Frequently Asked Questions

The application requirements vary depending on the grant. Some grants require a consortium of multiple entities, while others, like the EIC Accelerator, allow single applicants. Check the specific grant guidelines to determine if a consortium is necessary.

Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) are technologies that drive innovation and competitiveness. Some EU grant programs specifically target projects related to KETs. Check the funding call details to see if KETs are a focus area.

The topic of the funding call is the single most important aspect. It defines what the evaluators are looking for and which companies have the highest chances of success. Make sure your project aligns perfectly with the call's thematic focus.

The possibility of resubmitting an application depends on the specific funding call. Some programs have restrictions due to limited cut-off dates or impose freeze periods after a rejection. Check the program guidelines to understand the resubmission policy before applying.

While EU grants offer significant funding, explore national or local grant programs as well. These alternatives may have less competition and simpler application processes. Look for programs supported by entities like the European Investment Bank (EIB) in your region.

Yes, the EIC Accelerator offers blended financing, which includes both grant funding and equity investment. This combination is designed to support high-risk, high-impact innovations. The equity component is managed separately from the grant.

The EIC Accelerator is generally open to companies from EU member states and associated countries. However, some specific calls may have geographical restrictions or preferences. Always verify the eligibility criteria for each individual call.

EIC Accelerator evaluations sometimes prioritize projects addressing societal challenges, those with female CEOs, or those with a broader EU impact. This is due to government funds adhering to political directives, but it can sometimes overshadow the focus on innovation and financial success.

Instead of adjusting the evaluation criteria, the EIC could create dedicated calls for specific areas like environmental projects (e.g., a Green Deal call). This would ensure fair evaluation within each call and better align funding with political targets.

Financial projections, costs, and work packages could be visualized with charts automatically within the application. This would make the application leaner and allow the implementation section to focus more on tasks, risks, and team members.

Some potential changes include separating grant and equity options, creating a VC-Hub for past applicants to pitch, adjusting evaluation criteria for fairness, and simplifying bureaucracy through better use of online forms.

The EIC Accelerator targets startups and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) that are developing and scaling innovative technologies with the potential for significant impact. The program provides financial and coaching support to help these companies succeed.

Keep an eye on official proposal template updates, funding decisions released by the European Union (EU), and any related announcements from the European Innovation Council (EIC). Regularly checking these sources will help you stay informed about the latest developments.

A VC-Hub would create an online environment where past EIC Accelerator applicants can participate in pitch sessions outside of the normal funding process. This could help them secure additional funding and connect with potential investors.

Separating Grant & Equity means allowing applicants to apply directly for equity funding with an open budget through a pool of private investors, rather than requiring a blended approach. This could provide more flexibility for certain types of projects.

No, this restriction specifically applies to the equity financing provided by the EIC Fund under the EIC Accelerator program. Other Horizon Europe programs may have different rules.

Yes, even without the equity financing, a €2.5 million non-dilutive grant is still a significant opportunity for UK startups and SMEs to fund their innovative projects and growth.

The document is referenced as Article 6 on page 21 and is an official declaration from the UK government regarding participation in Horizon Europe.

One potential solution is to establish an EU subsidiary or parent company, for example, in Ireland. This would allow the EU-based entity to apply for both the grant and equity financing.

Due to Brexit agreements, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund are prohibited from investing in UK companies. This restriction applies under the Horizon Europe program.

Yes, UK companies can explore other funding avenues such as venture capital, angel investors, government grants specific to the UK, and private equity firms to compensate for the lack of EIC equity financing.

The grant is non-dilutive funding, meaning you don't have to give up equity in your company. Equity financing involves the EIC Fund investing in your company in exchange for a share of ownership.

Yes, the UK government has explicitly acknowledged the exclusion of UK entities from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund under Horizon Europe, as stated in official documents.

The current agreement states that UK entities cannot participate in the EIC Fund. Any future changes would depend on renegotiations between the UK and the EU regarding their relationship with Horizon Europe.

The editing process is essential for ensuring the highest quality of the final video. It involves colour grading, basic corrections, audio enhancements, and other related aspects to create a polished and professional pitch video.

If your team lacks video production expertise, consider contracting an external videography team for an on-site project. Alternatively, focus on leveraging the guidance and best practices provided by your consultant to improve your team's capabilities.

