SME Instrument

Eligibility Criteria At least one SME established in EU member state or associated country Projects at a TRL level 6 or above Calls are topic driven and identified in work programmes

SME Instrument – Phase 1 Funds a feasibility study and Business plan which includes; Risk assessment plan Market study IP management plan Feasibility of concept List of potential partners Innovation strategy development Budget: EUR 50k Duration: 6 months

SME Instrument – Phase 2 Submission of Innovative project proposal Projects need to address specific challenges already identified in business plan; Demonstrate high potential in terms of company competitiveness and growth; Focus on innovation activities such as demonstration, testing, prototyping, piloting, scaling-up, miniaturisation, design and market replication Bringing an idea to industrial readiness Budget: EUR 0.5 – 2.5 million Duration: 12 – 24 months

Coaching and Mentoring support Successful SME’s will be assigned a dedicated coach to support and mentor them during phase 1 and phase 2 Identifying growth potential; Developing growth plan through internationalization; Strengthening leadership skills of senior management; Developing in-house coaching capacity; Market Strategy; and Raising external finance

Deadlines Phase 1Phase 2 18/03/ /06/ /09/ /12/2015

NCP National Contact person in Ireland: Sean Bourke Enterprise Ireland /