In a groundbreaking development for the EPICENTRE project, 12 projects from the LAUNCH phase have advanced to the second phase, SUSTAIN, on the first cut-off. This phase, spanning the next 9 months, promises to be a pivotal period of growth and development for these innovative SMEs and startups. Today, the project achieved a major milestone with the kick-off meeting for the SUSTAIN phase of the first call.

Meet the Trailblazers: SMEs and Startups in the SUSTAIN Phase

Let's take a moment to applaud the forward-thinking companies that have successfully transitioned to the SUSTAIN phase and their remarkable projects:

1. IamHero Srl - Italy - Project: SUPERHERO
2. ENISMARO - Italy - Project: TAC!
3. Soluzioni Tirinnanzi srl - Italy - Project: ELIoT - AIoT multisensor for the environment and cultivation process analysis
4. FOODOC SRL - Italy - Project: Food Document Solutions
5. MB Skaitmeninis - Lithuania - Project: Zubrus
6. MB "Socialines inovacijos" - Lithuania - Project: API-PROBIO
7. MB Augaliniai gaminiai - Lithuania - Project: Milgogi_Tech
8. Vitum Technologies SL - Spain - Project: VI4.0C1
9. Qpick Z.O.O Wroclaw - Project: QID
10. UAB REDIGA - Lithuania - Project: Pvgrow
11. GRECA Finance GmbH - Austria - Project: EMMA
12. Frizbit Technology, S.L. - Spain - Project: FingerprintML

Navigating the SUSTAIN Phase: A Journey of Innovation

The SUSTAIN phase calls for projects to fine-tune technical requirements and develop a minimum viable product. This entails verifying key functional aspects, demonstrating technical feasibility, and providing solutions for critical functionalities. While the prototype may not encompass all the functionalities of a final product, it sets the foundation for what's to come.

Comprehensive Business Support Services Await

During the SUSTAIN phase, SMEs will receive a full package of Business Support Services. This includes a spectrum of offerings such as training activities, mentoring, and coaching sessions, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for success.

EPICENTRE Gala: The Grand Finale of the SUSTAIN Phase

The culmination of the SUSTAIN phase will be the EPICENTRE Gala, where SMEs and startups will pitch their projects to an audience of diverse innovation actors. The corporate board will evaluate and select the top 3 projects ready to collaborate with corporates, propelling them into the next phase.

Key Outcomes of the SUSTAIN Phase

The SUSTAIN phase's primary outcomes include the submission of the “Strategic and Technical development Plan of the prototype” and the “Prototype ready to test with Corporates.” These documents provide detailed insights into the design characteristics, scope, and steps required to implement the prototype. The "Prototype ready to test with Corporates" outlines the minimum viable product's characteristics, functionalities, and the test bed project plan to be executed with the Corporates.

Upon completion and approval of these deliverables, each selected project will receive EUR 31,000 in financial support, empowering them to continue their innovative pursuits.