EU4TECH Proof of Concept call for project proposals launched

The PoC call for project proposals within EU4TECH project was launched on 21 April.

The EU4TECH PoC WB project is offering specialised support to 40 of the most promising technology-based projects developed within public research organisations and micro, small and medium enterprises from the Western Balkans at the ‘Proof of Concept Stage’ (Technology Readiness Level 3). In this way, the successful project teams will have the opportunity to work with experienced EU and national experts who will help them to validate and protect their technology, develop a robust business model and take their project towards commercial reality, primarily through six forms of technical support, or mentorship and workshops on the topic of:

• Technology development and prototyping for commercial demonstration;
• Entrepreneurship support and mentoring;
• Intellectual property management;
• Market analysis;
• Business plan and business model;
• Follow-on funding support.

Eligible teams for the call for project proposals can come from universities, institutes, SMEs or start-ups from Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia* and North Macedonia*. It is necessary to apply with a project at the ‘Proof of concept’ (PoC) stage of development – e.g. realisation of a method or idea in order to demonstrate its feasibility, or to verify that a concept or theory has practical potential.

Before they prepare their applications, the applicants are strongly advised to read the “Guidelines for applicants” which include important information about eligibility and the manner in which the applications will be assessed. Furthermore, it is helpful to consult the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) available on the EU4TECH project webpage, as this section with information related to the call for project proposals will be regularly updated. Finally, in case of additional questions that are not answered in FAQ, it is possible to contact the project team via email at: eu4techpoc@idi.ie.

The application form is available here, and the applications must be submitted in PDF format, directly via the interactive form on the EU4TECH project webpage. 

The deadline for applications is midnight CET on 24 June 2020.

Further information on the call for project proposals are available on the EU4TECH project website.

* Enterprises from Serbia and North Macedonia are not eligible to apply to this action and are referred to their own national support schemes.