SME Instrument

What is it for?

The aim of the SME Instrument is to fill the gaps in funding for early-stage, Research and Innovation SMEs and accelerating the exploitation of innovations. Projects will be selected through a bottom-up approach within a given societal challenge or enabling technology of  H2020. They must be of clear interest and benefit to SMEs and have a clear European dimension.

How does it work?

The SME instrument consists of three separate phases and a coaching and mentoring service for beneficiaries. Participants can apply to phase 1 with a view to applying to phase 2 at a later date, or directly to phase 2.

In 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 (new products, processes, services and technologies or new market applications of existing technologies).

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.

Funding will be provided in the form of a lump sum of EUR 50.000. Proposals should last around 6 months.

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.

Proposals shall be based on an elaborated business plan either developed through phase 1 or another means. Particular attention must be paid to IP protection and ownership; applicants will have to present convincing measures to ensure the possibility of commercial exploitation ('freedom to operate').

Proposals shall contain a specification for the outcome of the proposal, including a first commercialization plan, and criteria for success.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 0.5 and 2.5 million would allow phase 2 to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Proposals should last between 12 and 24 months.

In addition, in phase 3, SMEs can benefit from indirect support measures and services as well as access to the financial facilities supported under Access to Risk Finance of this work program.

SME Instrument Calls: 

BG-12-2014-1: Supporting SMEs efforts for the development - deployment and market replication of innovative solutions for blue growth

BIOTEC-5a-2014-1: SME boosting biotechnology-based industrial processes driving competitiveness and sustainability

DRS-17-2014-1: Critical infrastructure protection topic 7: SME instrument topic: “Protection of Urban soft targets and urban critical infrastructures”

ICT-37-2014-1: Open Disruptive Innovation Scheme (implemented through the SME instrument)

IT-1-2014-1: Small business innovation research for Transport

NMP-25-2014-1: Accelerating the uptake of nanotechnologies, advanced materials or advanced manufacturing and processing technologies by SMEs

PHC-12-2014-1: Clinical research for the validation of biomarkers and/or diagnostic medical devices

SC5-20-2014-1: Boosting the potential of small businesses for eco-innovation and a sustainable supply of raw materials

SFS-08-2014-1: Resource-efficient eco-innovative food production and processing

SIE-01-2014-1: Stimulating the innovation potential of SMEs for a low carbon energy system

Space-SME-2014-1: SME Instrument

Cut-off dates:

Source: ec.europa.eu

For more information on the available calls for proposals and how your company could benefit from the SME Instrument, please contact us