EIC Accelerator - European Innovation Council
Capti Innovation are specialists in the preparation of & submission of the EIC Accelerator funding grant by the European Commission (EC) and the European Innovation Council (EIC). Our service includes the preparation of all written documents, video production & storyboarding the submission of the grant application through the EC’s Funding and Tenders Portal as well as re-submissions if needed. Under Horizon Europe (2021-2027), the EIC Accelerator follows a multi-step application procedure which begins with a short application and a pitch video, is followed by a long-form application document and, if successful, leads to an interview invitation to a face-to-face pitch week in Brussels (or video calls in rare exceptions). Segler Consulting’s services further extend to the support in scripting the pitch video, the preparation of the 10-minute pitch, in-depth briefings as well as multiple practice runs ahead of the 30-minute questioning by the jury.
Important EIC Accelerator update for UK applicants...
The Withdrawal Agreement (brexit) means that the UK can continue to participate in EU programmes, including Horizon 2020, that are financed by the 2014-2020 Financial Framework (MFF) until their closure (i.e. for the lifetime of grants). UK participants will continue to receive EU grant funding for the lifetime of individual Horizon 2020 projects, including projects finishing after the transition period ends at the end of 2020.
UK scientists, researchers and businesses can continue to participate in and lead Horizon 2020 projects and apply for Horizon 2020 grant funding. The vast majority of Horizon 2020 projects will be able to continue as before during the transition period and beyond. This includes ERC, MSCA, and the EIC Accelerator. However, for the latter, UK entities are now only eligible for the grant (not loans) element of the programme, meaning they cannot apply for equity support.
A very limited number of UK Horizon 2020 projects, which involve access to security-related sensitive information restricted for EU Member States, may be unable to continue after EU Exit in their current form. The government expects the European Commission to inform participants if this is the case.
The Future of the EIC / Project Horizons within the UK?
Horizon Europe is an EU research and innovation programme. It has a budget of €95.5 billion and runs until 2027. In January 2021, the government announced that the UK will associate to Horizon Europe. This means UK scientists, researchers and businesses will be able to access funding under the programme on equivalent terms as organisations in EU countries. We therefore strongly encourage researchers, businesses, and innovators in the UK and worldwide to continue to work together in establishing global consortia to bid for funding. The EU is still in the process of formalising the UK’s association. But UK-based applicants can begin applying straight away. You do not need to wait for the EU to formalise the association.
Can the United Kingdom (UK) apply to the EIC Accelerator?
The UK is eligible for grants, but not for equity or blended financing. Under Horizon 2020 (2014-2020), the UK was a participant and continues to engage in Horizon Europe (2021-2027), which features the EIC Accelerator. UK applicants can receive grants up to £2.1 million or €2.5 million.
If you are invited to submit a full application (stage-2) you will have to choose between
You can apply if you meet one of the following eligibility conditions
Important !!! (for UK only)
Funding is available for innovative projects with a cap of less than EUR 2.5 million, covering up to 70% of the total eligible expenses. These innovation initiatives are expected to conclude within 24 months. Please note, small mid-cap companies are ineligible for grants in this context (250 employees +) The funding targets activities at Technology Readiness Levels 5 to 8 exclusively. If you are EU based please ignore this.
What will be assessed? For SHORT Proposal (stage-1)
What will be assessed? For FULL Proposal (stage-2)
Proposals will be evaluated based on the criteria outlined below, using a binary GO/NO GO system for each criterion. Grant-only proposals will undergo the same evaluation as blended proposals, except for the “Risk level of investment” sub-criterion, which is not applicable. Additionally, the “scale-up potential” sub-criterion will assess if a Grant-only applicant has the necessary resources for commercialization and scaling. Detailed descriptions of the criteria for both short and full proposals are found in the Work Programme.
1 EXCELLENCE: enhance vision, innovation, and groundbreaking aspects, technology; intellectual property; timing
2 IMPACT: market alignment and competitor evaluation; commercialization strategy; essential partnerships; growth potential; positive widespread impact.
3 RISK LEVEL, EXECUTION, AND NEED FOR EU SUPPORT: detailed implementation strategy; significant investment risk; assessed risk mitigation; team’s competence and drive.
In Summary
The EIC Accelerator stands as one of the globe’s most substantial business grants, offering up to €2.5 million. Despite its high rewards, the process is intricate and demands considerable time for successful outcomes. Capti boasts a 95% success rate for stage one and 65% for stage two. Remember, at least 30% match funding is essential. If you’re based in the UK, you’re limited to the grant-only option. To access blended/equity funding up to €10 million for TRL 9 activities, you must be within an EU member state. Contact Capti Innovation today to discover your possibilities. Click the GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS for the latest EU support document.