"European Innovation Council newsletter" Newsletter Issues

Presenting Europe's Innovation Kitchen - SME Instrument Report 2018 (16/05/2018)

With 8 companies floating on the stock market, 18 acquisitions and a total of €1.3 billion of extra private investment leveraged, the SME Instrument has become an essential player on the European innovation scene. The 2018 edition of the SME Instrument report reveals the ins and outs of Europe’s most wanted innovation funding programme for small businesses and presents you with its best successes.

SME Instrument celebrates its first IPO on the main stock market! Immunovia starts floating on Nasdaq (03/05/2018)

In 2014, Immunovia AB, a Swedish health company from Lund, received an SME Instrument Phase 2 grant for a project on early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. In 2015 after doubling its staff, the company made it's entry on Nasdaq First North in Stockholm. We are now proud to announce that the company has been accepted for trading on Nasdaq's main list with a company value of nearly € 214 million and 40 employees. Immunovia rang the bell from Stockholm on 3 April 2018.

Iberital VISION wins the Green GOOD DESIGN™ Award (02/05/2018)

Can’t imagine your morning without a cup of coffee? Spanish company Iberital is making your routine a sustainable one. Iberital has developed a coffee machine with a new design based on the introduction of lead-free materials, energy efficiency and internet connectivity. The company received an SME Instrument grant in 2016 to design an ecological espresso machine that now won the 2018 Green Good Design Award from The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and The Chicago Athenaeum.

Europe's most innovative aerospace, defence and security companies showcased at FIDAE 2018 (03/05/2018)

The most cutting-edge European aerospace, defence and security SMEs were present at FIDAE 2018 in Santiago, Chile. FIDAE 2018 officially opened on Tuesday 3rd April with the visit of Rodrigo Ubilla, Undersecretary of the Interior and Public Security of Chile to the first ever European Pavilion at the trade fair. 15 top innovators from the SME Instrument showcased their projects and 4 were selected among the 5 most innovative exhibitors in FIDAE 2018 - PLD Space, Satlantis, Drone Hopper and Jakusz.

SME Instrument "Corporate days": Bridging the gap between SMEs and big business (03/05/2018)

Highly innovative SMEs with potential for high growth should take full advantage of partnering opportunities. No matter the size of your company, finding the right partner can generate tremendous competitive benefits for your business.

The Overseas Trade Fairs Programme: Applications Open for final 3 fairs in 2018! (03/05/2018)

We are pleased to announce that applications are open for the final three fairs with the Overseas Trade Fairs Programme : China International Industry Fair, Electronica and Productronica, and Metalex – for which 5 additional spots are available.

The power of water: Tecnoturbines signs agreement with SUEZ Group to generate clean energy (03/05/2018)

Water is essential for life but it can also be a powerful source of energy when used properly. SME Instrument-funded Tecnoturbines recently signed a collaboration agreement with the Energy Division of the SUEZ Group, a worldwide leader in the environment sector. This would constitute a joint effort to reduce energy costs and to develop projects to generate clean energy based on the water potential.

SME Instrument at Wolves Summit with block chain tech company Billon (03/05/2018)

Wolves Summit kicked off on the 9th of April and guess who was part of the programme? SME Instrument was indeed in Warsaw with blockchain top innovator Billon giving a workshop on how we fund Europe’s most talented innovators and high-growth companies.

15 energising SME Instrument companies selected to pitch to Iberdrola (03/05/2018)

On 9 May, a curated selection of SME Instrument companies will pitch their solutions and network with Iberdrola top managers in Bilbao, Spain. The companies were hand-picked for their challenging ideas and approaches to renewable energies, smart networks and electric mobility.

Towards industry 4.0: a unique pitching contest for Europe's upcoming SMEs (02/05/2018)

Are you a small fast-growing company working on Industry 4.0? The European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot's SME Instrument invites you to pitch their business cases and ideas to top investors in the South Moravian Innovation Centre (JIC) in Brno, Czech Republic. Apply before 13 May!

Pitch your idea for the future of cities and infrastructure to VINCI in Paris (02/05/2018)

French building and civil engineering group VINCI invites small companies funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot's SME Instrument to pitch their vision for building tomorrow's structures and infrastructure. On 9 July, a selected group of companies will gather at Leonard, VINCI'S new Group-wide innovation and foresight platform in Paris, to pitch their ideas and business cases to VINCI representatives.

