Every project is unique on its weaknesses and strengths. This article gives six tips for writing a successful grant proposal, in particular for submission to the European Innovation Council (EIC).

 

The EIC Accelerator is one of the most competitive and advantageous funding programmes now available. All the innovation aspects of your proposal will be part of the evaluation. Therefore, it is extremely important to highlight your project’s strengths and mitigate the points that require improvement.

 

1. A great market-oriented innovation

    • Present a clear problem, a relevant market need, and a detailed strategy to solve the issue and satisfy that need.
    • Traction and/or good commercial strategy: innovations should be highly focused on the scaling-up potential and commercialisation possibilities. Highlight the most important features with potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones.
    • Based on strong transformational potential, disruptive innovations go beyond existing technologies and address societal, environmental, climate and economic issues.

 

2.  A strong and united team with experience and the right academic background

    • In every business, it is highly recommended to have teams with diverse backgrounds and personal experiences. Make use of every opportunity to show how your team translates the best characteristics of your innovation, company goals and success strategy.
    • Additionally, a proper team allows individuals to brainstorm collectively, expanding creativity and leading to a more effective problem-resolution approach. This increases the company’s overall chance of success.
    • The demonstration of  the capability to attract and retain talent in key positions is highly desired. Still, the core leadership team should preferably be 100% committed to the project.
    • Show the team’s capability and motivation to implement the innovation proposal and bring it to the market. Any plans to acquire critical missing competencies are encouraged.

 

The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team. — Phil Jackson

 

3. The right partners to develop the projects based on real and documented collaborations

    • Use the partnerships to highlight the credibility of your innovation. Strong and committed partners and/or investors will support the strength of your idea.
    • Awards, prizes, media featured news and previous funding/grants are always welcomed.

 

Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. — Henry Ford

 

4. Write to convince evaluators to invest in your business

    • Think of the evaluator as an investor.
    • Let the evaluator have a good time reading your proposal as a continuous and fluid text.
    • Prepare an interesting, coherent, consistent, and accessible narrative.
    • The communication of a realistic plan and strategy is important to sustain a clear and achievable roadmap to success.

 

5. Don’t forget the design!

    • The design is not less important than the content! You never get a second chance to make a first impression! So, whenever possible, use eye-appealing resources. Use pictures, schemes, diagrams, and other materials to support the illustration of your innovation and better translate your ideas.

 

6. Get ready to shine at the Jury interviews

    • Show how much you trust and know about your own idea/innovation. Try to convey all the confidence and passion you have to move forward no matter what.
    • Be clear when translating your idea.
    • Finally, know your innovation and business plan. Review and practice your pitch-deck over and over. Present it to different audiences and check how your innovation translates to each of them. Rehearsing the presentation will boost your confidence and lead to perfection.

 

It sure is a lot, don’t you think?

If you’re considering getting consulting assistance, Andriotto Financial Services is here for you!

Our team of experts can help you build a reliable and consistent strategy to give you and your proposal your best chance.

 

You can fill our free pre-evaluation form and check if you are eligible to apply for the EIC Accelerator here.

 

Overall, we wish you the best!

Andriotto Financial Services Management Team

 


 

Andriotto Financial Services

About Andriotto Financial Services (AFS):

 

  • Andriotto Financial Services’ team is an official advisor of the European Commission for Horizon Europe.
  • AFS has a Centre of Excellence in Switzerland with some of the most skilled EU grant specialists, writing successful proposals and supporting clients during different implementation phases of projects.
  • AFS evaluates and selects the best projects and enterprises around Europe to receive public funding.
  • Our client portfolio includes some of the most important public institutions in Italy and in Europe.
  • Participating in Horizon Europe is an ambitious challenge. AFS has one of the highest success rates amongst our European competitors.

 

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

Reach out at [email protected]!