Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it's beneficial to repeat important numbers and facts throughout the application. This ensures evaluators don't miss crucial information. However, avoid simply copying and pasting the same text; instead, present the information in new ways.

Yes, the EIC Accelerator favors sophisticated technologies that are difficult to copy. While not all funded companies are DeepTech, your technology must be complex. Explain the technology in detail, even if it's technical, but ensure it's well-structured and written.

The EIC Accelerator is designed for scaling up, not seed funding. You should demonstrate existing commercial traction in some capacity. Gather as many support documents as possible, including contracts, LOIs, customer lists, and even informal email requests.

Given the length and complexity of the application, many applicants choose to work with professional grant writers or consultants. They can help ensure your application is comprehensive, well-written, and effectively addresses the evaluation criteria, increasing your chances of success.

Traction can be demonstrated through various support documents. Examples include signed contracts with customers, formal letters of intent, letters of support from partners, customer lists showing sales, and even informal email requests for your product or service.

Your application should be very detailed. A common mistake is not providing enough text and arguments. Quantify the problem from global, EU, and customer perspectives, and clearly quantify the benefits of your solution.

Disruptive potential means your innovation has the ability to significantly change the status quo. This can be driven by political pressures (like climate change) or focused on a specific industry. Clearly explain the current industry state and how your innovation will disrupt it.

Yes, LOIs are very helpful, especially in Step 2 and Step 3 of the evaluation process. They demonstrate market demand and show that real customers are interested in your product. They also allow you to showcase case studies highlighting the impact of your innovation.

Consider outsourcing tasks like animation, voiceovers, or filming to save time and costs. A well-defined script is essential for effective outsourcing, ensuring that external contributors understand your vision and can deliver high-quality results.

Start with a general overview of what your innovation does. Then, clearly illustrate its use case with a practical example. Avoid technical jargon and focus on the benefits and impact of your solution.

Prioritize refining the script by shooting test footage and gathering feedback. Iterate on the script based on this feedback until you achieve the desired quality and clarity. This iterative process is crucial for creating a compelling and effective pitch video.

Begin by highlighting the most significant issue (e.g., deaths, costs, low KPIs) that your innovation addresses. Then, clearly explain how this issue is rooted in a lack of suitable technology, setting the stage for your solution.

Follow the general rules for a good project narrative. Start by highlighting the biggest problem your innovation addresses, then explain how the problem stems from a lack of technology. Finally, present your innovation in a simple, easy-to-understand manner, focusing on its use case.

Video scripting requires more meticulous planning due to the strict time constraints. Unlike a pitch deck with page restrictions, a video's success hinges on how effectively you use every second. A rushed video is perceived more negatively than a rushed pitch deck, so careful scripting is key.

Your script should always cover the core aspects of your project: the innovation itself, the market opportunity it addresses, and the team behind it. Even within a tight 3-minute timeframe, these elements are essential for conveying the value and potential of your venture to the evaluators.

Scripting is crucial because it helps you structure your limited time effectively and present a clear, concise message. A well-scripted video allows you to compress more information and create a greater impact compared to other proposal documents. It also helps avoid a rushed video production, which can negatively impact the evaluation.

Start by splitting your video into main segments or 'acts' to allocate time effectively. Common acts include Problem, Innovation, Traction, Company, and Opportunity. Tailor the structure to best showcase your specific project and technology, ensuring a logical flow of information.

Each act can utilize various techniques like interviews, animations, or footage of your product. Blend these methods to suit the content of each segment. Scripting these elements beforehand streamlines the post-production editing process and saves time.

Check the total budget amount and the number of submissions from previous calls. This information is often published on the call page or on social media. For one-off calls, consultants or funding experts can provide guidance based on similar past opportunities.

The EIC Accelerator typically finances 70% of the total project costs. The remaining 30% needs to be covered by other sources, such as revenues, investments, or other external funding. Keep this in mind when planning your project budget.

No, the EIC Accelerator, while attractive, isn't suitable for all. Before applying, carefully consider if it aligns with your company's stage and needs. Other programs like FET Open or the Green Deal Call might be a better fit depending on your specific project and goals.

Look for the Work Programs or the specific call page on the Funding & Tenders Portal. These resources usually publish the total budget available and the expected budget per project. This information is crucial for determining if the grant aligns with your financing needs.

Start by assessing key criteria like the total budget available, the amount you can request, and the percentage of project costs covered. Also, consider the competitiveness of the call. Evaluating these factors will help you make an informed decision.

The official Funding & Tenders Portal is your primary resource. It provides details and guidance on various programs offered by the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Commission (EC) to support SMEs. You can also consult with professional writers or consultants for expert advice.

If the EIC Accelerator isn't the right fit, consider exploring options like FET Open, Pathfinder, or the Green Deal Call. Each program has its own focus and eligibility criteria, so research which aligns best with your project's goals and objectives.

