H2020 Call for Proposals: SME instrument

Submitted by Alina Danieles… on 28 August 2018

Deadline model: multiple cut-off

Topic identifier: EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020

The SME Instrument supports high-risk, high-potential small and medium-sized enterprises to develop and bring to market new products, services and business models that could drive economic growth. The SME Instrument is for innovators with ground-breaking concepts that could shape new markets or disrupt existing ones in Europe and worldwide.

Proposals can be funded after a thorough evaluation by multinational panels of technology, business and finance experts. Selected companies receive funding and are offered business coaching to scale up their innovation idea, and can also receive mentoring. They are helped in networking with other SME Instrument clients, with other companies of all sizes, and with potential co-investors and follow-up investors across Europe. As an SME Instrument client, you will gain visibility and boost your chances of success in European and international markets.

The SME Instrument provides full-cycle business innovation support. It has three phases, including a coaching and mentoring service.

Feasibility study: Phase 1 - helps SMEs to get a grip on the R&D, technical feasibility and commercial potential of a ground-breaking, innovative idea and develop it into a credible business plan for scaling it up. Phase 1 funding is a lump sum of €50 000.

From concept to market: Phase 2 - focusing on strategic business plans, expected outcome of the project and criteria for success, expected impacts on the company in both qualitative and quantitative terms. Grant funding is provided (funding rate 70%) of between €0.5 million and €2.5 million.

Commercialisation: Phase 3 helps SMEs take advantage of additional EU support extended via a range of business support services offered on the EIC Community Platform

Cut-off dates:

SME-1 SME instrument phase 1 SME-2 SME instrument phase 2
08 February 2018 17:00:00  10 January 2018 17:00:00 
03 May 2018 17:00:00  14 March 2018 17:00:00 
05 September 2018 17:00:00  23 May 2018 17:00:00 
07 November 2018 17:00:00  10 October 2018 17:00:00 
13 February 2019 17:00:00  09 January 2019 17:00:00 
07 May 2019 17:00:00  03 April 2019 17:00:00 
05 September 2019 17:00:00  05 June 2019 17:00:00 

Please find more information on the topic conditions and documents here.

Source: https://ec.europa.eu/info/research-and-innovation_en    2018

Share this Article