Call "Empowering SMEs 2024": A catalyst for industrial growth in Europe
BIC Innobridge is happy to inform you about the open call of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)- Empowering SMEs 2024. A ground-breaking initiative designed to boost innovation and competitiveness in the European manufacturing sector. With this call, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including start-ups, are invited to scale up their activities by offering solutions to pressing production challenges contributing to a more sustainable European economy.
The Empowering SMEs 2024 seeks to accelerate the market adoption of innovative solutions and promote the growth of SMEs that are ready to scale into new industrial contexts. This year’s focus is on solutions that are already proven in one sector but have the potential to expand into new industrial environments or applications.
The total maximum EIT funding awarded under the call is EUR 2,000,000. Funding is in the form of a fixed amount as indicated below:
Sole applicant (SME, including startups): 60,000 euros
Small Consortium:
o SME/ Start-up: 60,000 euros
o End-user: 40,000 euros
Selected projects must demonstrate an ability to adapt existing technologies that have already demonstrated market success. These projects should meet specific Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), with an expectation of reaching TRL 8 or higher by the end of the activity—meaning the solution must be fully functional and ready for commercialization. TRL 8 or higher, meaning that the solution must be fully functional and ready for commercialization at the end of the project.
Basic requirements for project proposals:
- Evidence of existing revenues and client references that show the solution is already commercialized and successful., which show that the solution is already commercialized and successful.
- A plan to innovate and adapt the solution for a new industrial sector, ensuring that real-world industrial applications (not test environments) are used. While the solutions should be rooted in success, innovation remains a crucial aspect. Projects should not only apply what has worked in the past but also incorporate experimentation to deliver impactful, commercially viable results.
- Commercial viability: Applicants must demonstrate that the new solution will generate at least €10,000 in revenue within six months after the end of the project.
Who can apply?
The Empowering SMEs 2024 is open to:
- Any SME or start-up company, established in an EU member state, an associated country under the Horizon Europe program or a middle- and low-income country.
- Applicants may apply either as a sole entity alone or in a small consortium with an industrial end user, which could be another SME or a large company.
For consortiums , a Letter of Commitment from the industrial end-user is required, which confirms his commitment to the testing and implementation of the developed solution.
Key dates and application process:
- Call Closes: 18 November 2024, 17:00 CET.
- All applicants must be registered in the submission platform by November 12, 2024, 5:00 p.m CET.
- All application documents must be submitted through the submission platform in English. Late or incomplete applications will be deemed ineligible.
- Candidates will be notified of the results by 31 January 2025.
- Start of projects: April 2025
The Empowering SMEs 2024 offers an incredible opportunity for SMEs and start-ups to introduce their innovations to new markets, increase their competitiveness and contribute to the sustainable development of the European industrial sector. Don't miss this opportunity to grow and make a meaningful impact. For more information on submitting your proposal, please visit the official invitation page.
