Until 7 October 2020, SMEs and start-ups can submit applications for the EIC Accelerator Pilot. What do I need to bear in mind?
The EIC Accelerator Pilot and H2020
Horizon 2020 – H2020
Horizon 2020 is the current and largest EU framework programme for research and innovation. The aim of Horizon 2020 is on the one hand to establish excellent European science and thus enable innovation, and on the other hand to facilitate cooperation between the public and the private sector in promoting innovation. From 2021 onwards, the Framework Programme will be relaunched under Horizon Europe and will thus communicate the positive benefits of research and innovation – for example through progress in the health or environmental sectors – even more clearly.
EIC Accelerator Pilot
The EIC Accelerator Pilot (formerly “SME Instrument”) is an innovation funding programme within the H2020 framework for innovative SMEs. The grant is also open to topics and technologies. Non-technological innovations are also supported. In addition to the funding, the EIC Accelerator Pilot also offers the opportunity to apply for equity capital. Only profit-oriented SMEs that meet the EU’s SME criteria, with headquarters in the EU or in a country associated with Horizon 2020, are eligible to apply.
Further information on the EIC Accelerator
Further requirements for the application
The EIC Accelerator promotes high-risk ideas with a high market potential and degree of innovation. Therefore innovation should be disruptive and completely restructure existing business models, products, technologies and services or reorganize existing markets.
Maturity Level – Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
At the time of application the so-called “technological maturity level” TRL 5 or 6 must be available. This means that the research should be completed and the technology should be tested in a relevant environment or a demonstrator should be available that is functional.
Evaluation criteria of the EIC Accelerator Pilot
Applications will be examined and evaluated on the basis of three criteria:
- Impact – Marketability
- Excellence – innovative strength
- Implementation – Quality of the implementation
All three criteria are then equally weighted with 1/3 each. The evaluation focuses on aspects such as risk and market potential, European added value and the USP, i.e. the unique selling point of the innovation.
Cut-off dates
There are usually four deadlines for the EIC Accelerator Pilot throughout the year. The next and last deadline this year is 7 October 2020, but SMEs can submit applications on an ongoing basis and have until the deadline to process them. Applications submitted too late will not be considered in the respective funding round. The cut-off dates for 2021 are not yet known.
Support for SMEs
Our support and SME advice: We check your project against the criteria of EU funding and then give you our assessment of your chances of success free of charge and without obligation.
Full Service: We write your EIC application – our experienced SME consultants design your application and prepare the submission for your company. We also assist you with project management and interim reports. This means that you have no administrative effort.