Frequently Asked Questions

Don't be discouraged. Focus on gathering as much user feedback as possible to improve your product. Explore alternative validation methods like crowdfunding or smaller-scale pilot programs to demonstrate demand before seeking larger commitments.

Being in the prototype stage means you have a working model of your product, whether it's an app or a physical item. It signifies that you've moved beyond just an idea and have something tangible to test and gather feedback on. The key is demonstrating functionality and potential market demand.

Focus on feedback that demonstrates the effectiveness of your solution. Ask users about cost reductions, time savings, or other tangible benefits they've experienced using your app. Express these benefits in percentages or absolute values for clarity.

Commitments from retailers or companies serve as strong validation of your product's potential. It shows that experienced professionals in the market believe in your product and are willing to invest in it, signaling a higher chance of success.

Demonstrate market demand by collecting data that proves people want or need your product. This can include pre-sales, commitments from retailers, positive user feedback highlighting benefits, or even strong engagement metrics on a demo website or social media campaign.

B2B validation involves securing commitments from companies who would use your product in their operations. B2C validation focuses on pre-sales or expressions of interest from individual consumers who would directly purchase and use your product. The approach to validation differs based on your target audience.

Treat this as a learning opportunity. Gather detailed feedback on the issues, identify areas for improvement, and iterate on your design. A failed prototype is valuable data that can guide you towards a more successful final product.

While a functional prototype is a great start, it's not enough. You need to prove that your prototype solves a problem or provides a benefit that people are willing to pay for. Quantifiable feedback and demonstrated market demand are essential for moving beyond the prototype stage.

Encourage them to speak passionately about the problem they're solving and the impact their solution will have. Suggest they use real-world examples and data to support their claims. Remind them that their enthusiasm is contagious and will resonate with the evaluators.

Recognize that clients have varying levels of video experience and available footage. Tailor your approach based on their existing resources and capabilities. Consider the technology being presented, as some are easier to visualize than others, and adapt to time and geographic constraints.

Provide clear guidelines on camera choice, settings (framerates, ISO, shutter speed), lighting, and background setup. While extensive coaching might be impractical, offer tips on conveying enthusiasm and personality on camera. Simple improvements in these areas can significantly enhance video quality.

The video script is crucial. With only 3 minutes allowed, a well-written script ensures you cover all relevant project aspects concisely. It allows for easy editing and ensures a cohesive story, even if parts are cut. A strong script is the backbone of a successful pitch video.

Beyond just cutting footage, incorporate stock footage, effects, and titles to make the video more engaging. While professional production isn't required, an entertaining video holds the evaluator's attention better. Focus on creating a clear narrative with a beginning, middle, and end that leaves a positive impression.

Work with what they have. Focus on creating a strong script that highlights the key aspects of their project. Consider using stock footage or animations to supplement the limited footage and visually explain complex concepts.

Focus on the benefits and applications of the technology rather than the technical details. Use analogies or metaphors to explain complex concepts in a simple and relatable way. Consider using animations or graphics to illustrate the technology's functionality.

The video should leave the evaluators with the feeling that the project is interesting and the team is capable. It should convey motivation, competence, and a clear understanding of the market opportunity. Aim to create a positive and memorable impression.

Prioritize a strong script, provide clear guidance to your clients on recording, invest in editing to enhance the video's appeal, and adapt your approach to each client's unique needs. By focusing on these key areas, you can create a compelling pitch video that showcases the project's potential.

While professional-grade quality isn't mandatory, a well-lit and clear video is essential. Ensure the audio is crisp and free of background noise. Good video and audio quality demonstrate professionalism and make it easier for evaluators to understand the pitch.

Keywords help categorize your project and determine the background of the evaluators assigned to review your proposal. Select relevant keywords from the provided list and add manual keywords to accurately describe your project's focus.

In addition to the acronym, tagline, abstract, and keywords, you'll also need to provide legal and financial data related to your company. Ensure your company registration details are accurate and up-to-date for a smooth application process.

The abstract for your SME Instrument proposal has a character limit of 2000 characters. Make sure to use this space wisely and convey the most important information about your project concisely.

You can select up to 3 keywords with respective sub-keywords from a drop-down list. You can also add some manual keywords to further refine the description of your project.

If your project is selected for funding, the acronym, tagline, and abstract you provided will be published by the EU. This information will be used to showcase your project and its objectives to the public.

Yes, the EU publishes a list of evaluators, and you can exclude specific reviewers if you suspect a conflict of interest. This helps ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation process for your proposal.

Your abstract should follow a structured format: Problem, Market Pain Point & Competitors, Your Solution, Your Current State, Your Commercial & Market Impact, and EU Benefits. Every sentence should be packed with information to effectively summarize your project within the 2000-character limit.