A two-stage production process, including a screen test and a real recording, allows for superior results. It enables the creation of a high-quality end product with minimal effort and overhead by identifying and correcting issues before the final shoot.

The editing can be performed by the consultancy, a third-party contractor, or a team member of the startup. The responsibility depends on how it has been distributed in the agreement.

Consultancies should provide a shortlist of best practices, including tutorials, FAQs, tips & tricks, and recommendations for camera settings and lighting. This guidance helps maximize the production quality, especially for teams without prior video experience.

You should review the availability of equipment like cameras and lighting, as well as the skills of your team members. Determine who has experience with video production and what existing footage you can use.

The EIC aims to be more entrepreneur-friendly by adopting VC-like approaches. However, the application process is becoming more complex with added evaluation steps, potentially increasing reliance on consultants.

The EIC faces a challenge: it wants to attract excellent companies but has a limited budget. To manage the high volume of applications, it's increasing the evaluation barriers, making the process more complex.

Unfortunately, the trend suggests that reliance on consultants may increase due to the complex application process and the need for specialized skills. The EIC's efforts to simplify the process haven't yet translated into a less consultant-dependent system.

Many applicants find the official EIC documentation unclear and policy-focused, rather than providing practical guidance on building a strong business case. This lack of transparency leads them to seek help from consultants who understand what the EU evaluators are looking for.

Beyond a strong business plan, applicants now need skills in video production, storytelling, and marketing to effectively present their innovation in the required formats. Consider if you need external help to fill these gaps.

The added steps, like video submissions, require skills that many DeepTech startups may lack (e.g., video production, storytelling). This increases their dependence on consultants who possess these skills, counteracting the EIC's goal of simplifying the application process.

The EIC Accelerator process is evolving to include video submissions in addition to the existing in-person pitch interviews. This creates a 3-step evaluation process, increasing the workload and skill requirements for applicants.

The article mentions a 'less transparent evaluation process', suggesting that the timing of your application may not significantly impact your chances of success. Focus on creating the strongest possible application.

While optimism is good, overly optimistic statements without solid evidence can hurt an application. Claims like "no competitors" or inflated market size need careful scrutiny. Consultants often can't fully verify every claim before writing, so accuracy is crucial.

Thoroughly research and document all aspects of your project before starting the application. The more information you gather upfront, the less you'll need to learn during the writing process. This will lead to a more comprehensive and compelling application.

EIC Accelerator applications are reviewed by individuals with varying expertise and interests. An evaluator might not be an industry expert or understand the business model. This inherent variability makes it difficult to predict how an application will be received.

Involve a diverse team in assessing your project before starting the writing process. Include VC's, former EASME evaluators, industry representatives, and technical experts. This helps identify potential issues from various viewpoints.

Active collaboration and feedback from the management team are essential. If the team isn't engaged, the application can become shallow and lack crucial details. A lack of involvement can significantly weaken the proposal.

Assessing EIC Accelerator projects is complex because it requires a deep dive into many factors. Even if a project seems eligible, a professional needs time to uncover potential barriers. These barriers can significantly impact the application's success, making quick assessments unreliable.

Often, the full scope and implications of a project only become clear during the grant proposal writing process. The work needed to prepare a full application is so extensive that pre-assessments can't cover everything. While minimizing uncertainty is possible, it's impossible to eliminate it completely before writing.

Be realistic and back up your claims with solid data and evidence. Don't exaggerate market size or downplay competition. Ensure your patent status is clear and that your team structure is accurately represented.

A successful EIC Accelerator application requires strong writing, pitching, and video production skills. It's difficult to assess all these areas without extensive evaluation. An applicant's performance in pitching and video creation can greatly impact the outcome.

Projects aligned with strong EU policies and targets have a higher chance of success. Even if a project seems beneficial, a lack of supporting policies can weaken its appeal. Analyzing the EU policy landscape is crucial, but often can't be fully done before starting the application.

Raising a significant VC round during the EIC Accelerator evaluation process can negatively impact your chances. Be transparent about any new funding during the Step 3 pitch interview, as it could lead to exclusion from grant financing.

Assess whether your company's innovation aligns with the EIC's priorities, particularly DeepTech and EU policy goals. Evaluate your funding situation and determine if you truly need the EIC's blended financing. If you can easily secure funding elsewhere, the EIC might not be the right fit.