Novelties in EIC work programme 2020: Increase in funding for game-changing green innovation and woman-led companies

A significant increase to the European Innovation Council (EIC) Pilot budget is expected to be adopted by the European Commission in March 2020, to support game-changing, market-creating innovation and deep-tech SMEs to scale-up, paving the ground for the launch of a ‘fully-fledged’ programme in Horizon Europe (2021 – 2027).

EU COURT OF AUDITOR REPORT ON SME INSTRUMENT: AN EFFECTIVE PROGRAMME!

The European Court of Auditors – ECA – published the special report dedicated to SME Instrument and confirmed that it is  an effective and innovative programme facing relevant challenges. With €3 billion for 2014-2020, the EU’s SME instrument strives to support innovation in SMEs and start-ups by filling the gap in funding and increasing commercialisation […]

The SME Instrument becomes the EIC Accelerator, offering optional equity investment in addition to a grant

From the 6 June 2019 innovative companies can apply for a grant of up to 17.5 million in combined grant and equity financing to scale-up quickly and effectively. The grants available will be between € 0.5 and 2.5 million and equity investment can amount up to €15 million. The aim is to increase support for […]

COSME initiatives supporting Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and their protection is important for promoting innovation and creativity and improving competitiveness. the EU Programme for the Competitiveness of SMEs (COSME) aims at creating a supportive economic environment. The IPA4SME is one of COSME funded initiatives aiming to provide SMEs with advice, financial support and guidance on IPR.   PA4SME –boosting […]

Enhanced European Innovation Council: From the SME Instrument Phase 1 and Phase 2 to Pathfinder and Accelerator

The Enhanced European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot supports researchers and innovators developing high-risk, breakthrough innovations with the potential to create new markets and boost jobs, growth and prosperity in Europe. It pilots two new schemes developed on the experience on FET-Open and SME instrument funding schemes: the EIC Pathfinder pilot (grant only), comprising FET-Open and […]

EU Commission boosts venture capital investment in Europe’s innovative start-ups