The acronym serves as a short project identifier, while the tagline provides a concise overview of your project. Both are crucial for quickly communicating the essence of your proposal to evaluators. They will also be published by the EU if your project is funded, so make them impactful.

No, the acronym doesn't necessarily need to have a direct meaning related to your project. You have the freedom to be creative when choosing it, as long as it's memorable and easy to use as a project identifier.

The EU regularly publishes a list of all evaluators for the SME Instrument. You should be able to find this list on the official EU funding portal or related documentation websites.

High-risk projects may be downgraded from blended financing (grant and equity) to grant-first EIC Accelerator mode. This suggests that the EIC jury prefers projects with a medium risk profile, even if they aim to fund disruptive innovations.

Yes, even well-funded companies can obtain EIC Accelerator grants. This can happen because the EIC jury often prefers already proven and validated commercial strategies, making it a safer bet for them.

Based on experience, companies that are unable to obtain financing outside of the EIC Accelerator have a lower chance of success in the program. Having external funding demonstrates investor confidence.

If your revenue stream is unproven, customer interest is uncertain, or you're creating a new market, the EIC Accelerator jury will likely be less interested in funding your project. They prefer projects with clear, proven commercial strategies.

While the EIC Accelerator aims to fund disruptive innovations, especially in DeepTech, they often prefer projects with a medium risk profile. Truly disruptive technologies, being ambitious and unproven, may be viewed less favorably by the EIC jury.

The EIC Accelerator wants to see extensive validation of both your technology and, more importantly, your business model. While the initial evaluation steps focus on innovation, the final interview stage prioritizes financial and commercial validation.

The EIC Accelerator, run by the European Commission and EIC, provides funding (grant and equity) to SMEs and startups. You can receive up to €2.5 million in grant funding and up to €15 million in equity financing, totaling a potential €17.5 million per project.

The EIC uses the term 'patient capital' to describe funding for innovations that require significant investment over a long period before generating returns. These types of projects often struggle to attract traditional financing due to the associated risks and timelines.

A good rule of thumb is to present a complicated and innovative technology alongside a clear, proven, and simple commercial strategy. The jury is more tolerant of technological uncertainty than commercial uncertainty.

The market segment you're targeting is crucial. Evaluators will look for projects addressing promising markets characterized by growth, substantial size, and limited competition. A strong market opportunity increases the likelihood of your project's success and return on investment.

Absolutely. Recognition for your innovation, such as awards, prizes, or features in media outlets, significantly strengthens your application. It validates your project's potential and demonstrates that it has already gained attention and credibility.

Yes, having financial backing from sources other than the grant you're seeking is a significant advantage. This demonstrates that others believe in your project and are willing to invest in its success. Examples include revenue, parent company support, or private investors.

Typically, most of the evaluators reviewing your proposal will have a business background. Expect that three out of four evaluators will be assessing your project from a business perspective, while only one will likely have a technical or scientific background. Tailor your proposal to appeal to a business-oriented audience.

Yes, projects that offer social benefits to the EU, in addition to financial returns, are more attractive to funders. Highlight any positive social impacts your project will have, such as job creation, environmental improvements, or contributions to public health.

It's important to demonstrate that your project has long-term potential beyond the immediate phase. Show how your project can be expanded and developed further in the coming decade. This indicates sustainability and a greater return on investment for the funders.

A highly experienced and capable team is essential. Evaluators will assess your team's work experience, relevant project history, education, and support network. Highlight your team's strengths and expertise to demonstrate your ability to execute the project successfully.

Before spending time on an application, review resources that outline what types of industries and projects typically receive funding. This will help you determine if your project aligns with funding priorities and avoid wasting time on an unsuitable application. Look for information on specific industry focuses and project characteristics that are favored by funding organizations.

Letters of Recommendation are endorsements from key partners and stakeholders, such as regulatory agencies or thought leaders. They provide external validation of your project's value and potential impact. Securing strong letters can significantly boost your application's credibility.

Every image or table, along with its caption, should be self-explanatory. It should support or deepen a point made in the text, not introduce entirely new information. Ensure it's well-placed and relevant to the section's context.

Watermarks can add professionalism if used subtly. Choose graphics with transparent backgrounds and use very low opacities (2-7%). Images of your prototype, renderings, or logos work well. Avoid full-page photographs as they can be too distracting.

Ideally, create images and tables specifically for your proposal. Existing ones might not fit your color scheme, be low resolution, or have unsuitable font sizes. Custom-made visuals ensure a consistent and professional look.

The best images for watermarks are graphics with transparent backgrounds, such as your prototype, renderings, stylized concept illustrations, or your company logo. These add a professional touch without overwhelming the page.