Frequently Asked Questions

Use your main color to help readers navigate the proposal. It should clearly differentiate between sections and subsections. However, ensure the color doesn't overshadow the headers or make them difficult to find.

Keep the opacity of your watermarks very low, ideally between 2-7%. This ensures they are subtle and don't distract from the main content of your proposal. The watermark should enhance, not overshadow, the text.

Use colors consistently throughout the proposal, create custom images and tables, and use watermarks sparingly and subtly. Ensure all visuals are high-quality and relevant to the text. These elements contribute to a polished and professional appearance.

Any visual aids that showcase your project or company are beneficial. This includes pictures, links to relevant videos, your website address, a list of previous clients, any publications you've been featured in, and any awards you've received.

We need financial projections that demonstrate the potential profitability and sustainability of your project. This includes projected revenue, expenses, and cash flow. The level of detail required will depend on the nature and scope of your project.

The first video call typically lasts between 2 to 2.5 hours. During this call, we'll delve into the core aspects of your project, including innovation, target market, customer base, potential challenges, financial forecasts, and your overall business model.

Don't worry if you don't have everything immediately available. We can discuss any gaps during our initial call and work together to gather the necessary information. Our goal is to help you create a strong and compelling proposal.

The specific method for sending documents and visual materials will be discussed after our initial video call. We'll determine the most secure and efficient way to transfer the files, ensuring the confidentiality of your information.

No, a signed contract is not required before the initial video call. The purpose of the call is to discuss the project details and determine if we are a good fit for each other. The NDA is the only document required beforehand.

Letters of Support (LOS) are statements from interested customers, influential supporters, suppliers, institutions, or regulatory agencies. They demonstrate external validation and support for your project, significantly strengthening your proposal's credibility.

The initial step involves signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to protect sensitive information. This happens before our first video call and the NDA details will be sent to you via email for review and signature. This ensures confidentiality for both parties as we discuss your project.

A high-quality proposal is one that meets or exceeds the general funding threshold based on the evaluation criteria. When considering only high-quality proposals, the success rates increase dramatically, ranging from 28% to 100% depending on the topic.

The blog post mentions an article titled 'How To Improve Your Chances of Getting Funded'. Refer to that resource for detailed guidance on strengthening your proposal and increasing your likelihood of success in securing government funding.

While Topic 01 (Open Disruptive Innovation) is known to be highly competitive, it can still be a worthwhile topic for application if your project aligns perfectly with its goals and you have a strong, innovative proposal. Don't be discouraged by the competition if you believe your project is a good fit.

Across all applications, the success rate for receiving funding ranges from 0% to 21%, with an average success rate of about 9%. However, focusing on submitting a high-quality proposal significantly increases your chances.

Yes, the 2015 data can serve as a general guide for choosing a topic, even for current applications. The topics have largely been continued in subsequent years with minor differences. Use the 2015 data to identify less competitive areas.

In 2015, the November cut-off statistics showed that 175 Phase 1 proposals were funded out of 2057 applications. This resulted in an average success rate of approximately 8.5%. However, this rate varied considerably depending on the specific topic.

Based on the analysis, Topic 09 (Low-Carbon and Efficient Energy), Topic 07 (Agri-Culture, Food and Bio-Based Sectors), and Topic 06 (Health, Well-Being and Ageing Well) were among the most promising topics for applications based on past success rates.

Even with a high score, proposals can be rejected due to budget limitations or the competitiveness of the topic. Make sure to research the specific topic thoroughly and tailor your proposal to address its priorities effectively to maximize your chances.

The budget allocated to each topic is a significant factor. While a larger budget might seem more appealing, it's important to consider the number of applicants. Aim for a topic with a relatively high budget but not so 'crowded' that your chances are significantly reduced.

Yes, there's dedicated support for biotechnology SMEs to bridge the gap from lab to market. SMEs working in industrial biotechnology or using systems and/or synthetic biology are encouraged to apply. The focus is on translating innovative biotech ideas into commercially viable products and services.

Yes, the EU provides funding for small business innovation research in transport and smart cities mobility. This supports SMEs in delivering innovations for sustainable and smarter mobility, better accessibility, and logistics. The goal is to foster economic growth through SME contributions to urban transportation and smart city solutions.

The EU supports SMEs contributing to the 'Blue Growth Strategy' through innovative solutions. This includes marine biotechnology, fisheries, marine and freshwater aquaculture, and marine litter prevention. The goal is to foster sustainable growth in the marine and maritime sectors through SME innovation.

Yes, funding is available to accelerate the market introduction of ICT solutions for health, well-being, and aging well. The goal is to bridge the gap between research results and market uptake of relevant ICT products and services. This aims to improve the availability and adoption of ICT solutions for health and aging populations.

