The EIC pilot offers funding to innovative entrepreneurs and organisations in order to drive economic growth with strict deadlines for funding scattered throughout 2020.
The European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot, previously known as the SME Instrument, supports innovators, entrepreneurs, small companies and scientists with funding opportunities and support.
The EIC Accelerator offers support to high-risk enterprises which have the highest potential to develop innovative products and services to drive economic growth.
Important dates and deadlines for EIC pilot
The EIC Accelerator offers continuous open calls with regular cut offs, dating back to 2018. The Phase 2, EIC Accelerator deadlines for 2020 are:
- 8 January 2020 – grant only or blended finance,
- 18 March 2020 – grant only or blended finance,
- 19 May 2020 – grant only or blended finance,
- 7 October 2020 – grant only or blended finance.
What to do if you miss the deadlines
The maximum time period for the EIC to inform applicants will be four months from the date of the funding cut-off. In the event that a project is not eligible or declined by this funding instrument, the EIC offers three other instruments:
- Fast Track to Innovation (FTI) – the FTI is a measure in Horizon 2020 which promotes close-to-the-market innovation activities that is open to all types of participants. The main aim of FTI is to reduce the time from idea to market and to increase the participation in Horizon 2020 of industry, SMEs and first-time industry applicants,
- EIC Pathfinder Open (FET) – FET Open, as part of the EIC Pathfinder pilot, supports the early stages of the research and innovation around new ideas supporting future technologies,
- Horizon Prizes – Each EIC Horizon Prize has the goal to solve a major challenge facing society, without detailing how this should be achieved or who should achieve it. These prizes are open to anyone willing to think outside the box across sectors and disciplines. The prize is awarded to whoever best meets the challenge.
