Funding instruments within the framework of Horizon Europe
It is not only the German government that promotes R&D. There are also opportunities at European level to obtain financial support for your own projects. Horizon Europe, the world's largest single funding program for research and innovation, plays a decisive role in this context.
There is also explicit support for SMEs from various sectors. Within the framework of the focus on innovation and market uptake, all SMEs involved in the development of a product, service, or process are eligible to apply.
Funding instruments of the European Innovation Council (EIC)
EIC Pathfinder
The EIC Pathfinder supports projects in an early stage of development that are excellence-oriented, visionary, and high-risk. There is no disciplinary focus. The focus of EIC Pathfinder is on confirming the scientific basis and thus ensuring that the main ideas of the project are feasible. Consortia of at least three independent members are eligible to apply.
The EIC Pathfinder Open, which is open to all topics, provides funding of up to €3 million for projects.
EIC Transition
The EIC Transition program aims to further develop projects that have already received funding from Pathfinder and the European Research Council. The aim is to promote and further develop both the technology and the business idea. Within the framework of the EIC Transition program, SMEs and start-ups can apply either individually or in consortia of up to five partners to take their projects to technology level 5 or 6. The funding amount for EIC Transition is €2.5 million for the validation and demonstration of the technology in an application-relevant environment, as well as for the development of the company and market readiness. In addition, there is the possibility of “booster funding” of up to €50,000 to carry out complementary activities and explore possible avenues for commercialization or portfolio activities.
EIC Accelerator
The EIC Accelerator specifically promotes SME innovations with high market potential. The focus is on companies that demonstrate high growth potential and operate at a European or international level. Only individual grants are awarded within the framework of the Accelerator. Financial assistance of between €0.5 million and €2.5 million or mixed financing consisting of a grant and capital financing can be applied for. The prerequisite for this is that the research must be largely complete. To this end, the technology must function in a relevant environment and a functional prototype must exist (or be available shortly).
Further information can be found on the website of the European Commission's Research and Innovation Service. We would be happy to discuss the necessary details with you and help you maximize your chances of receiving funding.