Frequently Asked Questions

Phase 2 offers flexible funding, ranging from €500,000 to €5,000,000. However, the funding covers 70% of the total project costs, so you'll need to cover the remaining portion.

Yes, a well-executed feasibility study from Phase 1 can be a valuable tool for attracting private investors. It provides data and insights that demonstrate the project's potential and reduce investment risk.

The specific documentation will vary, but generally, you'll need to provide proof of investment commitments, revenue projections, or bank statements showing available funds to cover the 30%.

There might be some restrictions depending on the specific EU program. It's best to consult the program guidelines or speak with a funding advisor to understand any limitations on investor types.

Yes, you can use a combination of funding sources. For example, you could use a mix of private investment and product revenue to reach the required 30%.

You can cover the remaining 30% through various means. Options include securing private investors, using product revenues, or allocating private funds to the project.

No, the EU funding doesn't cover all expenses. It provides a significant portion, but you'll need to secure additional funding to cover the remaining costs.

An example of a feasibility report is available online. Reviewing this example can help you understand the expected format and content of your own report.

No, completing Phase 1 does not guarantee funding for Phase 2. However, a well-executed Phase 1 significantly strengthens your application and increases your likelihood of success in the subsequent phase.

Optional Innovation and Business Development Coaching is available. This coaching helps SMEs enhance their innovation capacity, align the project with their business strategy, and develop commercial impact and long-term sustainability.

The main deliverable is a feasibility report. This includes a technical report with a publishable summary and the feasibility study itself, a questionnaire on socio-economic implications, and a financial report including the payment request.

The primary goal of Phase 1 is to conduct a feasibility study for your project. This involves creating a business plan and evaluating the project's overall viability. It helps determine if your project is worth pursuing further.

Phase 1 projects usually last around 6 months. The exact duration can vary depending on the specific topic and complexity of your project.

Experienced business coaches provide the coaching. These coaches are selected through the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), ensuring a high level of expertise.

No, the feasibility study is optional. However, it is highly recommended as it significantly increases your chances of success in Phase 2 of the project.

Completing Phase 1 provides a solid foundation for your project. It helps you refine your business plan, assess risks, and improve your chances of securing funding and succeeding in Phase 2.

Phase 1 provides a flat rate of €50,000 to finance your feasibility study. This funding is intended to cover the costs associated with developing your business plan and assessing project viability.

In 2015, the average success rate for all applications to the Horizon 2020 SME Instrument was around 9%. However, this number increases significantly when considering only high-quality proposals that met the funding threshold.

Even proposals with high scores can be rejected due to limited funding. The competition is fierce, and only the highest-ranked proposals within the available budget for each topic receive funding. Consider reapplying to a different topic or improving your proposal based on feedback.

Based on 2015 data, the top three topics with the highest success rates were Low-Carbon and Efficient Energy (09), Agri-Culture, Food and Bio-Based Sectors (07), and Health, Well-Being and Ageing Well (06). These topics may be worth considering for your application.

To improve your chances, focus on creating a high-quality proposal that clearly addresses the topic's objectives and demonstrates the potential impact of your project. Also, consider applying to less crowded topics with reasonable budgets, and seek feedback on your proposal before submitting it.

While the 'Open Disruptive Innovation' topic (Topic 01) is highly competitive, it can still be worthwhile to apply if your project aligns well with its objectives. Just be aware that the competition is stiff, so your proposal needs to be exceptionally strong.

While the 2015 data provides a general guide for choosing a topic, it's important to remember that the landscape can change. Use the 2015 success rates as a reference point, but also research the current topics and their specific requirements to make an informed decision.

The topic you select is very important. Success rates vary significantly between topics due to differences in budget and the number of applicants. Choosing a less competitive topic with a reasonable budget can increase your chances of securing funding.

Making the funding threshold means that your proposal received a score high enough to be considered for funding. Even with a good score, your proposal might not be funded due to budget limitations and the competitiveness of the topic.

If your proposal is deemed high quality and meets the funding threshold, your chances of getting funded increase substantially. Success rates for high-quality proposals ranged from 28% to 100% in 2015, averaging around 70%, depending on the specific topic.

You can find a comprehensive list of all beneficiaries, including both Phase 1 and Phase 2 recipients, on the Horizon 2020 SME Instrument website. This list is a great resource for understanding the types of projects that have been successful in the past.

