Frequently Asked Questions

The interview week is scheduled for 10 days instead of the usual 5, likely due to a significantly larger number of applicants being invited for interviews. This suggests a highly competitive March call with potentially very low success rates.

Applicants invited to step 2 (the interview) are at a disadvantage because they won't receive their evaluation results in time to reapply for the May cut-off if rejected. They must wait until October, unlike those rejected in step 1.

Yes, the interviews are expected to be held remotely via video calls due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This format is intended to ensure the safety of both applicants and evaluators.

The announcement regarding the overlap between the March interview schedule and the May deadline was made by the European Innovation Council (EIC) on Twitter. It's best to follow their official channels for the most up-to-date information.

The March 2020 EIC Accelerator deadline saw a record number of applications, with almost 3,968 submissions. This is significantly higher than the regular ~1,900 applications typically received, making it a highly competitive round.

The interview week for the March deadline has been postponed, causing an overlap with the May Green Deal deadline. Interview results won't be available in time for applicants to reapply for the May cut-off, putting them at a disadvantage compared to those rejected in step 1.

There is a possibility the EU might postpone the May deadline, similar to what happened with the March call due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Keep an eye on official announcements from the European Innovation Council (EIC) for any updates.

A new criterion called 'Green Deal (May 2020 cut-off only)' has been added to the Impact section. You need to detail and quantify your project's impact on the EU's Green Deal, providing explanations and references.

The application now requires you to provide the gender of the CEO. This is due to the EIC Accelerator's new rule to have a 25% quota for female CEOs.

Yes, even if you're resubmitting an application, it's crucial to review the updated template. Changes may affect your proposal, so ensure it aligns with the new requirements.

Each updated EIC Accelerator template contains a list of changes at the beginning of the document. This list makes it easier to identify and implement the new requirements for your application.

Yes, you now need to select Green Deal goals via checkboxes in the application forms. This helps identify if your project addresses any of the EU's existing Green Deal targets.

The 'Green Deal' impact criterion was specifically added for the May 2020 cut-off. However, the other changes, like the CEO gender and Green Deal goal selection, will likely remain for future deadlines.

Yes, the Equity Table in the 'Financing Needs' section is now mandatory for all applicants. Previously, it was only required if you were requesting blended finance, but now everyone must complete it.

The 'Call Specific Questions' section is found within the application forms. This is where you'll find the new requirement to provide the CEO's gender and select Green Deal goals.

Since the Equity Table is now mandatory, failing to complete it could negatively impact your application. Make sure to fill it out accurately and completely, even if you are not requesting equity financing.

The new proposal template for the EIC Accelerator Green Deal deadline was released on March 20th, 2020. This template includes several important changes that applicants need to be aware of to ensure their proposals are compliant.

The new investment guidelines for the EIC Fund were expected to be published around the end of March 2021. Look for these guidelines to understand the Fund's investment priorities and criteria.

The EIC Fund closely examines the capital structure of companies during due diligence. If the exit strategy appears complex or impossible, the Fund is unlikely to invest. Ensure your company's structure is clear and facilitates potential exits.

Yes, NCPs are expected to have a stronger involvement. They will receive your application once submitted, although this involvement might be optional. Consider contacting your local NCP for support.

The AI Tool designed to assist with Step 2 of the EIC Accelerator application was expected to be ready around mid-April 2021. Check the EIC website for the most up-to-date information on its availability.

No, the pitch deck you prepare for Step 1 will not be used during the Step 3 interview. It seems each step requires tailored materials, so focus on the specific requirements for each stage.

The due diligence process for equity investments from the EIC Fund is expected to take approximately 3-4 months. This is a crucial period where the EIC Fund thoroughly assesses your company.

The threshold for passing Step 1 is likely to be similar to the previous scoring system under Horizon 2020, around a score of 13. This resulted in a success rate of approximately 30-40%.

The EIC envisions a future where consultants can become part of their platform, potentially for a fee. This platform will also include Venture Capitalists (VCs) and loan agencies, creating a more integrated ecosystem.

You'll select the challenge or topic in Step 2 of the application process, not in Step 1. This allows you to refine your focus after the initial pitch and before the more detailed application.