Become the EBAN Scaleup of the Month! (03/05/2018)

The SME Instrument and EBAN are pleased to invite you to the first joint EBAN Scaleup of the Month webinar on 29 May 2018. Present your innovation to a Jury of investors and get a pass and a pitching slot at one of EBAN’s flagship events!

15 of Europe’s most innovative water industry focused innovators showcased at Asia Water 2018 (02/05/2018)

The European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot - SME Instrument promoted its cutting edge European water innovators at Asia Water 2018, from 10 to 12 April in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

SAVE THE DATE: EIC Innovators' Summit on 10 and 11 September 2018 (05/04/2018)

On 10-11 September 2018 the EIC Innovators' Summit will kick off in Berlin with around 1000 top innovators, investors, corporates, gathering for hands-on workshops, relevant matchmaking, an enticing showcase by our top innovators and inspiring talks, among other activities. Save the date not to miss this great opportunity to meet peers, pitch your projects, try your ideas in front of top investors, exchange experiences and find new partnerships. 

Accelerating success: 60% of funded innovations reached commercial success thanks to SME Instrument, says independent report (05/04/2018)

Almost two out of three companies funded by the SME Instrument have put their innovation out on the market and met commercial successes thanks to the grant. An independent report concludes that the SME Instrument delivers growth and market creation with large spill-over effects on society – all thanks to its flexible grant scheme, its exclusive acceleration support and its unique design that offers small grants to unicorns at an early stage of development.

57 innovators join the SME Instrument under Phase 2 (05/04/2018)

A total of 57 small and medium-sized companies  form 17 countries have been selected for funding under the latest round of the SME Instrument. This is the first round of small businesses selected under the recently launched European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot. The companies, selected following face-to-face interviews with a jury of innovators, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, will receive a total amount of €94.25 million to share between their projects to scale-up and internationalise.

257 Phase 1 innovators join the SME Instrument (05/04/2018)

A total of 257 small and medium-sized companies form 31 countries have been selected for funding under the latest round of the SME Instrument Phase 1. The companies will receive a total amount of €12.65 million to share between their projects and get their innovations faster on the market. Most companies selected for funding are in the field of health, engineering and information and communication technology (ICT). Most companies are based in Spain (45), Italy (28) and Israel (23). The next application deadline for SME Instrument Phase 1 is on 3 May 2018.

SME Instrument: 1280 companies apply for Phase 2 innovation funding (05/04/2018)

The European Commission received 1280 proposals from 37 countries for SME Instrument Phase 2 before 14 March 2018 – the second cut-off date for Phase 2 this year. The proposals will now be evaluated by remote innovation experts. The best proposals will then be invited for a second step of assessments – an interview in front of a Jury of innovation and business experts during the week of 16-20 April. Final results are expected at the latest end of May 2018.

Gliomark makes headway with diagnosing brain tumours (05/04/2018)

Gliomas are rare tumour diseases with poor prognosis that start in the glial cells of the brain or the spine. Oſten, computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is unable to identify low-grade gliomas and brain biopsies are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.  SME Instrument funded GLIOMARK is developing a fast, reliable and non-invasive method to diagnose and grade gliomas with the goal of determining in a much less painful way what type of therapy will be needed for the patient.

Pitch your superpower to Enel in Catania (05/04/2018)

Global energy player Enel is inviting top SME Instrument companies to pitch their ideas, discover challenges and explore opportunities for meaningful change in the energy sector. On 25 and 26 June, a selected number of top SME Instrument companies will have the opportunity to pitch and present their business cases and ideas to Enel representatives. Selected companies will also visit the Enel Innovation Lab in Catania and learn more about the Enel Innovation Hubs. Applications are open until until 13 April.

Pitch for smarter healthcare at the Roche Innovation Summit (05/04/2018)

The SME Instrument and Roche invite you to pitch your ideas and breakthroughs on healthcare tech at the Roche Innovation Summit on the 19 and 20 June in Basel, Switzerland. A selected number of SME Instrument companies will have the opportunity to pitch and present their business cases and ideas, network with Roche product managers, research and technology scouts, procurement representatives, venture managers and meet with affiliated companies. Apply until 13 April. 

