Frequently Asked Questions

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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, 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.

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, 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, 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, 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 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 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.