Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the final pitch deck (Document 4) is uploaded as a PDF and has distinct file size limitations. Keep this in mind when designing your slides and incorporating images.

Vector graphics software like Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw are ideal. They allow you to create and edit images without losing quality, which is crucial for a professional-looking application. Consider transferring graphs from Excel to these programs for enhanced visual appeal.

Microsoft PowerPoint or similar slide creation software is generally the best choice. If you're already using InDesign for other documents, it can also be a practical option for the pitch deck.

Create separate spreadsheets for different aspects of your financials. This includes work packages (project budget, subcontracting, resources, hiring) and financial projections (assumptions, market analysis, break-downs, ROI).

While Illustrator offers some data analysis tools, it's generally better to use spreadsheet software like Excel for creating graphs and charts. You can then import these into Illustrator for further refinement and visual enhancement.

Similar to its advantages over Word, InDesign allows for easy copying of vector graphics and images between documents. This can streamline the design process and ensure a consistent visual style.

Each project received detailed feedback and a GO/NO GO scoring from 4 to 6 evaluators. This provides applicants with comprehensive information on their submission.

Yes, in-person coaching support is offered on a first-come-first-serve basis in June 2021. Coaching will be available for all applicants submitting to the October 2021 deadline.

Yes, the Step 3 interviews are delayed. Instead of being 6 weeks after the Step 2 deadline, they are pushed back to approximately 3 months after the June cut-off date.

The Work Programme states the minimum TRL is 5, but the Evaluation Criteria suggest TRL 6. It's likely this will be unified to TRL 5 in future updates. For now, aim to demonstrate your technology is at least at TRL 5.

For further details on how EIC Accelerator funding is distributed (grant, equity, blended, co-financing), refer to the article mentioned in the blog post titled "Grant vs. Blended Finance." This will provide a comprehensive overview of the funding options.

If you're not requesting equity but your project includes TRL9 activities, you must clearly and separately explain how these activities will be financed. Provide a detailed plan for securing the necessary funding to reach full commercialization.

No, as of 2020, the EIC Accelerator doesn't offer pure equity funding. If you're seeking equity, it must be part of a blended finance package that includes a grant component. Pure grant funding is still an option for eligible TRL levels.

Inconsistencies regarding TRLs can negatively impact your proposal evaluation. Ensure your TRL descriptions are accurate and coherent across all sections of your application to maintain credibility and demonstrate a thorough understanding of your project's development stage.

When requesting blended finance, a separate work package should be dedicated to pure equity for TRL9 activities. This clearly outlines how the equity portion will be used to advance the technology to market readiness.

Compare your product to your closest competitor and identify at least one or two key differentiators. These unique features should provide a significant advantage and be difficult for competitors to easily copy or replicate.

Yes, you can still apply without revenue, but you need to demonstrate strong market interest through other means. Focus on showcasing customer engagement, pilot studies, and documented expressions of interest to compensate for the lack of sales data.

While innovation and traction are the initial focus, other factors like team expertise, financial projections, and a well-defined business plan are also crucial. However, a strong showing in innovation and traction is a prerequisite for further consideration.

Your innovation should be significant enough to disrupt or create a new market. It should also overcome barriers that other companies have struggled with. Consider how easily a competitor could replicate your product; a high barrier to entry is a good sign.

The European Innovation Council website often features success stories and project summaries. Reviewing these examples can give you a better understanding of the types of projects that are typically funded and the level of innovation and traction expected.

If a large company could easily replicate your product, it might not be considered innovative enough for the EIC Accelerator. Focus on highlighting any proprietary technology, unique processes, or strong intellectual property protection that would make replication difficult.

Ideally, you should have written proof of intent from potential customers. At a minimum, demonstrate active contact with potential customers. Even better is evidence of ongoing pilot studies or existing revenue from your product.

The two most critical aspects are innovation and traction. Innovation refers to the market-disrupting or market-creating nature of your project, while traction demonstrates clear market need and customer interest in your product or service. Strong evidence in both areas significantly increases your chances of success.

While innovation is key, the EU also wants to fund projects with real-world potential. Market traction demonstrates that there's a demand for your innovation and that it's not just a theoretical concept. It shows your project has a higher likelihood of success.

If your project is weak in either innovation or traction, your chances of securing EIC Accelerator funding are significantly reduced. Consider strengthening these areas before applying, perhaps by refining your product or conducting more market research.