Companies invited to pitch at the P&G Brussels Innovation Center (05/04/2018)

SME Instrument companies are invited to showcase their best ideas to a selected group of business representatives at P&G Brussels Innovation Center, home of the InQbet Accelerator on 13 and 14 June. The event presents an ideal setting for smaller companies to interact with big business, encouraging collaboration and potential future partnerships. A selected number of SME Instrument innovators will have the opportunity to pitch their business proposal to relevant stakeholders from Procter & Gamble, AB InBev, DEME, GSK, Nokia, Puratos and Solvay. Apply until 6 April.

SME Instrument is in international aeronautics trade fair FIDAE with 15 companies (05/04/2018)

Because reaching international markets are a big part of SME Instrument funded companies' business plans, the SME Instrument the Overseas Trade Fairs Programme is helping them to do just that! This week SME Instrument is in FIDAE, the renowned aerospace, defence and security fair in Chile, with 15 top innovators. In addition to a free booth at the Overseas Trade Fair programme pavilion at FIDAE 2018, we offer the companies we take to international trade fairs additional business mentoring and follow-up, as well as company promotion and matchmaking, among other services.

New SME Instrument Academy Session: Investors Corporates Bud in Hungary (05/04/2018)

With this workshop that will take place in May 2018 in Budapest, Hungary, companies will be able to confidently decide on what funding (equity and debt, and hybrid) best fits their present and future needs for growth and sustainability, and how to develop effective offers and responses to matched investors. They will also gain an understanding of typical documentation, diligence procedures, and investor requirements, for the short- and longer-term.

Meet the EU- SME Instrument Delegation attending African Utility Week 2018 (05/04/2018)

After a highly competitive evaluation process, 15 SME Instrument top innovation leaders from 10 different countries have been selected to attend the African Utility Week 2018 - the best entry point into the South African power, energy and water markets. This trade fair will take place on 15-17 May in Cape Town. The 15 selected companies will showcase their innovative products on a shared EU booth at the fair and count with a number of dedicated support services through the SME Instrument Overseas Trade Fairs programme (OTF).

Pitching the Jury - first evaluations under the new EIC pilot (08/03/2018)

The SME Instrument evaluations have undergone a radical change under the European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot. Since 2018 applicants will pitch their innovations to a Jury of professional investors, entrepreneurs and business experts who will evaluate the solidity of their project. The first Jury met candidates from 12-16 February 2018 with one set target – finding the best innovators in Europe and investing in their future success.

Fast Track to Innovation - 138 proposals look for funding (08/03/2018)

We received 138 proposals for Fast Track to Innovation (FTI) before the latest cut-off date on 21 February 2018. Results will come out at the latest end of May.

2009 proposals ask for SME Instrument Phase 1 funding (08/03/2018)

We received 2009 proposals for SME Instrument Phase 1 before the latest cut-off date on 8 February 2018. This is the first cut-off date for Phase 1 under the European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot. Results are expected for April 2018 at the latest.

Pulverizadores Fede wins the FIMA 2018 Award and signs deal with John Deere (08/03/2018)

25% less pesticides released in the environment and 38.5% of fuel savings - with it's new crop sprayer, Pulverizadores Fede is contributing to a greener agriculture in Europe. In February 2018 the SME Instrument-funded company received the Outstanding Technical Innovation Award at FIMA Agrícola, one of the most important agricultural machinery trade fairs in Europe.

Energy Innovators prepare your pitch! We invite you to meet Iberdola on 9 May in Spain (06/03/2018)

Iberdrola Ventures are hosting top innovators funded by the SME Instrument for a Company Day in Bilbao, Spain, on 9 May 2018. A limited number of companies will get to pitch and present their business cases and network with Iberdrola and Iberdrola’s partners. Apply before 12 March!

Billon and Signaturit win pitching contest at SME Instrument fintech event (08/03/2018)

Robert Kaluza co-founder and COO Billon won the prize for the Most Disruptive company while the Best Pitch went to Juan Zamora –CEO and co-funder Signaturit, at the exclusive pitching event organised by SME Instrument and Innovate UK in London. In the context of its Business Acceleration Services the SME Instrument takes funded companies to dedicated events to meet and pitch in front of investors and big corporates.

