Subsdy - AI Grant Discovery Platform
As you have likely already seen in my previous emails, I have created a grant discovery platform called Subsdy. I never really introduced it (outside of some passing mentions) because there were still a few more things I needed to implement before announcing it.
But now it's complete so here is the full introduction!
Most companies reach out to me because of the EIC Accelerator but since diversification is a necessity for most businesses, I get this very common follow-up question:
Do you know of any other grants we could apply for?
My answer has usually been a simple "no" since there are over a thousand grants and tenders in the EU alone and keeping up with it is a job by itself.
But the question stuck with me.
After building the first version of ChatEIC, different time-saving tools (TTS, AI writers, SEO tools, etc.), the contact forms you have likely seen all over my websites ('type' for amazingly simple but highly effective forms), and then experimenting with some other projects ('eiceu' for EIC Accelerator winner follow-ups), I was thinking of a new thing to build that would be interesting but also useful.
Then I got the same question again from a company that was looking for grants and it hit me: Matching companies to grants can bring immense value to every European company or individual.
I started out but quickly realized that building this is tough, not because of technical limitations but because creating the logic required careful planning and trial and error. I had to rebuild the entire thing multiple times along the way.
But I will leave the details for another time. Here is what Subsdy is capable of today:
- Create a Project: Simply create a project and add data about your company and goals.
- AI Matching: AI will look through all 1,000 grants and tenders to find the best matches (each match delivers 150 results ordered by the best).
- Organizing: You can like and hide grants for better organization and share links to grants with your team.
- Details: Each grant has a profile with detailed information on the eligibility and topic.
- Better search: Have you ever used the Funding & Tenders Portal search? It's not good. I always use the keyword search on Subsdy since it searches ALL fields and prioritizes the most relevant results.
- Curated news: I just integrated a news feature where I personally check the newest additions and notify you of interesting new opportunities. First post will be published very soon.
How does the backend work?
Well, there is a LOT of AI at play. In summary:
- Complete EU Funding & Tenders Portal: It has over 1,000 open and forthcoming EU grants and tenders in the database.
- Daily synchronization: It keeps in sync with all grants and tenders. Since the EU's database is a mess, it uses smart detection to know when a grant is actually still open or has expired. (You wouldn't believe: Some grants are marked as open by the EU for 5 years even after the deadline passed - but Subsdy cleans that up!)
- Multiple sources of truth: DeepResearch and web scraping collect relevant grant data to have a comprehensive summary (both are also searchable for better keyword search!).
- Completeness: You will find grants on Subsdy that are hidden on the EU Funding & Tenders portal. That's quite interesting, so let me elaborate:
I was very surprised to recently discover that EIC Accelerator Step 2 calls (all of them) are now on the EU database. That was surprising because the links to the actual submissions are secret and the calls were never added to the database. Well, they were, but they are still hidden on the official site. If you search, you cannot find them there!
But you can find them on Subsdy. All the EIC Accelerator Step 2 calls (open and challenges) are listed! I am sure that the same is true for many other calls.
I don't think that the EU Funding & Tenders Portal is inherently bad, but it has horrible performance (20-second loading time?!) and its search filters don't work properly. Finding a new grant opportunity through search alone is just limited.
AI matching is necessary because it creates a curated list from all grants with the best on top. Is it perfect? The AI can get things wrong but that's why one match provides you with multiple matches to choose from.
Finding one perfect grant can change the trajectory of an entire company.
Well, that's enough on Subsdy for now. I wanted to also attach the first grant news post here, but the email has become too long so I will send it in a future email.
Anyway, check it out: Subsdy, the AI tool for grant discovery.
I made the lowest tier only €19/month for the launch phase so strike while the price is low!
And of course: Need help with the EIC Accelerator? Here are some options:
- Starter Pack (lowest-risk entry with AI writer): The Starter Pack contains all the templates you will need and detailed instructional modules in video and text form. This is a very comprehensive package that will tell you everything you need to know based on previously successful applications.
- Advisory (personalized support): You write in-house but receive personal 1-on-1 support from me, templates, instructions, and reviews of all documents. Personal strategy calls and reviews to perfect every section. This also includes an AI tool for Step 1 as well as guidance on using AI for the proposal writing. Strategy calls cover the specific templates as well as the EIC criteria and use of AI tools.
- Writing (complete end-to-end service): All proposal sections are written for you.
Subsdy: Looking for the perfect grant opportunity in the EU? There are about 1000 active grants and tenders (usually multiple added a day!), so feel free to try out Subsdy, the AI tool for grant discovery.
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.
EIC Accelerator Step 1 Deadline 2025
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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