The European Innovation Council (EIC) is an ambitious initiative of the European Union to support innovation and research in Europe. As part of its efforts, the EIC offers several funding opportunities, including the EIC Transition program, which provides funding for innovations coming from eligible projects. If you are a part of a deep-tech SME or start-up looking to apply for the EIC Transition program, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to increase your chances of success. In this article, we will provide you with tips for successful applications, from identifying eligible projects to building partnerships and submitting your proposal.
Get Informed
The first step towards a successful EIC Transition application is to get informed about the program and the eligibility criteria. The EIC publishes a list of eligible projects for the open scheme, which you can find on the EIC Transition call page. However, it may not always be straightforward to identify an innovation and its innovator. You can reach out to your National Contact Point (NCP), Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) member, or the Access2EIC network for support. Several tools are also available to help you identify eligible projects and innovations.
For the Transition Open scheme, the Innovation Radar is a useful tool that was created specifically for EIC Pathfinder/FET innovations. The ERC Research Information System (ERIS) is also a valuable resource for ERC Proof of Concept innovations. For the Transition Challenges scheme, you can consult the CORDIS database, the Innovation Radar, the Horizon Results Platform, and ERIS. However, it is essential to double-check and verify that the innovation is from an eligible project.
Get Connected
Once you have identified a potentially interesting innovation, you need to reach out to the owner(s) of the result and innovation and/or members of the consortia to explore if there is an alignment of interest and potential for collaboration. Contacting your NCP can also help you get further support and assistance. You need to assess if you apply as a mono-beneficiary or if you better go for a possible consortia with others.
Get Involved
When you have reached the point to start writing a proposal, you need to make sure that you include a commitment letter from the relevant owner(s) of the result(s). The letter should confirm the commitment of the owner of the linked project research result to negotiate with you fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory access to such results, including IPR, for the purpose of future commercial exploitation.
Build Partnerships
Partnering with other organizations can increase your chances of success in the EIC Transition program. You can reach out to other SMEs or start-ups working on related innovations or contact research organizations, universities, or industry partners that can contribute to the development of your innovation. Collaborating with other organizations can also provide you with access to additional resources, expertise, and funding opportunities.
Submit Your Proposal
When submitting your proposal, it is essential to keep in mind that the evaluation process is highly competitive. Your proposal should clearly outline the innovation and its potential impact, demonstrate its commercial potential, and provide a detailed plan for its development and exploitation. You should also explain how you intend to use the funding from the EIC Transition program and what other funding sources you have secured or intend to secure.
Key Takeaways
The EIC Transition program is a valuable opportunity for deep-tech SMEs and start-ups to receive funding for innovations coming from eligible projects. To increase your chances of success, you need to get informed about the program and eligibility criteria, identify eligible projects and innovations, reach out to owners and consortia members, build partnerships, and submit a strong proposal. Remember to include a commitment letter from the relevant owner(s) of the result(s) and provide a detailed plan for the development and exploitation of your innovation. Partnering with other organizations can also increase your chances of success and provide access to additional resources and expertise.
In conclusion, applying for the EIC Transition program requires a well-thought-out strategy and careful planning. It is essential to identify eligible projects and innovations, build partnerships, and submit a strong proposal that clearly outlines the innovation’s potential impact and commercial potential. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success and receive funding to bring your innovation to market. Remember that the EIC is committed to supporting innovation and research in Europe and is always available to provide support and assistance to potential applicants.
