What is it about?

The SME instrument is targeted at all types of innovative SMEs showing a strong ambition to develop, grow and internationalise. It provides staged support covering the whole innovation cycle in three phases complemented by a mentoring and coaching service.

Phase 1:

A feasibility study shall be developed verifying the technological/practical as well as economic viability of an innovation idea/concept with considerable novelty to the industry sector in which it is presented. The proposal should contain an initial business plan based on the proposed idea/concept. The proposal should give the specifications of the elaborated business plan, which is to be the outcome of the proposal and the criteria for success. Proposals should last around 6 months.

Phase 1 funding is a lump sum of €50 000

Phase 2:

In phase 2, innovation projects will be supported that address the specific challenges identified and that demonstrate high potential in terms of company competitiveness and growth underpinned by a strategic business plan. Activities should focus on innovation activities such as demonstration, testing, prototyping, piloting, scaling-up, miniaturisation, design, market replication and the like aiming to bring an innovation idea to industrial readiness and maturity for market introduction, but may also include some research. For technological innovation a Technology Readiness Levels of 6 or above are envisaged.

You can apply to Phase 1 as a means of preparing for Phase 2, or you can apply directly to Phase 2.

In the same framework, iED has already implemented several innovative projects which included innovative practices. If you are interested in applying for this call you could contact us and further discuss the available options.

Submission deadline:

Available Budget

The total budget available for the co-financing of projects under the present call described as follows:

EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020 – SME-1 SME instrument phase 1:

• 48,218,906(2018)    
•  55,420,856(2019)
• 60,143,659(2020)

EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020 – SME-2 SME instrument phase 2:

• 431,520,154(2018)  
• 496,837,707 (2019)
• 540,842,933 (2020)

Eligibility of the applicants

A proposal will be considered eligible if:

Its content corresponds, wholly or in part, to the description of the SME Instrument call.

The single beneficiary, or every beneficiary of a consortium, is a for-profit SME located in an EU Member State or a Horizon 2020 associated country.