Yes, the EU provides funding to engage SMEs in space research and development. This includes applications related to Galileo and Copernicus, spinning-in terrestrial solutions to space challenges, and developing critical space technologies. The goal is to foster SME participation in the space sector.

Yes, funding is available to stimulate the innovation potential of SMEs for a low-carbon and efficient energy system. This includes projects focused on reducing energy consumption, low-carbon electricity supply, alternative fuels, smart electricity grids, and new energy technologies. The aim is to support SMEs in developing innovative energy solutions.

Yes, funding is available to stimulate the innovation potential of SMEs for sustainable and competitive agriculture, forestry, agri-food, and bio-based sectors. This supports SMEs in developing resource-efficient solutions for safe, healthy food and bio-based products. It also fosters sustainable primary production systems and low-carbon supply chains.

Yes, there is funding available for innovative SMEs in the healthcare biotechnology sector. This includes support for clinical research validating biomarkers and diagnostic medical devices, as well as cell technologies in medical applications. The aim is to advance healthcare solutions through SME innovation.

Yes, funding is available to accelerate the uptake of nanotechnologies, advanced materials, or advanced manufacturing and processing technologies by SMEs. The aim is to combine existing research results creatively, transfer knowledge across sectors, and accelerate innovation to generate profit or other benefits.

Your title should highlight the unique selling points (USPs) of your product, clearly identify the product itself, and indicate the expected impact on the industry or Europe. Use descriptive adjectives to showcase what makes your product stand out.

While not mandatory, a project title that aligns well with the acronym can create a more cohesive and memorable brand for your project. Consider how the acronym and title can complement each other.

Thoroughly research existing projects in your field to identify gaps and opportunities. Emphasize the novel aspects of your technology and its specific advantages over existing solutions in your project title.

While not explicitly stated, aim for a concise and impactful title. Shorter titles are generally easier to remember and understand. Focus on clarity and conveying the essential information efficiently.

It should be a balance of both. While highlighting the technical aspects (USPs) is important, clearly stating the broader business or societal impact is crucial for demonstrating the value and relevance of your project to the EIC.

The title is extremely important as it's often the first thing evaluators see. A strong title can create a positive first impression and encourage them to delve deeper into your proposal. It sets the stage for your entire application.

You can find examples of successful abstracts, titles, and acronyms in the Community Research and Development Information Service (CORDIS) database and on the EIC Accelerator call page. These resources offer valuable insights.

While there isn't a mandatory structure, a helpful template includes an introduction (e.g., "The first"), followed by adjectives describing the product, the product noun, its USPs, and finally, the broader impact. This provides a clear and compelling narrative.

The project title acts as a concise tagline, summarizing the core offering and its anticipated impact. Think of it as a condensed version of your abstract, immediately grabbing the evaluator's attention and conveying the essence of your project.

While the EIC Accelerator aims to fund disruptive innovations, the reality is that projects with very high risk profiles are often less attractive to the EIC jury. They tend to favor projects with a medium risk profile and some level of market validation.

Having a complicated and innovative technology coupled with a clear, proven, and simple commercial strategy is actually a good approach for the EIC Accelerator. The jury prefers simplicity and validation in the business model.

Extensive validation of both the technology and, especially, the business model is crucial for an EIC Accelerator application. The jury wants to see proof of customer interest and potential revenue streams.

The EIC Accelerator uses the term 'patient capital' to describe funding for innovations that require a long timeframe before generating returns. These innovations often struggle to attract financing due to the extended period involved.

Based on experience, companies that are unable to obtain financing outside of the EIC Accelerator have a lower chance of success in the program. External validation is a positive signal.

If your revenue stream is unproven, customer interest is uncertain, or the market is newly created, the EIC jury will likely be less interested in funding your project. They prefer projects with existing validation.

The EIC Accelerator seeks innovations building on scientific discovery or technological breakthroughs ('deep tech') that require significant funding over a long timeframe. These innovations often struggle to attract financing due to high risks and long timelines.

The EIC Accelerator, funded by the European Commission and European Innovation Council, provides grants and equity financing (up to €17.5 million total) to SMEs and startups. It targets disruptive innovations, particularly in the DeepTech space, to help them scale up.

The EIC Accelerator evaluation process consists of three steps. Steps 1 and 2 focus on the innovation and technology aspects, while Step 3 interviews place a strong emphasis on financial and commercial validation.

While the technology should be innovative and complex, the EIC Accelerator places a strong emphasis on a clear, proven, and simple commercial strategy. A validated business model is crucial for securing funding.

Yes, definitely! Recognition through prices, awards, features in media outlets, or other forms of acknowledgement validates your innovation. It provides external proof of your project's potential and increases its attractiveness to evaluators.

The evaluation panel typically consists of individuals with diverse backgrounds. Expect that roughly three out of four evaluators will have a business background, while only one will possess a technical or scientific background. Keep this in mind when framing your proposal to appeal to a broader audience.