Let’s take a look at this writing and see how we can clean it up a bit while keeping the personality. I’ll first read through for overall flow and coherence. Then I’ll do another pass focusing on:

    Grammar, spelling, punctuation – I’ll check for any errors and fix them without losing the cadence of the sentences.

    Word choices – I’ll consider if any words could be substituted to improve clarity or impact without sounding unnatural.

    Redundancies – I’ll tighten up any repetitive or wasted words.

    Transitions – I’ll smooth out any rough jumps between ideas.

    Structure – I’ll ensure paragraphs and sections flow logically from one to the next.

    Tone – I’ll maintain the level of formality, tone, and voice used throughout. I’ll adjust any inconsistencies if needed.

    I’m free to rearrange sentences or swap around paragraphs if it enhances the narrative flow. But I won’t overhaul the overall style or “voice” – I want to stay true to the author’s personality and perspective. I’ll read it back through once more when finished to check it still sounds conversational and engaging like the original. The goal is a polished product that retains the heart and soul of what was expressed.

    Remove the passive voice.

    This includes the recent Update on EIC Accelerator, where [details about the recent update]. The EIC aims to identify and scale up the most promising innovators, entrepreneurs and small companies in Europe.

    The EIC Pathfinder and Transition programmes have also been successfully launched with strong demand, and the creation of a new governance with the EIC Board.

     

    What is the EIC Board?

    Established by the Horizon Europe legislation with a mandate to advise on:

    • Overall strategy for the EIC
    • The EIC work programme for implementation
    • Identification of strategic portfolios of projects and the profile of EIC Programme Managers
    • Other actions to improve the European innovation ecosystem

    The EIC selects the members of the Board, including a President, following an open call for expressions of interest.

     

    EIC Novelties

    One novelty of the EIC is combining grant support with investment support. This occurs through the EIC Accelerator. Their approach achieved success last year. It was tested at that time under the EIC pilot program.

    The implementation arrangements for the investment component for the fully-fledged EIC under Horizon Europe are currently being put in place. In the meantime:

    • EIC will continue to process investment requests for companies already selected for 2021 equity funding (June and October cut-offs). They will provide grant financing and do all preparatory work for the investments. This includes starting the due diligence work as soon as possible.
    • Planners schedule the next cut-off for full EIC Accelerator applications for this spring. This remains subject to adoption of the expected 2022 EIC work programme in coming weeks. This will allow additional time for applicants to prepare high quality proposals and ensure that, following the selection process, we will be able to proceed in due time with the investment process.

    When fully operational under Horizon Europe, EIC equity financing will have legal and financial grounds. This will be until 2027. During this time, EIC can make investment choices. It can offer attractive partners for Europe’s high potential start-ups. EIC aims to bring in other investors as well. This builds on the first positive experiences from the 141 investments approved by the EIC Fund since September 2020.

     

    An Insight: background information

    The EIC Accelerator offers start-ups and SMEs grants of up to €2.5 million combined with equity investments through the EIC Fund ranging from €0.5 to €15 million. In addition to financial support, all projects benefit from a range of Business Acceleration Services that provide access to leading expertise, corporates, investors and ecosystem actors.

    In 2021 under Horizon Europe, a new start-up friendly application process introduced. This allows companies to submit ideas anytime for immediate fast assessment. Successful candidates receive invitations to prepare full applications with tailored business coaching help. Evaluators assess full applications regularly every 3 months at cut-off dates. Since March over 4,000 start-ups and SMEs have sent their ideas, of which 801 presented full applications to the first cut-off on 16 June 2021 and a further 1109 to the second cut-off on 6 October. In addition, the first EIC Summit took place on 24/25 November with notably the launch of the EIC Forum and the delivery of the first EIC Prizes (Women Innovators, European Capital of Innovation and EU Innovation Procurement Awards) and recruitments are ongoing for the first EIC Board President and EIC Programme Managers.

     

    About EIC Programme Managers

    EIC Programme Managers are key figures in this new management approach. They:

    • have the task of nurturing Pathfinder portfolios by developing together with stakeholders a common vision and a common strategic approach that leads to a critical mass of effort.
    • come from multiple spheres, including companies, universities, national laboratories and research centers.
    • bring deep expertise from personal experience and years in the field.
    • are recognised leaders, either having managed multidisciplinary research teams or directing large institutional programs.

    EIC Programme Managers are expected to foster an active management culture. They combine sound technological knowledge with a hands-on approach. This involves developing vision-based budgets, timelines, and milestones for portfolios and projects. EIC projects must meet these goals to receive continued funding.

    Programme Managers are responsible for cultivating visions for technological breakthroughs. They must actively manage portfolios of supported projects. These projects further the visions of the Programme Managers. In addition, Programme Managers bring together stakeholders. Their goal is to turn visions into reality.

    The EIC appoints Programme Managers full-time for up to four years. They must have deep expertise, experience managing multidisciplinary teams and programs, and strong communication and influence abilities. Programme Managers come from varied backgrounds, including companies, universities, national laboratories, nonprofit as well as federally funded research centres.

     

    How can AFS consulting services help you craft a successful EIC Accelerator proposal

     

    Update on EIC Accelerator

     

    At AFS, we are passionate about fostering innovation and empowering ambitious minds to flourish. Our mission is to provide best-in-class financial services for traditional and crypto deals, exploit European grants, and use quantitative methods to improve clients’ performance. We aim to help our customers unlock their full business potential.

     

    Are you looking to fund your next venture or unlock grant opportunities?

    Contact us at [email protected]!