EIC SME Instrument at Security and Counter terror Expo 2018 (08/03/2018)

SME Instrument went to the Security and Counter Terror Expo on 6 March with four innovative security projects – an opportunity to keep up with latest trends and to meet European Commissioner for Security Union Sir Julian King. What’s more, SME Instrument-funded Audax was awarded the Counter Terror Awards 2018 in the category “Communication Systems”. Congratulations Audax!

Have your say on the SME definition! (08/03/2018)

The European Commission is currently preparing for an evaluation and possible revision of some aspects of the SME definition and is inviting any interested actor to provide feedback on its evaluation and impact assessment.

SAVE THE DATE: EIC Innovators' Summit set for September 2018 (05/02/2018)

On 10-11 September 2018 the EIC Innovators' Summit will kick off in Berlin with around 1000 top innovators, investors, corporates, gathering for hands-on workshops, relevant matchmaking, an enticing showcase by our top innovators and inspiring talks, among other activities. Save the date not to miss this great opportunity to meet peers, pitch your projects, try your ideas in front of top investors, exchange experiences and find new partnerships.

Blockchain, insurtech & fintech innovators: you are invited to pitch investors in London! (05/02/2018)

SME Instrument and Innovate UK are inviting you to pitch your service or product in the field of blockchain, insurtech & fintech to a hand-picked investor's jury on 6 March 2018, in London. We will select maximum 10 companies funded by the SME Instrument (Phase 1 or 2) to accompany us. Apply before 8 February!

Nearly 80 companies join us in Mobile World Congress! (05/02/2018)

As part of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Business acceleration services, the EIC SME Instrument is taking top disruptive innovators from its portfolio to international trade fairs and events to help their business grow, gain visibility and make strategic contacts. From 26 to 28 February, a selection of 79 high-potential SME Instrument companies will come with us to the Mobile World Congress (MWC) and 4YFN in Barcelona (Spain). Get ready for networking, one-to-one meetings and exclusive pitching with EIC SME Instrument companies!

SME Instrument top innovators pitched their projects to AIRBUS (05/02/2018)

As part of the SME Instrument Business Acceleration Services, a selected group of 30 SME Instrument top innovators had the opportunity to pitch their business cases, receive feedback and network with top managers of the global leader in aeronautics AIRBUS."This corporate event has been very useful for us to check how AIRBUS reacts to our business proposition. The first feedback was just on the spot, positive and from the right person!" said Agnes Rosell CEO of 3DU engineering solutions.

CES 2018 Las Vegas "Exactly what we had hoped for ", says CardLab CEO Frank Sandelov (05/02/2018)

The EIC SME Instrument's top smart tech innovators are back from a conducive trip to CES 2018, the largest global gathering of innovation that took place from 9 to 12 January in Las Vegas (US). The SME Instrument showcased 15 cutting-edge European Smart Tech innovators selected through its exclusive SME Instrument – Overseas Trade Fairs (OTF) initiative in the EU’s first official booth at the Consumer Technology Association (CES).

From tyres to tracks: startup Greenrail signs € 75 million deal in US (05/02/2018)

Getting the first client is a landmark for any company, but signing for 75 million € with the first client is a real record for a start-up. After years of research, testing and certification, Greenrail has signed their first contract with an American company to license their sustainable railway sleepers that close the circular economy loop by using recycled plastic and end-of-life tyres as a material.

262 small businesses join the SME Instrument community (05/01/2018)

For the last cut-off of 2017, 193 innovative SMEs from 28 countries were selected for funding under SME Instrument Phase 1. Under Phase 2, 69 small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) from 22 countries were selected for funding. The total amount to be distributed between the SMEs working on 62 projects is € 104.587 million.

European Innovation Council pilot Jury unveiled (05/01/2018)

The 87 jury members that will select the best market-creating innovations for EIC SME Instrument funding have been chosen. The Jury panel is composed of private investors, business angels and other players in the innovation ecosystem. Starting from the first cut-off on 10 January 2018, companies that pass the initial selection stage for Phase 2 awards, will have to pitch their innovation to this panel of jury experts.

