weeks in advance of Step 2. The next EIC Accelerator cut-off for Step 2 (full proposal) can be found here. After Brexit, UK companies can still apply to the EIC Accelerator under Horizon Europe albeit with non-dilutive grant applications only - thereby excluding equity-financing. Switzerland has resumed its participation in Horizon Europe and is now eligible for the EIC Accelerator.

Contact: You can reach out to us via this contact form to work with a professional consultant.

AI Grant Writer: ChatEIC is a fully automated EIC Accelerator grant proposal writer: Get it here.

Eureka Network: The Eureka Network delivers various international collaborative R&D initiatives such as Network Projects, Clusters, Eurostars, Globalstars, and Innowwide, providing funding from €50K to €6.75M per project based on the specific initiative. This network emphasizes market-driven innovation and deep-tech advancement across multiple technology sectors including ICT/Digital, Industrial/Manufacturing, Bio/Medical Technologies, Energy/Environment, Quantum, AI, and Circular Economy. Eligible participants include SMEs, large enterprises, research organizations, universities, and startups, with Eurostars particularly focused on R&D-performing SMEs. Get Started

EIC Transition: EIC Transition delivers up to €2.5 million in funding to overcome the 'valley of death' gap between laboratory research and market deployment, emphasizing technology maturation and validation. The initiative supports single legal entities or small consortia of 2-5 partners including SMEs, start-ups, spin-offs, and research organizations. Key technology domains include Health/Medical Technologies, Green/Environmental Innovation, Digital/Microelectronics, Quantum Technologies, and AI/Robotics. Get Started

EIC STEP Scale-Up: EIC STEP Scale-Up delivers significant equity investments of €10-30 million for established deep-tech companies prepared for hyper-growth and large-scale expansion. The initiative targets SMEs or small mid-caps with up to 499 employees who have obtained pre-commitment from qualified investors. Primary focus areas include Digital & Deep Tech (Semiconductors, AI, Quantum), Clean Technologies for Net-Zero objectives, and Biotechnologies. Get Started

EIC Pre-Accelerator: EIC Pre-Accelerator represents a 2025 pilot initiative delivering €300,000-€500,000 in funding for early-stage deep-tech development and preparation for the EIC Accelerator program. This program is exclusively accessible to single SMEs or small mid-caps from 'Widening countries' to foster regional innovation development. The initiative encompasses deep-tech innovations across physical, biological, and digital domains. Get Started

EIC Pathfinder: EIC Pathfinder delivers up to €3 million for Open calls and up to €4 million for Challenge-based calls to support early-stage research and development with proof-of-principle validation. The initiative requires research consortia with a minimum of 3 partners from 3 different countries, including universities, research organizations, and SMEs. Primary technology focus areas include Health/Medical, Quantum Technologies, AI, Environmental/Energy, and Advanced Materials. Get Started

EIC Accelerator: EIC Accelerator delivers flexible funding options including blended finance (€2.5M grant + €0.5M-€10M equity), grant-only (up to €2.5M), or equity-only arrangements for scale-up and market deployment of breakthrough innovations. The initiative targets SMEs, start-ups, and small mid-caps with up to 499 employees, with MedTech/Healthcare representing 35% of funded projects. Additional technology areas include Biopharma, Energy, AI, Quantum, Aerospace, Advanced Materials, and Semiconductors. Get Started

Innovation Partnership: Innovation Partnership enables collaborative innovation between public and private sectors with typical funding of €1-5 million per project. The initiative supports cross-sectoral strategic technologies through public-private partnerships and consortia. Projects concentrate on addressing societal challenges through collaborative innovation approaches. Get Started

Innovation Fund: The EU Innovation Fund delivers substantial funding of €7.5 million to €300 million for large-scale demonstration of innovative low-carbon technologies. The initiative targets clean energy, carbon capture, renewable energy, and energy storage technologies to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Eligible participants include large companies, consortia, and public entities capable of implementing large-scale demonstration projects. Get Started

Innovate UK: Innovate UK delivers various programs with funding ranging from £25K to £10M depending on the specific initiative, supporting business-led innovation, collaborative R&D, and knowledge transfer. The organization funds projects across all sectors with particular emphasis on emerging technologies and supports UK-based businesses, research organizations, and universities. Programs are designed to drive economic growth through innovation and technology commercialization. Get Started

Industrial Partnership: Industrial Partnership delivers €2-10 million in funding for industrial research and innovation partnerships focusing on manufacturing, industrial technologies, and digital transformation. The initiative supports industrial consortia and research organizations in developing collaborative solutions for industrial challenges. Projects aim to strengthen European industrial competitiveness through strategic partnerships. Get Started

Eurostars: Eurostars represents a joint EU-Eureka initiative delivering €50K-€500K for international R&D collaboration specifically led by SMEs. The program adopts a bottom-up approach, accepting projects from all technology fields without predefined thematic restrictions. R&D-performing SMEs must lead the consortium and demonstrate significant R&D activities. Get Started

LIFE Programme: The LIFE Programme delivers €1-10 million in funding for environmental protection, climate action, and nature conservation projects across the European Union. The initiative supports environmental technologies, climate adaptation strategies, and biodiversity conservation initiatives. Eligible participants include public authorities, private companies, NGOs, and research institutions working on environmental and climate challenges. Get Started

Neotec: Neotec represents a Spanish initiative delivering €250K-€1M in funding for technology-based business creation and development, supporting the growth of innovative Spanish SMEs and start-ups. The program covers all technology sectors and aims to strengthen Spain's technology ecosystem. Funding is specifically targeted at Spanish technology-based SMEs and start-ups to enhance their competitiveness and market presence. Get Started

Thematic Priorities: EU Thematic Priorities encompass various programs aligned with EU strategic priorities including green transition, digital transformation, health, and security initiatives. Funding amounts vary based on the specific program and call requirements, with projects designed to address key European challenges. Applicant eligibility varies by specific program and call, with different requirements for different thematic areas. Get Started

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