How to boost your tech project with grants

María April 1, 2019

In recent years we have seen the apogee of the technological entrepreneurship not only in Europe, but also in Spain. We know first-hand what a difficult task is to fund a project, this post is made to help you select the correct grant, according to specific requirements.

If you are an start-up located in Spain and have an ITC project in mind. Stay tuned for the information below.

In this post, we are going to focus on one financing mechanism: call for proposals. As you may know, the terms of the call for proposals vary according to the grant requested.

Let’s get started!

Horizon 2020: the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme

Horizon H2020 is the framework programme established by the European Commission as a tool to finance research and innovation activities. 

Funding and Tender Opportinities site shows you a list of published proposals published during the year. Each call gives you precise information on the questions that the Commission would like you to address in your proposals.

Attention is drawn in particular to initiatives in key areas like the Digital Single Market (High Performance Computing, ICT, SMEs), Energy Union, Mobility (batteries) Space and the Circular Economy, including work on plastics.

Withing H2020 program, the Enhanced European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot aims to support top-class innovators, start-ups, small companies and researchers. Specifically, the SME instrument offers small and medium-sized enterprises the chance to step forward and request funding for breakthrough ideas with the potential to create entirely new markets or revolutionise existing ones.

SME instrument phase 1

This funding is available for feasibility assessment (technical and commercial) purposes, including a business plan.

Business innovation grants: EUR 50,000 per project, and the duration approaches 6 months.

The next deadlines are:

• Brussels time , 07 May 2019 17:00:00
• Brussels time , 05 September 2019 17:00:00.

SME instrument phase 2

This Funding is available for innovation projects underpinned by a sound and strategic business plan (potentially elaborated and partially funded through phase 1 of the SME Instrument).

Following the cut-off date of 5 June 2019, support in the form of blended finance (combining grants and equity) will be provided by the EIC Accelerator pilot.

Business innovation grants: an amount in the indicative range of EUR 500,000 and 2,5 million. The program will last for 1 to 2 years.

The next deadlines are: 

• Brussels time , 05 June 2019 17:00:00
• Brussels time , 09 October 2019 17:00:00

COSME: Europe’s programme for small and medium-sized enterprises

COSME is the EU program for the Competitiveness of Businesses and SMEs that helps entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises to start operating, access financing and internationalize, as well as supporting the authorities improve the business environment and facilitate the economic growth of the European Union.

COSME aims to make it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access finance in all phases of their lifecycle (creation, expansion, or business transfer).  In addition to supporting internationalisation and access to markets, creating an environment favourable to competitiveness and encouraging an entrepreneurial culture.

The list of Financial Service Authorities that are awarded to COSME will be detailed on the DGIPYME portal. For other grants (outside the section on financial instruments), there will be calls from the European Commission on the Funding and Tender Opportinities site referred to above.

NEOTEC: the support for the creation and development of technology-based start-ups in Spain

The most important aspect of the Neotec proposals is that technology must be the competitive factor for business differentiation, a business strategy based on the creation of their own R&D lines.

It is important to highlight that those companies whose business model is based on services to third parties , without developing their own technology, are not suitable to this programme.

Next calls for proposals: Pending of new opening. The last call was on 2 October, 2018.

Business innvation grants: grant-in-aid of around EUR 250.000 (70% of total cost of the project as a general rule).

Eligible costs: investments in equipment, staff costs, external assistance/ consultancy, etc.

INNOGLOBAL: Support for R&D international cooperation projects

Aid for international business projects oriented to the market, promoted by a single Spanish company, within an international consortium. These projects can include both industrial research and experimental development activities.

Next calls for proposals: Pending of new opening. The last call wa son 7 May, 2018, and the programme will last for 1 to 3 years.

Business innvation grants: The maximum amount of grant per application and project is EUR 400,000 with the following limits:

• For small businesses, up to 50% of the approved eligible budget.

• For medium-sized companies, up to 40% of the approved eligible budget.

• For large companies, up to 30% of the approved budget eligible approved.

INNOCÁMARAS PROGRAMME: Multi-regional SME support and assessment

InnoCámaras is a program that encourages the adoption of a culture of innovation as well as its integration into business management in small and medium enterprises.

InnoCámaras is an initiative of the Chamber of Spain together with the provincial Chambers of Commerce, with the financial support of the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER), the Chambers of Commerce, and the Public Administrations.

Each provincial Chamber of Commerce establishes a call. Currently, in the year 2019 only Bilbao Chamber of Commerce has opened a call within the national territory. The proposal can be submitted no later than the 29 November, 2019.

InnoCámaras programme consists of 2 phases:

• Phase I: Specialized trade

Individually, a specialized tutor supported by an assisted diagnostic system helps you to know your level of competitiveness in your economic and market environment. They provide you recommendations on the key aspects competitiveness.

• Phase 2. Plan for supporting innovation

Your company can receive up to 80% subsidy for the start-up.

In addition, the Chamber maintains links with you throught the project to follow up on the implementation of the Innovation Support Plan.

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