Historically, the EIC Accelerator's success rate has varied, generally ranging between 1% and 6%. This is with application volumes typically between 1,000 and 4,000 per call. Keep in mind that competitiveness can fluctuate.

Check the call pages on the Funding & Tenders Portal and follow relevant social media outlets, such as Twitter. These sources often provide updates on budgets, deadlines, and other important information related to EU grant programs.

The EIC Accelerator provides up to €17.5 million per project in a combination of grant and equity financing. This significant funding can be a game-changer for eligible startups and SMEs looking to scale their innovations.

Excellent consultancies exhibit selectiveness, transparency, and dedication. These qualities are more important than the consultancy's size or business model. Look for these traits in your direct communication with the consultants.

The size of the consultancy is less important than its operating methods and internal incentives. Focus on finding a consultancy that is selective, transparent, and dedicated, regardless of its size.

During initial discussions, gauge the consultant's understanding of your innovation project and business model. A good consultant will ask insightful questions and demonstrate a clear grasp of the intricacies involved.

Inquire about how your company compares to typical EIC Accelerator recipients. Ask who will be writing the proposal and if the writer will change. Determine who your fixed contact point will be and if your project has been thoroughly vetted.

Consultancies often diversify their revenue streams and employ a core team of full-time experts. They may outsource writing to freelancers to manage fluctuating workloads. This approach can be beneficial but also potentially dilute expertise and impact success rates.

Consultancies typically operate with varying fee structures. Some charge high retainer fees with lower success fees, while others opt for low retainer fees coupled with high success fees. Some also offer additional services like project assessments, market scaling consulting, or project management for funded projects.

The 'freezing period' refers to a period after an unsuccessful application where you may be restricted from reapplying immediately. This increases the opportunity cost of a failed application, making it even more important to choose the right consultancy.

Transparency ensures you know exactly who will be working on your proposal, their qualifications, and their level of commitment. A consultancy that is not transparent or lacks certainty may not be fully dedicated to your project's success.

Even when outsourcing grant writing, applicants risk investing time and resources into a project that may not get funded. Opportunity costs are a hidden factor, especially with the new freezing periods. It's crucial to assess a consultancy's expertise and dedication, not just its business model.

The EIC Accelerator application process is complex and demanding. Many startups and SMEs find it challenging to navigate the intricate requirements and prefer to seek expert assistance to improve their chances of success. Consultancies provide specialized knowledge and support in crafting compelling proposals.

Pixabay and Pexels are excellent resources for free, attribution-free stock videos. Videezy also offers free footage, along with premium content available for purchase. These sites provide a range of options to visually enhance your pitch video without incurring significant costs.

The EIC Accelerator pitch video is a new requirement for proposals, adding to the workload for startups and SMEs. It's a short video that summarizes your project and its potential, intended for review by the European Agency for SME's (EASME) evaluators and pitch interview jurors. Think of it as a concise, visual elevator pitch for your innovation.

It depends on your budget and needs. Paid services like Shutterstock and AdobeStock offer higher-quality, curated content. If you need something very specific or want the best possible visuals, paying for stock resources can be a worthwhile investment. However, many free alternatives offer competitive options.

It depends on the specific resource. Pixabay and Unsplash, for example, generally don't require attribution. However, always double-check the licensing terms for each piece of content you use to ensure you're complying with the requirements.

While YouTube and SoundCloud can be good sources, be cautious. Many channels advertise royalty-free music, but the licensing structures can be complex and not entirely free. Always carefully review the licensing conditions before using any music found on these platforms.

Yes, websites like AudioJungle, ShutterStock, and AdobeStock offer premium, high-quality stock music, video, and images. These services usually operate on a subscription or one-off purchase basis. They provide a more curated selection and potentially more customized footage.

While technically you *could* use copyrighted music since the video is initially intended for a limited audience, it's generally not recommended. To avoid any issues if the video is later shared more widely, it's best to stick to royalty-free music or purchase a license. This also allows you to freely share the video with potential investors.

A hired consultant should have access to a variety of resources for video production, including stock video clips, background music, images, and video editing software. This ensures they can efficiently coordinate all aspects of the video production process.

Unsplash and Pixabay are fantastic resources for free stock images that can be used for both your pitch video and written proposal. They offer cost-free and attribution-free photos for commercial use. Unsplash often has higher-quality images for specific keywords.

Several resources offer royalty-free music. Pixabay is a great option with music under the Creative Commons license, allowing commercial use without attribution. Also, check out SoundCloud, YouTube channels that offer royalty-free music, and the Free Music Archive, but carefully review the licensing conditions for each track.

Many startups, especially early-stage and DeepTech companies, lack video production funds and expertise. Creating a high-quality video takes time and resources, which can be a burden, especially when they're focused on innovation rather than marketing.

A consultancy can provide guidance, planning, and expertise in video scripting and production. They can help startups overcome challenges and create a compelling pitch video remotely.