List of SME Instrument evaluators in 2016 published (05/01/2018)

The list of more than 1400 evaluators who selected the most promising projects for the SME Instrument in 2016 has been published. The publication of the list aims to increase transparency and avoid conflicts of interest, as part of a set of measures taken to ensure funds are distributed in an equal way. Read here how the evaluations were made - and more importantly the changes ahead for 2018!

Javier Bustos, director of GMF: "SME Instrument helped us reach global markets" (05/01/2018)

In addition to financial support, the SME Instrument programme helps companies go global with its Overseas Trade Fairs programme that offers the possibility to access the most important business fairs all around the world under the EU flag. The managing director of GMF, Javier Bustos, gave us an interview about his experience at Lagos international trade fair.

Join us in Hannover Messe 23-24 April 2018! (12/01/2018)

Over 6000 exhibitors, 250.000 visitors, the newest technologies and key inventions - prepare your pitch - the SME Insturment is taking you to the world’s leading trade show for industrial technology. Applications to join us with the SME Instrument Buiness Acceleration Services close on 31 January 2018.

Shape your skills with SME Instrument Academy (11/01/2018)

The new year starts with plenty of new opportunities to join the SME Instrument Academy sessions. Between February and April, we plan seven new Academy sessions for you to join. More Academy workshops will follow so stay tuned.

Europe's most innovative smart tech SMEs showcased at CES, Las Vegas (05/01/2018)

The SME Instrument will be promoting its cutting edge European Smart Tech SMEs at CES 2018, taking place from 9 to 12 January in Las Vegas. The SME Instrument will have a booth to showcase 15 cutting-edge European Smart Tech innovators supported by the SME Instrument – Overseas Trade Fairs (OTF) programme.

TRA Vienna 2018 is waiting for you! (05/01/2018)

As part of the SME Instrument business acceleration services, we are bringing companies to Transport Research Arena (TRA) in Vienna on 16-19 April 2018. The main theme of TRA 2018 is "A Digital ERA For Transport - Solutions for Society, Economy and Environment". Interested companies prepare for matchmaking and pitching - applications to join close on 10 January!

Hydrokemos builds a plant to clean groundwater with clean-tech (05/01/2018)

Spin-off Hydrokemos has built a plant to purify nitrate-polluted groundwater with clean-tech equipment in Borrassà, Spain. Once fully operational, the plant will produce drinkable water to the city of Borrassà, the first town to use this new technology. In 2017 Hydrokemos also received an extra investment of € 500.000 from Victòria Venture Capital to skyrocket their project.

Aurelia Turbines wins cleantech prize at European Venture Contest Final (05/01/2018)

The European Venture Contest Final is a leading European network and investment event for high-growth technological start-ups, venture capital investors and technological corporations. Aurelia Turbines - an SME Instrument innovator that manufactures small efficient gas turbines - attended the event thanks to a partnership between SME Instrument and the organiser TechTour and won The European Venture Contest Final Prize for Cleantech.

Steeper Energy builds industrial scale plant worth € 50.6 million (05/01/2018)

A new partnership between SME Instrument innovator Steeper Energy and biofuel joint venture Silva Green Fuel will open the road to producing commercial-scale transport biofuels. With the growth of global trade, heavy and long-haul transport sector emissions are on the rise. The availability of low carbon options for road diesel, marine and jet biofuels will help companies and countries meet carbon reduction targets.

The first cut-off for the EIC SME Instrument is on 10 January (05/01/2018)

If you're applying for an SME Instrument Phase 2 grant, have a look at our essential tips.

Early signs of success: 60% of SME Instrument innovations are up-and-coming commercial successes (06/12/2017)

Almost two out of three companies funded by the SME Instrument have put their innovation out on the market and meet first successes, thanks to the grant. Most of these early successes are young companies, small rather than micro or medium-sized. The study behind these encouraging figures assessed 70 companies that have finished their SME Instrument project.

WebSummit 2017 - SME Instrument and EEN help top tech companies grow (06/12/2017)

More than 60.000 attendees from 160 countries joined together at the largest technology conference in the world - the WebSummit - last 6-9 November 2017 in Lisbon. So did the SME Instrument that has recently become part of the European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot.

SME Instrument: 2596 proposals seek funding under Phase 1 (06/12/2017)

We received 2596 proposals from 43 countries for SME Instrument Phase 1 before the latest cut-off date on 9 November 2017. Most proposals were submitted in ICT (668) and by Italian applicants (440). Results will be published around end of December 2017.

