EIC Accelerator hiring

Leveraging Training Courses as an Alternative to Consultancy in Grant Applications

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Introduction A common concern among past applicants of grant programs like the EIC Accelerator is the reliance on consultancies, which often require applicants to contribute significantly to their own application writing. This has led to a growing interest in alternative approaches, such as utilizing training courses offered by platforms like Rasph (www.rasph.com). This article explores the advantages of choosing training courses over traditional consultancy services for grant applications. The Consultancy Dilemma High Dependence on Applicant Input: Many consultancies require substantial input from applicants, often leading them to write large portions of the application themselves. This can negate the perceived benefit of hiring a consultant, especially for startups and SMEs with limited resources. Cost vs. Value: The cost of consultancy services can be substantial, and when applicants end up doing much of the work themselves, the value for money comes into question. Limited Capacity Building: Relying heavily on consultants can prevent applicants from developing their own skills and understanding of the grant application process, limiting their capacity for future applications. Training Courses: A Viable Alternative Empowerment through Education: Training courses, like those offered on Rasph, empower applicants by providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the grant application process independently. Cost-Effective Learning: Typically, training courses are more cost-effective compared to hiring consultants. They provide a one-time investment in learning that can be applied to multiple applications. Building In-House Expertise: By participating in training courses, startups and SMEs can build their internal expertise. This investment in learning enhances their ability to handle future grant applications without external reliance. Updated and Relevant Content: Platforms like Rasph often ensure their courses are up-to-date with the latest trends, policies, and requirements of grant programs, providing learners with current and applicable knowledge. Networking Opportunities: Training courses can also offer networking opportunities with other applicants and experts, fostering a community of shared learning and support. Considerations for Choosing Training Over Consultancy Time and Effort Required: Applicants must be willing to invest time and effort into learning and applying the knowledge gained from training courses. Initial Learning Curve: There may be a steeper initial learning curve compared to relying on a consultancy, but this investment pays off in the long term. Balancing Training with Business Operations: Applicants must balance the time spent on training with other business operations, ensuring neither is neglected. Conclusion For many applicants of grant programs, the reliance on consultancies has been a double-edged sword, often leading them to undertake much of the application writing themselves. Training courses, such as those offered on Rasph, present a valuable alternative, empowering applicants with the knowledge and skills to independently navigate the grant application process. While this approach requires a commitment of time and effort, the long-term benefits of cost-effectiveness and capacity building make it a compelling choice for startups and SMEs.

Accelerating EIC Accelerator Applications: The Advantages of Rasph Training for In-House Team Collaboration

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Introduction For startups and SMEs aiming to apply for the EIC Accelerator, the Rasph training program offers a strategic advantage. By equipping an in-house team with the necessary skills and knowledge, the program enables companies to write their applications collaboratively and efficiently. This approach can often lead to a faster final result compared to relying on a single writer or outsourcing the task. The Benefits of Rasph Training for In-House Application Writing Team Collaboration and Efficiency: Training an in-house team creates an environment of collaboration, where different members can contribute their specific expertise to the application. This collaboration can significantly speed up the writing process compared to relying on a single writer. Comprehensive Understanding of the Business: An in-house team, well-versed in the company’s operations and strategy through the Rasph training, can effectively translate the business’s nuances into the application. This deep understanding ensures a more coherent and compelling proposal. Rapid Response and Iteration: With an in-house team, revisions and iterations can happen quickly. Direct communication and immediate feedback loops enable the team to adapt and refine the application promptly, responding to evolving needs and insights. Cost-Effective Approach: Training an in-house team is often more cost-effective in the long run compared to outsourcing. While there’s an initial investment in training, it eliminates the recurring costs associated with hiring external consultants for each application. Building Long-Term Capacity: The Rasph training program builds long-term grant application skills within the team. This capacity remains within the company, benefiting future applications and reducing dependency on external sources. Implementing the Rasph Training Effectively Selecting the Right Team Members: Choose team members with diverse skills – including technical, business, and writing expertise – to undergo the Rasph training. This diversity ensures a well-rounded approach to the application. Integrating Training with Application Development: Align the training schedule with the application timeline. Apply learnings from the training directly to the application process, ensuring real-time benefits. Encouraging Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment where team members from different departments can contribute their insights, leading to a more comprehensive and multifaceted application. Leveraging Digital Tools and Resources: Utilize digital tools for project management, document collaboration, and version control to streamline the application writing process and enhance team efficiency. Conclusion Using the Rasph training program for preparing EIC Accelerator applications empowers companies to harness their in-house capabilities, leading to faster and more effective application writing. This approach not only accelerates the application process but also builds a sustainable skill set within the organization, proving beneficial for both current and future funding opportunities.

