European Partnership on Innovative SMEs
The European Partnership on Innovative SMEs, under the Horizon Europe framework, is a co-funded initiative designed to empower European Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) by stimulating their research and innovation capacity and fostering international collaboration. It aims to strengthen the European innovation ecosystem by addressing growth obstacles and facilitating market access, ultimately driving economic growth and job creation. This program continues and expands on previous successful initiatives like Eurostars 2, focusing on cross-border R&I projects and accompanying support measures.
Who is Funded by the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs
The European Partnership on Innovative SMEs aims to bolster European innovative Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) by enhancing their growth, innovation, and internationalisation capabilities. It targets a broad range of entities, including SMEs, public research organisations, and national funding bodies, operating across EU Member States, Associated Countries, and select third countries.
What Innovation and Projects are Funded
The European Partnership on Innovative SMEs supports a wide array of innovation-driven projects across various sectors. It specifically funds collaborative cross-border research and innovation activities aimed at developing new products, processes, and services, spanning from applied research to market deployment. The financial support is provided as grants, with a clear focus on fostering internationalisation among European innovative SMEs.
Type and Scope of European SME Funding
The European Partnership on Innovative SMEs provides financial assistance primarily through grants, with a substantial maximum funding amount per individual third party and a specified funding rate. The overall program aligns with the Horizon Europe period.
Key Conditions and Requirements for Innovative SMEs
Applicants and beneficiaries of the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs must adhere to specific conditions regarding application submission, consortium composition, budgetary rules, and overall compliance with Horizon Europe regulations. These provisions ensure project quality, financial integrity, and alignment with broader EU strategic objectives.
Application Procedure for Innovative SME Funding
The application process for the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs involves a single-stage submission directly related to an existing grant agreement. Proposals are rigorously evaluated based on predefined criteria, with comprehensive support resources available to guide applicants through each stage.
Legal Basis of the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs
The European Partnership on Innovative SMEs is firmly established within the comprehensive legal framework of Horizon Europe. Its operations are governed by several key regulations and decisions, ensuring a robust and transparent funding mechanism for innovative SMEs across Europe and beyond.
Similar Programs
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Closed
Maximum Amount:
25,000,000 €
Allocated Budget:
71,116,079 € (34,540,076 € for 2023 and 36,576,003 € for 2024)
Open Until:
31.12.2027
Award Channel:
Framework Programme Call
Region:
European Union Member States and Associated Countries; also welcomes participation from third countries, with a specific focus on a new pilot phase in Africa. Aims for extended geographical coverage beyond immediate proximity through the Eureka network.
Sectors:
Research and Development, Information and Communication Technology, Service Sector, Other
Application Type:
Consortium Required
Funding Stages:
Applied Research, Experimental Development, Product Development, Process Optimization, Market Introduction, Commercialization, Pilot Testing, Scaling, Other
Funding Provider
Program Level:
European Union
Funding Body:
European Commission
Additional Partners:
National administrations, National Funding Bodies (NFBs), private sector actors, research actors, dedicated implementation structure.
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