Octoly raises €9 million to open mini online shops for social media influencers (06/12/2017)

The influencer space is getting a makeover with fastgrowing SME Instrument innovator Octoly, an influencer marketing startup that connects brands with influencers on social media to receive free beauty products in exchange for publishing reviews on them on YouTube and Instagram.

AMORPH seals the deal with Helsinki Airport (06/12/2017)

The number of passengers in airports has increased from 2000 to 2014 from 1.6 billion to over 3.3 billion worldwide, making it a challenge for airport's to smoothly handle the crowds of travellers. AMORPH.aero is an innovative software for airports that aims to cut down congestion. And the company has started a new partnership with Helsinki Airport.

Fast growing innovator eVision saves workers' lives in hazardous industries (06/12/2017)

EVision monitors large industrial installations to make sure risks are under control and employees know when and how to react. The company has kept increasing its turnover and hired new people. EVision is on Deloitte's list of 500 fastest growing companies and has signed big contracts with global industrial leaders. In 2017 the company signed with Exxon for the deployment of their system.

SME Instrument is back from Smart City Expo World Congress (06/12/2017)

On 15 and 16 November a selection of more than 70 high-potential EIC SME Instrument-funded companies came with us to Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona for networking, brokerage and exclusive pitching for SME Instrument beneficiaries.

QMENTA wins SME Instrument pitching contest at MEDICA 2017 (06/12/2017)

SME Instrument is back from two full days of networking in MEDICA, the world's largest medical industry trade fair. 57 companies funded by the SME Instrument attended the event under the programme's newly launched Business Acceleration Services.

The SME Instrument is taking you to trade fairs in Europe and beyond in 2018 (06/12/2017)

In 2018 the SME Instrument will take you more than a dozen trade fairs in Europe and beyond. The SME Instrument business acceleration services are designed to help you get connected with business partners and investors, network with the right people and take advantage of new learning opportunities. Have a look at our calendar of events to keep up to date.

The Overseas Trade Fairs Programme helped us get international leads, says Nordic 24/7 (07/12/2017)

Nordic 24/7 creates small, ecological, energy-efficient and innovative cooling units for big volume brands. The company went to the Malaysian International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) with the SME Instrument Overseas Trade Fairs Programme. This got them important leads and contacts and even allowed them to win a prize at MIHAS as most innovative non-food product. Veli Eloranta, the CEO of Nordic 24/7 gave us an interview about their experience with the Overseas Trade Fairs.

Come meet SME Instrument innovators in European Venture Contest Final! (07/12/2017)

The European Venture Contest Final is a leading European network and investment event for high-growth technological start-ups, venture capital investors and technological corporations. This year the contest is taking place on 11-12 December 2017 in Düsseldorf with four innovative SME Instrument-funded companies presenting their brilliant idea.

European Innovation Council (09/11/2017)

The European Innovation Council pilot opens for business with brand new features and improved evaluation process for the EIC SME Instrument and EIC Fast Track to Innovation. The new EIC pilot targets even more radical breakthrough products, services, processes or business models that open up new markets. We offer substantial funding and business support services to help you accelerate your dreams. Have a look at what funding's available to bring bright ideas to the market! Do you questions? Don't miss our #askEASME Twitter chat on 22 November, 10:30 CET.

119 small businesses join the EIC SME Instrument community (09/11/2017)

We received 2079 eligible proposals by the cut-off date of 6 September out of which 117 will get Phase 1 funding under the EIC SME Instrument. Most of the projects funded are in the area of ICT (29), followed by transport (16) and low-carbon and efficient energy systems (15). The selected companies come from 24 countries – Spanish SMEs were particularly successful with 17 companies accepted for funding, followed by firms from Italy (14), Germany and Switzerland (10 each).

Check out upcoming acceleration services in our calendar! (09/11/2017)

Are you up for meeting new finance or business partners? Pitching international trade fairs? Learning from others and meeting your peers? SME Instrument-funded companies have a life-long access to our business acceleration services during and after their grant period. Registrations usually open two months before the event and are accessible through the SME Dashboard. Check out all details and our service portfolio.