The High Workload Challenge: Navigating Diverse Templates and Requirements in Grant Applications

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Introduction For startups and SMEs applying for various grant programs, such as the EIC Accelerator and others within the European Union (EU), the variance in templates and requirements can be a major source of workload and complexity. This article examines how these differences affect applicants and offers strategies to efficiently manage the diverse documentation demands. Diverse Templates and Requirements: A Double-Edged Sword Increased Complexity: Different grant programs often have unique templates and specific requirements. This diversity can increase the complexity of the application process, as applicants must tailor their proposals to meet each program’s unique criteria. Time-Consuming Adaptations: Adapting applications to suit different templates and requirements is a time-consuming process. It requires a thorough understanding of each program’s guidelines and often necessitates significant revisions to existing documents. Risk of Errors: The need to constantly modify documents increases the risk of errors, such as overlooking program-specific details or failing to meet certain criteria, which can jeopardize the application’s success. Resource Drain: Small organizations, in particular, may find the high workload challenging due to limited staff and resources. This can lead to strained resources and affect other business operations. Strategies for Efficient Document Management Create a Modular Application Framework: Develop a modular approach to your application documents. Create a core set of materials that can be easily adapted to different templates and requirements. This reduces the need to start from scratch for each application. Leverage Technology: Utilize document management tools and software that allow for easy editing, formatting, and version control. This can significantly reduce the time and effort required to adapt applications to different templates. Stay Organized and Plan Ahead: Maintain a well-organized system for tracking different grant programs’ requirements. Planning ahead and starting the adaptation process early can mitigate last-minute rushes and associated errors. Engage Expert Assistance: Consider hiring professional writers or consultants who specialize in EU grant applications. Their expertise in navigating diverse templates and requirements can alleviate the workload and improve the quality of applications. Continuous Learning and Improvement: Learn from each application process. Collect feedback and use it to refine your approach, making future adaptations more efficient and effective. Conclusion While the varying templates and requirements of different grant programs create a high workload for applicants, adopting a strategic approach can make this challenge manageable. By developing a flexible framework, leveraging technology, staying organized, seeking expert assistance, and continuously improving, startups and SMEs can navigate these complexities more effectively, enhancing their chances of success in securing grants.

