EIC Accelerator Program Comprehensive Overview Focusing on Business Acceleration Services and Ecosystem Integration for Enhanced Innovation and Commercialization Success
EIC Business Acceleration Services and Ecosystem Overview The European Innovation Council (EIC) provides a spectrum of support services aimed at enhancing the innovation capacity and commercialization potential of EIC Awardees. These services are crucial for the growth and scaling of innovations supported by the EIC. Model Grant Agreements and Contracts Model grant agreements and contracts can be accessed through the EU Funding and Tenders portal. This resource is essential for understanding the legal and contractual frameworks governing EIC funding. EIC Business Acceleration Services (BAS) The EIC BAS is designed specifically for EIC Awardees and eligible organizations, as outlined in Section VI of the EIC guidelines. The services aim to facilitate the innovation development process and include: Access to experienced business coaches who provide strategic insights. Training programs that enhance entrepreneurial skills. Connections to EIC Ecosystem Partners who offer various support services. Opportunities to engage with global partners, including leading corporates, investors, procurers, distributors, and clients. For a detailed overview, see Section V of the guidelines. EIC Business Coaches EIC business coaches are independent experts with a rich background in entrepreneurship and investment. Their role within the BAS is to deliver business development insights that help EIC Awardees navigate their commercialization journeys. Their experience is pivotal in identifying growth opportunities and mitigating risks in innovation development. EIC Community Platform The EIC Community Platform serves as a virtual hub for all EIC Awardees and recipients of EIC Seals of Excellence, including EIC Pre-accelerator Seals of Excellence and EIC Sovereignty (STEP) Seals. This platform fosters: Access to Business Acceleration Services. Facilitated discussions and exchanges among peers. Opportunities for matchmaking with key ecosystem actors. Participants, including inventors, researchers, and entrepreneurs, alongside corporates, investors, and various innovation facilitators, can leverage this platform for collaborative innovation efforts. EIC Ecosystem Partners EIC Ecosystem Partners comprise a network of selected organizations that provide Business Acceleration Services and other forms of support to EIC Awardees. This diverse group includes: Investors and business angels Mentors and coaches Innovation agencies and business associations Clusters, accelerators, and incubators Technology transfer offices Venture builders Moreover, they may include members from Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), the Enterprise Europe Network, Startup Europe, and the European IP Helpdesk. EIC Expert Evaluators The assessment of proposals for funding is conducted by EIC Expert Evaluators, who are independent experts recognized in their respective fields. These evaluators are crucial to ensuring that proposals meet the stringent criteria established in the Work Programme. They are selected from the EU Funding & Tenders portal Expert Database, guaranteeing a high
Unlocking the Future of Innovation: Exploring the EIC STEP Scale Up Call and Its Transformative Opportunities for Entrepreneurs and Startups in Emerging Technologies
Exciting Opportunities Ahead: The EIC STEP Scale Up Call! Get ready to be thrilled! The EIC STEP Scale Up call is here, and it’s open for business! This call is a golden opportunity for all innovators and entrepreneurs working in the dynamic fields of digital technologies, clean and resource-efficient technologies, including those working towards net-zero solutions, and biotechnologies. But wait, there’s more! The EIC is not just stopping at the current calls. A budget has been set aside to support follow-on investments for companies that have been selected in previous EIC Work Programmes. This means that if you are one of the fortunate innovators who have already made strides, you’re in line for even more support! 2025: The Year of Semiconductor and Quantum Technologies Looking to the future, in 2025, the EIC is setting its sights squarely on semiconductor technologies and quantum technologies. The STEP Scale Up call will emphasize larger investments in these strategic areas, especially backing the Chips Act. Exciting times are ahead for start-ups in these cutting-edge arenas! The EIC Accelerator Open Call Don’t forget, the EIC Accelerator Open call is also available to startups and SMEs across various sectors, including those in quantum and semiconductor technologies. There’s room for everyone in this innovation ecosystem! Innovation Prizes and More! The Work Programme is brimming with opportunities, including exciting innovation prizes and a range of supporting actions. This includes expert contracts, data management, communication, and IT support. The EIC is committed to fostering a thriving environment for innovators! Connecting the Dots One of the most exciting aspects of the EIC Work Programme is its focus on maximizing linkages between various funding schemes. This includes innovative approaches like Booster grants for EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition projects, along with the Fast Track scheme that accelerates the journey of successful projects from EU programmes to the EIC Accelerator. A New Pilot Program: Pre-Accelerator Call! In 2025, we will also see the introduction of a pilot EIC Pre-Accelerator call as part of the Horizon Europe Work Programme. This call is specifically designed to support early-stage deep tech startups in refining their technologies, business models, and investment readiness. This is your chance to get the foundation you need to successfully apply for funding from the EIC Accelerator and beyond! So, whether you’re an established innovator or just starting out, the future is bright with opportunities through the EIC. Get ready to innovate, collaborate, and make an impact!