They have published new calls on the Funding and Tender Portal to apply for Proof of Concept grants, but what do they consist of?
The ERC Proof of Concept Grants aim to facilitate the exploration of the commercial and social innovation potential of ERC-funded research. Therefore, they are available only to Principal Investigators whose proposals draw substantially on their ERC-funded research.
Scope: The financial contribution will be awarded as a lump sum of EUR 150,000 for a period of 18 months. The ERC expects that proof of concept activities should be completed within 12 months, but grant agreements will be signed for 18 months to allow for projects that require more preparation time. Extensions may be granted only exceptionally.
The lump sum will cover the beneficiaries’ direct and indirect eligible costs for the project. If the project is implemented properly, the amounts will be paid regardless of the costs actually incurred. The lump sum is designed to cover beneficiaries’ personnel costs, subcontracting, purchase costs, other cost categories, and indirect costs.
Profile of the ERC Proof of Concept Eligible Principal Investigator:
All Principal Investigators in one of the main grants are eligible to participate and apply for an ERC Proof of Concept Grant. Principal Investigators in an ongoing main grant or in a main grant that has ended less than 12 months before January 1, 2024, are eligible to apply.
Deadline: September 17, 2024.
More info in the following link https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/erc-2024-pera
Important Links:
- Standard application form (HE ERC POC):
- Information to Applicants to the ERC Proof of Concept Grant Call: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/information-for-applicants_he-erc-poc_en.pdf
- ERC Guide for Reviewers applying to the Proof of Concept call: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/experts/guide-for-peer-reviewers_he-erc-poc_en.pd
- ERC Work Programme 2024
- ERC Rules of Submission
- How to complete your ethics self-assessment
- Guidance on how to handle security sensitive research projects