Navigating the Maze: The Rise of the Consultancy Ecosystem in the Grant Industry

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Introduction The grant industry, particularly for programs like the EIC Accelerator, is characterized by its complexity and uncertainty. These factors have given rise to a substantial consultancy ecosystem, designed to bridge the gap between grant agencies and applicants. This article explores how this ecosystem operates and its significance for startups and SMEs navigating the grant application process. The Complexity and Uncertainty of the Grant Industry Intricate Application Requirements: Grant applications often involve complex forms, detailed project descriptions, financial plans, and evidence of innovation and market potential. Understanding and meeting these requirements can be daunting for many applicants. Changing Policies and Criteria: Grant agencies frequently update their policies and evaluation criteria. Keeping up with these changes requires continuous monitoring and adaptability. High Competition and Low Success Rates: The competitive nature of grant programs, coupled with relatively low success rates, adds to the uncertainty. Applicants often face stiff competition from numerous other innovative projects. The Role of Consultancies in Bridging the Gap Expert Guidance: Consultancies offer expertise in navigating the complex landscape of grant applications. They are well-versed in the latest requirements and trends, providing valuable insights to applicants. Customized Application Assistance: Consultants work closely with startups and SMEs to tailor their applications to meet specific grant program criteria. This customization increases the chances of application success. Time and Resource Management: By handling the intricate details of the application process, consultancies save valuable time and resources for companies, allowing them to focus on their core business activities. Risk Mitigation: Professional consultants help in identifying potential pitfalls in applications and advise on risk mitigation strategies, thereby enhancing the quality and competitiveness of the proposals. Networking and Insider Knowledge: Consultancies often have networks and insider knowledge that can be beneficial. This includes understanding evaluator preferences and the subtleties of the review process. Challenges and Considerations Cost Factor: Hiring consultants can be costly, which might be a significant consideration for startups and SMEs with limited budgets. Dependency Risk: There is a risk of becoming overly dependent on consultants, which might affect the long-term capability of the company to handle grant applications independently. Quality Variance: The quality and effectiveness of consultancy services can vary widely, making the selection of a reliable consultant crucial. Conclusion The complexity and uncertainty of the grant industry have indeed fostered a large consultancy ecosystem, serving as a crucial intermediary between grant agencies and applicants. While consultancies can significantly ease the application process, startups and SMEs should weigh the costs and benefits carefully, ensuring they choose quality advisors while also building their own capacity to navigate the grant landscape.

Navigating the Changing Tides of EIC Accelerator Applications: A Guide to Keeping Up with Template and Process Updates

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The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program, a cornerstone of support for startups and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), is known for its dynamic approach to fostering innovation. However, this dynamism often translates into frequent changes in application templates and processes, leading to a challenging landscape for applicants. The constant updates, while aimed at improving the process, can inadvertently create confusion and obstacles, especially when outdated online documentation becomes a norm overnight. This article delves into the intricacies of these changes and offers insights on how applicants can stay afloat in this ever-evolving scenario. The Challenge of Keeping Up The primary challenge for applicants stems from the rapid pace at which the EIC updates its templates and application processes. These changes are often critical, impacting everything from the structure of the application to the criteria for evaluation. Unfortunately, the speed of these updates can outpace the dissemination of information, leaving applicants reliant on outdated online resources. Impact on Applicants For startups and SMEs looking to tap into the EIC Accelerator’s offerings, such as grants up to €2.5 million and equity financing up to €15 million, staying updated is crucial. The lack of current information can lead to missteps in the application process, potentially jeopardizing their chances of securing vital funding. This is particularly true for aspects like the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessments, pitch decks, and the overall framing of their innovation within the EIC’s criteria. Strategies for Staying Updated Official EIC Channels: Regularly check the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) and European Commission (EC) websites. Despite the lag in updates, these remain the primary source of accurate information. Networking with Peers: Engage with other applicants, consultants, and professional writers who are navigating the same process. Forums and online communities can be invaluable for sharing the latest insights. Hiring Expertise: Consider engaging consultants or professional grant writers who specialize in EU grants. They often have insider knowledge and can interpret the nuances of changes more effectively. Continual Learning: Attend EIC Accelerator workshops, webinars, and information sessions. These events can provide firsthand information from EIC representatives. Critical Analysis of Feedback: For those who have applied previously, analyzing the feedback from evaluators can offer clues about changing expectations and areas of focus. Conclusion The ever-changing landscape of the EIC Accelerator program demands agility and a proactive approach from applicants. Staying informed and adaptable is key to navigating these changes successfully. While challenging, these updates also reflect the EIC’s commitment to evolving and improving its support for groundbreaking innovations in Europe. In closing, remember that the journey of securing EIC Accelerator funding is as dynamic as innovation itself. Embrace the challenge, stay informed, and let your innovative ideas shine through the complexities of the application process.