Yes, there's dedicated support for biotechnology SMEs. They are looking for projects that close the gap from lab to market, especially in industrial biotechnology and those using systems or synthetic biology. If you're in biotech, this is worth exploring.

Yes, funding is available to accelerate the market introduction of ICT solutions for Health, Well-Being, and Ageing Well. The goal is to overcome gaps in exploiting promising research results and increase the availability of relevant ICT products and services. If you have a relevant ICT solution, this is a good option.

This funding focuses on companies with disruptive ICT concepts, products, and services. The goal is to support innovations that create new markets or disrupt existing ones by applying new rules, values, and models. Think of it as funding for groundbreaking ideas that change the game.

Yes, the EU provides funding for small business innovation research in Transport and Smart Cities Mobility. They are looking for innovations that deliver sustainable and smarter mobility, better accessibility, and logistics for businesses and citizens. If your SME is focused on transport or smart city solutions, explore this opportunity.

'Blue Growth' refers to sustainable growth in the marine and maritime sectors. SMEs can get funding for innovative solutions in marine biotechnology, fisheries, aquaculture, and marine litter prevention. If your SME contributes to these areas, consider applying.

Yes, the EU provides funding to engage SMEs in space research and development. This includes areas like applications related to Galileo and Copernicus, spinning-in terrestrial solutions to space challenges, and developing critical technologies. Consider this if your work connects to space.

Yes, funding is available to accelerate the uptake of nanotechnologies, advanced materials, or advanced manufacturing. The goal is to create added value by combining research results with other elements, transferring results across sectors, and accelerating innovation to generate profit or other benefits.

Yes, the EU supports SMEs that stimulate innovation for a low carbon and efficient energy system. This includes reducing energy consumption, low-carbon electricity supply, alternative fuels, smart grids, and new energy technologies. If your SME is working on these issues, this funding is relevant.

Yes, the EU supports SMEs that develop innovative solutions for sustainable and competitive agriculture, forestry, agri-food, and bio-based sectors. This includes resource-efficient solutions for safe, healthy food, sustainable production systems, and low-carbon supply chains. If your SME is in this area, look into this funding.

Yes, there is support for innovative SMEs in the healthcare biotechnology sector. This includes clinical research for validating biomarkers and/or diagnostic medical devices, as well as cell technologies in medical applications. Check if your project aligns with these areas.

The project title serves as a concise tagline, quickly conveying the project's core offering and its intended impact. Think of it as a condensed version of your project's abstract, grabbing the evaluator's attention.

Generally, it's best to avoid acronyms in the title unless they are extremely well-known and widely understood within the relevant industry. Clarity is key, and using full terms is usually preferable.

Prioritize the most impactful and differentiating USPs. You can use multiple adjectives to describe the product or combine several benefits into a single, concise phrase within the title.

Both are crucial, but the title is your first impression. If the abstract is a condensed proposal, the title is a condensed abstract. A strong title encourages evaluators to delve deeper into your proposal.

A good example is: "The first integrated Battery Management System for uninterrupted Operation to Increase European Renewables Penetration." This title clearly identifies the product, its benefits, and its impact.

Your title should highlight the unique selling points of your product, clearly identify the product itself, and indicate the broader industry or European impact you expect to achieve. Use descriptive adjectives to showcase the product's key features.

While there's no strict length limit, aim for brevity and clarity. A title that's too long can become confusing. Focus on conveying the essential information in a concise and impactful manner.

Aim for a balance. While clarity and accuracy are paramount, a slightly catchy or memorable title can help your project stand out. Focus on conveying information effectively first, then consider making it more engaging.

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's no mandatory structure, a helpful template involves an introduction (e.g., "The first"), adjectives describing the product, a noun identifying the product, its unique selling points, and the broader impact. This provides a solid framework.

The narrative should take the reader on a logical journey, clearly demonstrating the problem your innovation addresses, the market demand for it, and why existing solutions are inadequate. It should also emphasize the importance of your innovation to the EU's goals.

The introduction sets the stage for the entire proposal. It establishes the context of your innovation, highlighting its impact, unique selling points, and relevance to EU priorities. A strong introduction creates a compelling narrative that connects all sections of your application.

Focus on highlighting the impact of your innovation and making the problem relevant to the EU. Ensure your introduction leads directly to your innovation, clearly demonstrating its value and potential to address a critical need.