Yes, the TRL descriptions were changed after the call opened on April 9th. Specifically, the requirements for TRL6 were altered, potentially affecting applicants who based their submissions on the initial descriptions. Review the current TRL definitions carefully.

You should report any glitches or errors you encounter to support@accelerator.eismea.eu. Providing detailed information about the issue, including screenshots if possible, will help the support team address the problem effectively.

Yes, the initial draft of the Work Programme included a requirement for geographic diversity, meaning invitations to Step 3 interviews would be proportional to the number of applications received from each country. Fortunately, this rule was removed from the final version.

Yes, if you select blended financing and request equity from the EIC Fund, that equity will be in addition to the 30% of the grant contribution that is automatically covered by the equity financing. This allows you to potentially secure more funding overall.

Right after the launch, users reported errors, long loading times, and even shutdowns. One significant glitch involved the Abstract section of the proposal being replaced by the Solution section in some accounts. If you applied early, double-check your submitted application for this error.

One notable change is the automatic coverage of the 30% co-financing of the grant by the equity financing if blended financing is selected. Also, applicants need to estimate the co-financing of their Series A round and identify outside contributors.

The EIC currently treats the 'Unspecified' gender option as male. This means that applicants selecting this option will not receive the benefits associated with choosing 'female' in relation to the EU's gender equity funding goals.

Initially, the platform included a non-binary gender option. However, the EIC has reverted to a single 'Unspecified' option, which is treated as male. This change addresses the complexities of balancing gender identification with the EU's gender equality agenda.

If you submitted your application early and suspect the Abstract was replaced by the Solution section, contact support@accelerator.eismea.eu as soon as possible. Explain the issue and request a correction to ensure your application is evaluated accurately.

From the start of application preparation to receiving the grant, Phase 1 can take approximately 4-6 months, depending on the exact timing of deadlines and processing times.

Once your Phase 1 application is approved, it generally takes 6 to 12 weeks for the grant agreement contract to be signed and the initial grant funds to be disbursed. This includes administrative processing time.

The fastest possible timeline assumes a successful application on the first try. In this scenario, you could potentially receive Phase 1 funding within approximately 4-6 months from the start of application preparation.

After submitting your Phase 1 application, expect to wait approximately 4 to 8 weeks to receive the results. Keep this timeframe in mind when planning your project timeline.

Each resubmission adds about 3 months to the total time needed to receive the grant. This is due to the spacing between application deadlines, so it's best to submit a strong application the first time.

Always state clearly why your technology is superior. Focus on specific advantages and benefits that your technology offers over competing solutions. Back up your claims with evidence or data whenever possible to strengthen your argument.

Clearly state the current stage of development and outline the remaining steps. Highlight the progress you've made and the expected timeline for completion. Emphasize the potential impact of the technology once it's fully developed.

Avoid oversimplification. List all significant milestones that led you to the current stage of development. This demonstrates the progress and effort invested in the project, showcasing your team's dedication and expertise.

Provide detailed explanations of your technology's features and benefits. Highlight your team's accomplishments and the challenges you've overcome. Showcase your deep understanding of the technology and its applications.

Prioritize the most critical features and milestones. Use concise language to describe each element, focusing on its importance and impact. Consider using diagrams or tables to present complex information efficiently.

Focus on the functional aspects and benefits of your technology rather than divulging specific algorithms or trade secrets. Frame your descriptions in terms of outcomes and advantages. You can also explore using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) if necessary.

Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon when possible. Define any technical terms that may be unfamiliar to the evaluator. Structure your explanations logically and provide context for each feature or milestone.

Yes, include relevant technical specifications to support your claims. Provide data sheets, performance metrics, or other evidence to demonstrate the capabilities of your technology. Ensure that the specifications are accurate and up-to-date.

Focus on the benefits and impact of your technology. Explain how it solves a problem or addresses a need. Use visuals, such as diagrams or charts, to illustrate complex concepts and make your proposal more visually appealing.

It's crucial. Your project needs to offer something unique or innovative compared to existing solutions. This could be a novel feature, a more efficient process, or a completely new approach to solving a problem. Aim for a 'leap' from the current state of the art.

Uniqueness can manifest in many ways. It could be a proprietary technology, a novel user interface, a unique business model, or a significantly improved performance metric compared to existing solutions. The key is that it sets you apart.