ERC PROOF OF CONCEPT GRANTS

Likely relevant for

• ERC grant holders
• Researchers exploring innovation potential
• Frontier research projects

Project signals

What it funds

• Early-stage activities to explore innovation potential of ERC-funded research
• Proof of concept development
• Bridging gap between research and market or societal application

Expected outcomes

• Validated proof of concept for ERC research
• Increased innovation readiness
• Potential for follow-up funding or commercialization

Who can apply / participate

• ERC grant holders
• Typically single applicants or small teams linked to ERC projects
• EU Member States and Associated Countries
• Applicants must hold an active ERC grant
• Exact consortium size and composition requirements

Must check before shortlisting

• Eligibility limited to ERC grant holders
• Specific submission deadlines and conditions

Money

Budget details and funding rates are not clearly stated in the source and must be checked in official documents.

Application notes

• Multiple cut-off dates allow applicants to submit proposals several times until the final deadline.
• Proof of ERC grant
• Proposal describing proof of concept activities
• Prepare proposal aligned with ERC-funded research
• Submit via the official portal before cut-off dates
• Check eligibility carefully
• Follow specific submission guidelines