"Genome Biologics" wins Merck Venture Lounge pitching contest (09/11/2017)

The SME Instrument business acceleration services offered the first dedicated matchmaking & pitching event – among many others to come – with 12 SME Instrument innovators pitching their brilliant ideas at Merck Global Group Headquarter in Darmstadt. Congratulations to Genome Biologics who took the gold with their drug-disease matching technology.

SME Instrument innovators meet ABB: Ready to think big? (09/11/2017)

The EIC SME Instrument business acceleration services organised a pitching day with global market leader in industrial technology ABB and its innovation hub SynerLeap. VP and Head of ABB technology ventures, Dr. Kurt Kaltenegger, said: "It has been a great day, the selection of companies has been fantastic and all of them are of interest for ABB. We need more ambitious entrepreneurs in Europe who are ready to think big". Be prepared for more meetings with big corporations to come!

More than 70 SME Instrument companies in Smart City World Expo! (09/11/2017)

As part of the European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot Business acceleration services, the EIC SME Instrument is taking companies to international trade fairs and events to help their business grow, gain visibility and make strategic contacts. On 15 and 16 November a selection of more than 70 high-potential EIC SME Instrument-funded companies will come with us to Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona. Get ready for networking, brokerage and exclusive pitching for EIC SME Instrument beneficiaries.

HappyorNot raises €14 million with its smiling customer feedback stands (09/11/2017)

Market-creating innovation in customer service - SME Instrument innovator HappyOrNot has secured over €14 million in investment from European Venture Capital firm North Zone and Australian fund Airtree. North Zone is known for having backed other Nordic start-ups like Spotify and Klarna in their exponential growth.

SME Instrument innovator Aeroglass nominated for Innovation Radar Prize (09/11/2017)

Around two thirds of aviation accidents are caused by pilot's errors as they have to translate information from the control panel into a 3D environment. Aeroglass' head-mounted display shows the information in the lenses and help pilots visualise the information in 3D in real-time in front of them. EIC SME Instrument supported Aeroglass has been nominated for the Innovation Radar Prize! Results will be announced… today!

EIC SME Instrument upgrades selection process with face-to face interviews (09/11/2017)

Did you know that from January 2018 the selection for Phase 2 grants will include a face-to-face interview? Applicants will have to prepare a 10-minute presentation and answer the jury's questions for 20 minutes. All of them will be experts in business, technology or investment. The interviews will be held in Brussels circa one month after the cut-off dates. All details are in our guidelines for applicants.

October 2017 (10/10/2017)

Innovative SMEs – there's a new opportunity to get innovation vouchers worth €60.000 for your ideas. Do you have info-days to prepare for? Read the draft Work Programme and see what changes in 2018-2020 for FTI and SME Instrument. The official version is out on 27 October. SME Instrument business acceleration services are taking you to meet corporates and investors. Next destination is Smart City World Expo. And don't miss the next cut-off for Phase 2 on 18 October.

SME Instrument and FTI in 2018-2020 - check the draft Work Programme (10/10/2017)

The new Horizon 2020 draft work programme for Innovation in SMEs for 2018-2020 is available. Check out what this means for SME Instrument and Fast Track to Innovation.

Wanted: experts to evaluate Horizon 2020 Fast Track to Innovation project proposals (10/10/2017)

In the context of the launch of the Fast-Track to Innovation programme, EASME is working on creating a new pool of experts for the evaluation of the project proposals that should take place in February/March, June/July and October/November 2018.

Opportunity for SMEs: innovation vouchers up to €60,000! (03/10/2017)

On 22 September 2017, the INCluSilver project published a call for provision of financial support to third parties whereby €2.8 million will be distributed. Through this call, INCluSilver will provide up to €60.000 per SME through innovation vouchers, IPR vouchers and travel vouchers, to support innovative ideas.

Up to €60,000 financing available for disruptors of the connected car industry (10/10/2017)

The IMPACT Connected Car project will create through two open calls for project proposals a portfolio of 64 disruptors of the connected car industry. The deadline for submitting applications is 10 January 2018.

Exoskeleton HANK gets stroke survivors back on their feet (03/10/2017)

Gait is one of the important daily activities affected in stroke survivors. HANK is using a grant from Horizon 2020 Fast Track to Innovation to create an exoskeleton that allows people who have suffered a stroke or spinal cord injuries and consequently lost the use of their lower limbs to stand, walk and sit down – like a second spine.