Crafting a Winning Strategy for EIC Accelerator Applications: Why Prioritizing the Written Proposal is Key

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For startups and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) eyeing the lucrative funding opportunities offered by the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, a strategic approach to the application process is essential. This includes the EIC Accelerator Video and the Pitch Deck, integral components of the application. However, the key to a successful application lies in prioritizing the written proposal before delving into these visual and oral presentations. The Importance of a Structured Narrative The written application is the cornerstone of your EIC Accelerator application. It forms the foundation upon which your entire proposal is built. By focusing on this aspect first, you create a comprehensive and cohesive narrative that guides your video and pitch deck. This structured approach ensures that all components of your application are aligned and convey a consistent message. Challenges of Revising Videos and Pitch Decks Revising a video or a pitch deck post-production can be a challenging and resource-intensive task. A video, once shot and edited, requires significant effort to modify. Similarly, pitch decks, though more flexible than videos, still demand time and resources to realign with any changes made in the proposal narrative. By finalizing the written application first, you minimize the need for such revisions, saving valuable time and resources. Streamlining the Application Process Starting with the written proposal streamlines the entire application process. It allows you to clarify your project’s goals, objectives, and key selling points. This clarity then translates into a more focused and impactful video and pitch deck, as they are designed to reinforce the narrative established in the written document. Tips for a Successful EIC Accelerator Application: Start with the Written Proposal: Develop a detailed and compelling written proposal that clearly articulates your project’s value proposition. Align Your Video and Pitch Deck: Use the finalized written proposal as a guide to ensure your video and pitch deck are aligned with the narrative and key points of your application. Focus on Clear Messaging: In your video and pitch deck, emphasize the core message of your written proposal to maintain consistency across all elements of your application. Utilize Visuals Effectively: In the video and pitch deck, leverage visuals to complement and enhance the narrative, not to introduce new or conflicting information. Prepare for Possible Edits: While the focus should be on getting the written proposal right first, be prepared to make minor adjustments to your video and pitch deck if necessary after feedback or review. Engage Professional Help if Needed: Consider hiring professional writers, consultants, or video editors who are familiar with the EIC Accelerator application process and its specific requirements. Review and Refine: Before final submission, review all components of your application together to ensure they present a cohesive and compelling case to the EIC evaluators. By prioritizing the written proposal in the EIC Accelerator application process and ensuring alignment across all components of your application, you enhance your chances of successfully securing this competitive funding.

Navigating the Grant Writing Landscape: The Critical Need for Specialization in EIC Accelerator Applications

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The landscape of grant writing, particularly for highly competitive and prestigious programs like the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, presents a unique challenge for companies seeking funding. Most professional grant writers do not specialize in a single grant program due to the inherently low success rates of such grants. However, given the complexity and specificity of the EIC Accelerator, there is a compelling argument for seeking a writer who specializes in this particular grant. The Generalist Approach in Grant Writing Diversified Expertise Many grant writers choose to diversify their expertise across various grant programs rather than specializing in one. This approach is largely driven by practical reasons: it mitigates the risk associated with low success rates of highly competitive grants. By broadening their scope, these writers increase their chances of success in securing funding for their clients across different programs. Challenges for Applicants For companies applying to the EIC Accelerator, working with a generalist grant writer can be a double-edged sword. While these writers bring a wealth of experience in grant writing, their broad focus might mean less familiarity with the intricate details and specific demands of the EIC Accelerator program. This lack of specialization could potentially affect the quality and competitiveness of an application. The Value of Specialization in EIC Accelerator Applications Navigating the Complexity The EIC Accelerator is known for its rigorous and complex application process, which requires a deep understanding of the program’s objectives, criteria, and nuances. A grant writer who specializes in the EIC Accelerator will have a more thorough understanding of these elements and be better equipped to navigate its complexities. Tailored Strategies Specialist writers are likely to have developed tailored strategies and insights that are particularly effective for the EIC Accelerator. Their experience with the program’s specific requirements, such as the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) criteria, the pitch deck, and the interview process, provides them with a nuanced understanding that can significantly benefit an application. Higher Quality Applications Applications crafted by specialists tend to be of higher quality and more aligned with the EIC Accelerator’s expectations. This specialization can lead to a more persuasive and compelling grant proposal, potentially increasing the likelihood of success. Considering the Investment Cost-Benefit Analysis While hiring a specialized grant writer might come at a higher cost, companies must weigh this against the potential benefits. The increased chances of securing funding through a well-crafted, specialized application can justify the investment, especially considering the significant financial support offered by the EIC Accelerator. Long-Term Impact Securing funding from the EIC Accelerator can have a transformative impact on a company, providing not just financial support but also validation and exposure. The long-term benefits of this success can far outweigh the initial cost of investing in a specialized grant writer. Conclusion In the competitive realm of grant funding, particularly for a program as challenging as the EIC Accelerator, the expertise of a specialized grant writer can be invaluable. While most grant writers opt for a generalist approach, the complexities and specific demands of the EIC Accelerator make a strong case for seeking a specialist. For companies aspiring to secure EIC funding, the decision to invest in specialized grant writing expertise could be a pivotal factor in their application’s success.