You'll upload the pitch video directly to the EIC platform. It won't be submitted as an external link. Make sure your video meets the guidelines that will be provided, as there won't be a specific pitch deck template for Step 1.

The key is to ensure a uniform storyline but diverse content across the written proposal, read deck, and pitch video. Embrace the unique opportunities each medium offers to maximize your chances of success in Step 1.

The biggest challenge is balancing the content across the three required documents: the read deck, the pitch video, and the written proposal. Each document has a specific purpose and format, so you need to tailor your message accordingly while ensuring a cohesive overall narrative.

Focus on a waterproof narrative with quantifications in the written proposal. Create a visual presentation that simplifies complex parts in the read deck. And in the pitch video, highlight the vision, motivation, and team behind the project, adding a human touch.

Each document must address the problem your innovation solves. However, the way you present the problem can vary depending on the medium. The written proposal might offer a detailed analysis, while the video could focus on the human impact of the problem.

Having multiple media choices is a benefit in this case. Use each format to emphasize different aspects of your project. If a narrative has multiple paths or emphases, use different media to express them, maximizing the impact of your overall message.

No, there isn't a strict structure. This allows for flexibility in how you present your information. However, ensure each document can tell the whole story independently, as evaluators may review them in any order.

The read deck should be a highly visual presentation that simplifies complex information. Use graphics, charts, and imagery to connect different aspects of your application and make the investment opportunity seem more straightforward. Quantifications are still important, but the focus is on visual appeal.

While some overlap is unavoidable, avoid simply repeating the same content verbatim. Instead, consider how the information is presented in each medium. Focus on matching the presentation style to the strengths of each format, like visuals for the deck and human connection for the video.

The pitch video is your chance to add a human touch to your application. Focus on the mission, the team's motivation, and the vision behind your project. Show how your innovation will change the world, rather than just focusing on how funding will change your innovation.

The written proposal should be precise, quantified, and in-depth. Provide a technical understanding of your innovation, team, and market opportunity. Use numbers wherever possible and ensure your narrative is well-supported and credible.

Place figure captions below the figure and table captions above the table. This is standard practice and ensures clarity and professionalism in your document.

Download the watermarked PDF file from the Funding and Tender Portal. Check if the design elements on the margins are still visible and properly formatted. This ensures your design translates correctly in the final submission.

Yes, while the written content is the primary focus, the overall impression (consistency, quality, and design) is also important. A well-designed proposal can even improve your score after a resubmission, even without changes to the text.

Introduce figures and tables at the end of a sentence in brackets (e.g., Table 1 & Figure 2). This encourages you to explain the concept in the text first, rather than relying solely on the visual aid.

Structure your bookmarks to reflect the document hierarchy. Use the document numbers (e.g., Document 1, Document 2) as the top-level hierarchy. This ensures the bookmarks remain organized when the documents are merged into a single PDF.

Hyperlinks make your proposal more interactive and easier to navigate. They allow readers to quickly jump to footnotes, in-text references, or other relevant sections. This attention to detail is appreciated by evaluators and can help avoid repetition, increasing your chances of success.

Refer to the article 'Writing an EIC Accelerator Application: Microsoft Word vs. Adobe InDesign (SME Instrument Writing)' for information on the different documents and their purpose within the application process.

Yes, always include page numbers in your proposal. This makes it easier for evaluators to navigate and reference specific sections of your document.

Yes, you can add images like logos, watermarks, or your company name to the side of the page in Document 1. However, keep it subtle and professional to avoid overloading the page with visual elements.

Use blue for hyperlinks to external web pages. For cross-references within the document, use a different color like orange, purple, or grey. This helps differentiate between external links and internal references.

This article is part 1 of a series. Part 2, which contains additional formatting tips, will be available soon. Check back for the follow-up article to get even more guidance on creating a well-formatted proposal.

The official template recommends a minimum font size of 11 pt. However, you can use a smaller font size, such as 9 pt, for footnotes and graphics without any issues. This helps to keep the main text readable while still providing necessary details.

Yes, too much formatting can be distracting. The goal is to present a clean and easy-to-read document. Avoid excessive use of colors, fonts, or other elements that might detract from the content itself. Focus on clarity and structure.