SME Instrument innovator Aeroglass nominated for Innovation Radar Prize! (10/10/2017)

Around two thirds of aviation accidents are caused by pilot errors who have to translate information from the control panel into a 3D environment. Aeroglass' head-mounted display shows the information in the lenses and help pilots visualise the information in 3D in real-time in front of them. SME Instrument supported Aeroglass has been nominated for the Innovation Radar Prize! Get ready to support them and vote.

2130 innovative projects seek funding under the SME Instrument Phase 1 (07/09/2017)

EASME received 2130 proposals from innovative small and medium-sized enterprises for SME Instrument Phase 1 before the latest cut-off date on 6 September 2017.

In this issue - September 2017 (06/09/2017)

There has been an important change for SME Instrument applicants! The next deadline for Phase 1 has just changed and been brought forward by 24 hours to the 7th of November. If you have already been selected for funding; don't miss the chance to participate in major international trade fairs - you can now apply for 4 events around the world. Also read about the top innovators Sol Voltaic, Worldsensing, NanoAvionics and Stratio who signed major contracts and closed new funding rounds.

Change of final 2017 cut-off date for Phase 1 (06/09/2017)

Please note that due to the opening of the EIC Pilot calls (2018-2020), the final cut-off date of the SME Instrument call for Phase 1 in 2017, has been brought forward to the 7th of November 2017 at 17:00:00 (Brussels time).

Come to African Utility Week, Cape Town, with the SME Instrument Overseas Trade Fairs Programme (06/09/2017)

It is time to seize the unprecedented opportunity to take part in African Utility Week (10-12 April 2018) with the Overseas Trade Fairs Programme! Applications are closing on 16 January 2018 and only 15 SME Instrument companies will be selected. The African Utility Week is the only global meeting place, conference and trade exhibition for African power and water utility professionals.

Go to Electronica & Productronica, Bangalore with us! (06/09/2017)

Take part in Electronica & Productronica (15-17 September 2018) with the Overseas Trade Fairs Programme! Applications are closing on 19 May 2018 and only 15 SME Instrument companies will be selected.

Come to ASIAWATER, Kuala Lumpur with SME Instrument Overseas Trade Fairs Programme! (06/09/2017)

Take part in ASIAWATER (10-12 April 2018) with the Overseas Trade Fairs Programme! Applications are closing on 1 December 2017 and only 15 SME Instrument companies will be selected. ASIAWATER is widely recognised as the ASEAN's leading water industry event.

Come to CIIF, Shanghai with the SME Instrument Overseas Trade Fairs Programme (06/09/2017)

Take part in China International Industry Fair (6-10 November 2018) with the Overseas Trade Fairs Programme! Applications are closing on 10 July 2018 and only 15 SME Instrument companies will be selected. CIIF is one of the most influential international industry brand exhibition in China.

Sol Voltaics raise €19 million for their technology that enables cheaper solar panels (06/09/2017)

SME Instrument innovator Sol Voltaics has closed a record funding round of nearly €19 million, the largest finance raise for a European solar technology company since 2015. The financing will be used to bring its highly anticipated solar efficiency boosting technology, SolFilm™ on the market, which promises to increase conventional solar panel efficiencies by up to 50%.

Fastparkt saves your fuel and nerves (06/09/2017)

Endless searching for a parking space can be a waste of time and a frustrating experience, but it also has a harmful impact on the environment. Worldsensing is a global IoT pioneer that offers a smart parking solution installed in the street to reduce congestion and create greener cities. The wireless system uses smart sensors installed in parking spaces and guides drivers to areas with vacancies via electronic panels and free mobile Apps.

SME Instrument innovator NanoAvionics to Supply CubeSats for new client (06/09/2017)

SME Instrument innovator NanoAvionics has signed a mission contract with Argentinian Rupercorp to supply its Earth Observation (EO) demonstration mission with a 2U CubeSat as a precursor for a succeeding constellation. The CubeSat will launch in the first half of 2018. ​

SME Instrument Innovator Stratio seals a deal with coachbuilder Sunsundegui (06/09/2017)

Portuguese SME Instrument innovator Stratio has closed a deal with a coachbuilding company Sunsundegui to introduce their tehnology in the coachbuilders buses.