Harnessing EIC Accelerator Training: A Cost-Effective Strategy for In-House Application Preparation

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Embracing In-House Expertise for EIC Accelerator Applications In the quest for securing EIC Accelerator funding, startups and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) often face a daunting challenge: crafting a compelling application that meets the stringent criteria of the European Innovation Council (EIC). The process, intricate and demanding, typically involves navigating through complex grant proposal templates, developing a robust business plan, and convincingly presenting the innovation’s Unique Selling Points (USPs). Given the intricacies involved, many companies turn to external consultants, professional grant writers, or freelancers, incurring significant costs in the process. However, there’s a cost-effective alternative: EIC Accelerator training programs designed to empower companies to prepare applications in-house. These training programs are a boon for companies looking to reduce upfront fees associated with the application process while building internal expertise. The Advantages of EIC Accelerator Training Programs Cost-Effective: Training programs offer a more economical solution compared to hiring external consultants. They eliminate hefty consultancy fees, allowing companies to allocate resources more efficiently. Building Internal Expertise: By training in-house teams, companies develop a sustainable skill set that can be leveraged for future applications and other grant opportunities. Customized Approach: In-house preparation ensures that the application genuinely reflects the company’s vision and innovation, providing a personalized touch that external consultants might not capture. Enhanced Understanding of EIC Criteria: Training programs demystify the EIC’s expectations and evaluation criteria, enabling companies to tailor their applications more effectively. Control Over the Process: In-house preparation allows for greater control over the application timeline and content, enabling adjustments and refinements as needed. Implementing an Effective Training Strategy Selecting the Right Training Program: Choose a program that covers all aspects of the EIC Accelerator application process, including proposal writing, financial planning, and pitch preparation. Dedicated Team for Application Preparation: Allocate a team within the organization to undergo training and lead the application process. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Encourage the team to stay updated on EIC updates and changes, ensuring the application remains aligned with the latest criteria. Leveraging EIC Resources: Utilize resources provided by the EIC, such as official templates, guidelines, and case studies, to supplement the training. Practical Application of Training: Apply the skills learned in training immediately to the preparation of the application, allowing for real-time learning and improvement. Conclusion EIC Accelerator training programs offer a strategic path for companies seeking to prepare their applications in-house. By investing in training, companies not only save on upfront fees but also build valuable internal expertise, increasing their chances of success in the highly competitive arena of EIC funding.

On Hiring a Consultant or Grant Writer for the 2021 EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument)

