What Does the Applicant Training Include?
All Needed Templates
The applicant Training Program contains all the necessary templates to write Step 1 and Step 2 of the EIC Accelerator. The templates contain detailed instructions in the form of text and video to make the writing a linear and straightforward process. Templates are an important part of any grant application since they greatly facilitate the writing process and allow applicants to focus on what is important without being distracted by trying to construct their own templates and structures.
Step 1 Templates
Step 1 includes 5 GoogleDoc and GoogleSheets templates shared through GoogleDrive for the main proposal text, the video scripting, the project overview (acronym, title, abstract, etc.), a reference guidance and a team table collection. These templates can be directly used for the writing process whereas all documents can be shared with all team members to delegate and speedline the process.
Step 2 Templates
Step 2 includes 6 GoogleDoc and GoogleSheets templates shared through GoogleDrive for the main proposal text, Letters of Intent (LOI), the Freedom to Operate (FTO) analysis, the Data Management Plan (DMP), a company overview and an elaborate budget planning document which uses formulas to automatically calculate the final budget and financial metrics. All document templates use a simplified approach to prioritize efficiency over complicated structures and to effectively minimize the workload.
Step 3 Coaching
The preparation for the Step 3 pitch and interview is hands-on through personal coaching sessions to develop the most impactful training approach for each EIC Accelerator applicant. It includes the scripting of the pitch as well as in-depth Q&A sessions to prepare the interviewee for the scrutiny faced in the 45-minute interview. Based on years of experience, the coaching will cover all essential aspects regarding the technology, innovation, financial health, governance and company background. It further includes 2 additional templates for the pitch scripting and a final checklist.
Detailed Written and Video Instructions
All provided templates are enhanced through video training whereas 90+ modules break down every essential aspect of the writing process. These modules are referenced throughout the Step 1 and Step 2 templates to directly inform the writing process. This allows applicants to benefit from direct experience and gain a clear insight as to how each section or annex has to be written to enhance the chances of success. It further allows applicants to delegate more easily since multiple staff members can work in parallel on different proposal sections, thereby outpacing any consultancy or grant writer who typically operate with a single individual writer.
ChatEIC AI Assistant
For OpenAI subscribers, all EIC Accelerator Training participants gain access to ChatEIC, a custom GPT using OpenAI’s GPTs functionality. The AI assistant has access to all training content and is able to advise, structure and even draft proposal sections for each applicant. While it is not recommended to fully rely on it for the writing process, it is a powerful assistant that can turn a lengthy writing process into a shortened and collaborative task with results being achieved significantly faster.
Using ChatEIC
ChatEIC has the ability to read uploaded documents such as pitch decks, grant applications, business plans, white papers and other files which allows it to extract useful information and structure proposal sections. It can likewise answer questions regarding the writing process which simplifies the overall grant writing approach and can supplement or even replace the use of video guidance. Depending on OpenAI policies, certain usage restrictions might apply in terms of the number of prompts per hour.
Why Choose the Applicant Training?
Who Knows Your Company Best?
After having worked with consultancies, many companies have two major complaints: (i) The quality of the work was not as expected and (ii) they ended up having to write a lot of the proposal by themselves anyway. This is due to the nature of the grant writing industry where even large consultancies outsource most of the writing process to freelancers. These freelancers will often be underpaid, feel little responsibility and are frequently exchanged during the project. This leads to inconsistent work quality which is impacting applicants. As a result, applicants often have to take responsibility and write sections for the writers so that they get it right. It is a fact that no one knows your business better than you and your team.
Work At Your Own Pace
A major benefit of utilizing the EIC Accelerator Training Program is that applicants can work at their own pace. They can assign any number of team members or work individually to write the proposal over whatever timeline works best for their business. Due to resubmission cycles and changing EIC Accelerator cut-off dates, the general timeline is often unpredictable. Using a Training program is the ideal solution to align the schedule with standard business operations instead of being bound to the schedules of external consutlancies.
Expert Guidance and AI Writing
The EIC Accelerator Training Program is designed by a successful EIC Accelerator consultant, Stephan Segler, PhD. He has directly written winning EIC Accelerator proposals and has guided applicants throughout the entire application process including video production, pitch scripting, interview preparation and due diligence. With in-depth insight, the Training Program contains an unprecedented amount of nuance. Additionally, the AI assistant ChatEIC can provide live feedback and support for applicants on a 24/7 basis for OpenAI subscribers.
Collaborative Writing
The EIC Accelerator Training is designed for collaboration. By using GoogleDrive to host documents and providing instructions separately for each individual proposal section, it allows all team members to work in parallel to prepare a proposal much faster than consultancies could. By removing the knowledge barrier when contracting an external consultancy and by compartmentalizing the writing approach, the application process is streamlined. All team members can log in to the respective video training platform simultaneously as well as access all GoogleDrive templates and ChatEIC.
Previous Success
With previous EIC Accelerator successes ranging from AI over battery technology to recycling, the Training Program is based on diverse experience in key software and hardware areas that can be applied to any project. It contains detailed information on different Technology Readiness Level (TRL) considerations for MedTech or pharmaceutical technologies, examples from different industries and includes varying references to different types of business models. In summary, the EIC Accelerator Training is suitable for all types of projects.
Who Can Access the Applicant Training?
The EIC Accelerator Training is generally available to all eligible applicants who fulfill the requirements outlined above. Since the EIC Accelerator is a high-risk program, every applicant has to decide if the €17.5 million funding program is worth the time investment. To gain access to the Training, it is necessary to provide information on the EIC Accelerator applicant such as the online profile, company data and representatives to facilitate the screening process and ensure that the company meets the general eligibility requirements for the EIC Accelerator. The Training Program is only available to for-profit applicants who wish to apply for the €2.5 million Grant and/or €15 million Equity funding provided by the EIC Accelerator for their company but is currently not accessible to consultancies or government institutions.
New Startups
Many beneficiaries funded under the EIC Accelerator are new companies that are only a few years old and bring a new technology to the market.
Established Companies
Since the SME definition is broad, the EIC Accelerator often funds larger companies including those that have already raised significant funding and seek to develop a new technology next to their existing products.
Spin-Offs
The EIC Accelerator funds a variety of companies that are spin-offs from other businesses, Universities or research institutes or are based on the unique technical expertise of the founders.
Successful Clients
Request Access to the EIC Accelerator Training
Submit your data below for the first eligibility screening and to join the EIC Accelerator Training Program. You will be contacted by us if you meet the requirements to apply for the €17.5 million EIC Accelerator funding program. If you meet the requirements, you will receive a contract for signature followed by the access to all training materials, credentials for the training platform and access to ChatEIC.
More Questions?
Contact Stephan Segler, PhD