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The EIC Accelerator blended financing (formerly SME Instrument Phase 2, grant and equity) has introduced a new stage to the application process in 2021 which acts as a mini-proposal termed Step 1 (read: Re-Inventing the EIC Accelerator). It includes materials such as a written grant application, a video pitch and a pitch deck which must be submitted to the European Innovation Councils (EIC) AI platform (read: AI Tool Review). With this change, the EIC Accelerator now has three Steps that must be passed, namely Step 1 (short application), Step 2 (full application) and Step 3 (face-to-face interview) (read: Recommendations for the EICA) but many startups and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) are unsure what these Steps mean and what deadlines and timelines are associated with them. As a short guide, applicants can refer to the following notes: Step 1 is a short application that can be prepared in less than 30 days and can be submitted any time without a fixed deadline (read: Pitch Video Workflow) Step 2 is a very long application that can only be submitted if (i) Step 1 has been approved and (ii) the EIC has published a fixed deadline. In 2021, there were two cut-offs, namely June and October. The minimum time to prepare the Step 2 application should be 60 days but more is recommended. Step 3 is a face-to-face interview that uses the pitch deck submitted in Step 2. It is only available to projects that have been approved in Step 2 and the dates for this Step are fixed to be right after the Step 2 evaluations are released (i.e. the pitch week). The preparation for this Step can be performed in 14 days. What to Develop Alone and What to Outsource There is no general rule as to when a consultant or professional writer should be hired or if one is needed at all. The official proposal templates, work program and guidelines (i.e. for the EIC fund and the AI tool) are publically available which means that every company is technically able to apply on their own. Considerations must be made regarding the resources available and the timing of the grant writing. For Step 1, the effort is comparatively small: Benefits of Developing Step 1 In-House Step 1 requires comparatively little time-effort Step 1 is relatively easy to develop No money is wasted in case the project is not suitable for the EIC Accelerator (i.e. some consultancies will onboard low-success cases) Full control over the outcome Benefits of Hiring a Consultant A consultant can shape the project and make it more impactful as well as avoid red flags Being part of Step 1 will simplify the Step 2 process Optimize the automated scoring on the AI platform based on experience Time savings Close contact with the EIC to be prepared for unexpected changes Consultants will re-submit a proposal if rejected while a rejected project will have a difficult time hiring a consultant The downsides of each approach are the reverse of each other meaning that what is a benefit of hiring a consultant will be the downside of preparing an application alone. For Step 2, the comparison would be as follows: Note: The comparison for Step 2 assumes that applicants have successfully applied for Step 1 by themselves and are considering hiring a Step 2 partner. Benefits of Developing Step 2 In-House Cost savings Full control over the outcome Benefits of Hiring a Consultant A consultant can shape the project and make it more impactful as well as avoid red flags Organizing the project development and collaboration between the management team to meet the deadline Time savings Close contact with the EIC to be prepared for unexpected changes There are a variety of considerations to be made alongside the general tradeoffs of hiring a consultancy listed above. One of these is the way companies assess their own capabilities and the way they judge their performed effort. It is not uncommon for a consultant to be contacted by a client who wants to apply to Step 1 by themselves while casually mentioning that they have scored B or C in all AI tool segments even though the project is highly qualified for the EIC Accelerator. Just because Step 1 is relatively easy to prepare does not mean that it is a low hanging fruit. One must place significant effort into the preparation of the application regardless of its simplicity. Yes, the EIC wants to make it easy for applicants to apply and wants to avoid them wasting their time on a long application if there is no chance for them to succeed. But this does not mean that evaluators will get a project with minimal input or read between the lines. Companies that are very busy often think that preparing a quick application will be good enough but this does not apply to EIC grants. A company should be prepared to go the extra mile with the application and fill out every section with a maximum amount of attention and effort. Conclusion The best way to answer the question as to when a consultant should be hired would be to first decide if an in-house proposal preparation is an option at all (i.e. time availability, skilled staff). Secondly, the company should talk to consultancies to identify if the project has appropriate chances for success (i.e. multiple opinions are recommended since some consultancies are not selective enough). Thirdly, the company must weigh the tradeoffs of in-house proposal writing which are the intense time requirements, especially for Step 2, but also the workload on the management team which might be better-advised focusing on business-relevant tasks instead of writing.

The Profile of a Company That Should Not Apply for the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument)

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The EIC Accelerator blended financing (formerly SME Instrument Phase 2, grant and equity) is a highly competitive but also highly popular grant and equity financing scheme by the European Innovation Council (EIC). Many startups and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) in the EU but also in associated countries such as Israel or Norway are interested in applying to the funds but many would be better off seeking out other options. While grant consultancies and professional writers all have different approaches to the selection of suitable EIC Accelerator applicants, there are some common themes that are shared among success-oriented grant consultants. Since the official grant proposal template for the EIC Accelerator does not clarify such nuanced points in-depth, the following article aims to give an overview of the types of companies that should not apply. For any startup or scaleup that is recognising themselves in any of the points listed below, it would be advisable to refrain from hiring a writer or consultant since time and resources can be better spent elsewhere. Note: The EIC does not primarily select great companies, it primarily selects companies that fit a certain mould. Having low chances for success under the EIC does not mean that the company or project are bad. The EIC would have never financed social networks like Facebook or Twitter and even industry-specific unicorn companies like Epic Games or Instacart. Yet, these are all success cases on a level the EIC dreams of. The list below is designed to highlight the first impression that consultants and grant writers often face when a client first comes into contact. Since the demand for grant writers is generally very high, this first impression will likely define how interested the consultancy is in a particular project. How do they present their company or technology? Why do they need EIC Accelerator support? What needs to be financed? 1. An Inquiry Uses a Gmail or Similar Domain Address While this is not a strong red flag – it suggests that the company or project is not fully formed yet. Buying a domain and creating a private email account usually precedes even the company registration since it is so simple (and cheap). If an inquiry lacks a private domain then this is usually a sign that a project is in the idea stage. Very few founders would contact investors or customers with a Gmail address which means that any inquiry from such an address is a tell for an ineligible project. Since 2021, the EIC Accelerator also funds non-incorporated natural persons but, due to the competitiveness of the grant, this does not mean that a single person without backing, traction or support networks will be able to be successful. Every inquiry that comes from a domain that is not privately hosted and is not attached to a Corporate Identity (CI) will likely be ignored by selective consultancies. 2. The Prospect EIC Accelerator Applicant is in the Idea Stage The new EIC’s AI platform aims to display the journey from Ideation towards Go-to-Market but that does not mean that a natural person can be successful with a pure idea. The Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) clearly outline the stage a technology has to be in with TRL5 being the minimum for the EIC Accelerator and lower TRL’s only being possible in EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition programs. The current diagnostics and ideation parts of the EIC Accelerator application are misleading since they can give the impression that projects can still be in the idea stage and is then transformed into a commercial product once Step 3 is reached but this is not the case. The applicant’s project will not make significant changes from Step 1 to 3 – the only thing that will change is the amount and depth of data that is provided to the EIC for evaluation purposes. The EIC Accelerator, also a misleading name, is not a traditional accelerator that aims to help startups succeed by helping with product development, investor relationships or customer contact. The primary resource, outside of limited coaching, will be financial which means that the applicants need a business plan, the right commerial strategy and must have all it takes to implement the project. The EIC will not hold the beneficiaries hands albeit they will aim to create networking opportunities if it matches current political agendas such as the Green Deal, COVID-19 relief or similar trends. Having an idea and reaching out to a consultant with a half-formed business plan will likely be insufficient and be ignored by most selective writers. 3. The Company has no Website or Social Presence It is understandable that many companies are in stealth mode especially when it comes to DeepTech products in the area of biotechnology or pharmaceuticals where large competitors spend billions on R&D and could copy a technology quickly – patented or not. Still, even if a company has no interest in marketing itself or in publicising its technology, every company that has sufficient seed funding and the degree of traction needed to succeed in the EIC Accelerator should have a website and a LinkedIn page at the very least. There can be exceptions but no presence at all often means that founders view this project as a side business or are not invested in its success. One additional exception to this is a newly formed company that is a University spin-off or subsidiary of another company. In the latter case, the prospective applicant can usually provide a website link for the parent company while, in the former case, they could be too early stage for the EIC Accelerator but can be eligible for the EIC Pathfinder. 4. Based on Research that is not Theirs (a University Non-Spin-Off) What can often be encountered is a company that is basing its technology on University research that is not theirs but also does not exist in the market yet. This, in and of itself, does not mean that it is ineligible for the EIC Accelerator but … Read more

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