How to move from the short to the full proposal in EIC Accelerator and survive the process

Securing backing from the EIC Accelerator programme is a key milestone for many startups and small innovative companies in Europe. With a budget of €634 million for 2024, this programme is the most ambitious initiative of the European Innovation Council (EIC) and is designed to support companies looking to scale their innovations and bring them to the global market. However, the process is far from simple: moving from the short proposal phase to the full proposal is a challenge requiring strategy, preparation, and, above all, a deep understanding of the process’s details. Time, however, is tight: selected entities have only until 12 March 2025 to submit their full proposal.

“Progressing to the second phase isn’t just about expanding the initial proposal,” warns Sara San Martín, a consultant at Zabala Innovation and an expert in EIC Accelerator calls. “It’s a step up: here, you need to thoroughly demonstrate how your company’s innovation can impact the European and global market, as well as how you will manage the associated risks to achieve success,” she adds.

What is the full proposal, and how does it differ from the short proposal?

The short proposal, as the first phase of the process, is a brief presentation highlighting the innovative idea and its initial viability. In contrast, the full proposal requires a much higher level of detail, as it covers all critical aspects of the project—from its potential impact to financial planning, including excellence, implementation, and risk management.

“The evaluation of the full proposal is rigorous, with a success rate between 10% and 12%, indicating a very high level of competition and expectations,” says San Martín. “The full proposal doesn’t just assess whether your innovation is technically feasible but whether it can become a commercial success and generate impact in the European market,” insists the expert, who warns: “Even though you’ve passed the initial phase, the work is far from over.”

In this regard, among other key elements, the impact section of the project must include a comprehensive analysis of the expected societal and market benefits, as well as the unique value proposition. Technical excellence will cover the disruptive potential of the innovation, its scientific and technological basis, and the state of the art. In the implementation section, risks, mitigation strategies, and a financial plan based on the lump sum system will be detailed.

This system allows project costs to be broken down into clearly defined work packages and simplifies fund justification since funding is not directly linked to incurred costs but to the achievement of specific results established in the project milestones. If these milestones are satisfactorily met, payment is made regardless of the actual cost of execution. According to San Martín, this approach represents a significant advantage but also a challenge. In her words: “The lump sum requires impeccable planning, as the project must be divided into realistic work packages linked to achievable milestones to ensure that the budget reflects both the objectives and the project’s technical and commercial feasibility.”

How to tackle the full proposal challenge

The timeline also plays a critical role. In less than three months, the full proposal must be submitted, requiring speed and efficiency from all involved stakeholders. “To prepare a winning proposal, we recommend starting at least a month and a half before the deadline,” notes San Martín.

The process requires coordinating all entities participating in the project and addressing each section of the document with maximum precision. For instance, one of the challenges is preparing a solid and realistic financial plan that not only covers the project’s needs but also clearly justifies the use of European funds.

Another critical aspect is risk management. “The European Commission wants to see that you’ve anticipated potential obstacles and have a clear strategy to overcome them,” explains San Martín. This includes everything from technical issues to regulatory barriers or the emergence of competitors in the market.

Finally, the importance of communication cannot be overlooked. The proposal must be clear, coherent, and persuasive, using language tailored to the evaluating audience. “The key is to tell a strong and convincing story about your project: why it’s necessary, what problem it solves, and how it will become an innovative solution for Europe and the world,” adds San Martín.

Why seek expert support?

Given the complexity of the process, many companies choose to enlist the support of consultants specialising in European programmes. Zabala Innovation has over 30 years of experience helping companies maximise their chances of success in calls such as the EIC Accelerator.

“Our experience allows us to anticipate what evaluators are looking for and help companies submit high-quality proposals,” explains San Martín. Since 2014, Zabala Innovation has supported more than 400 proposals in this programme and in the SME Instrument, achieving a 40% success rate in the full proposal phase of the EIC Accelerator—well above the European average. Additionally, the company has helped over 100 projects obtain the Seal of Excellence, a recognition of the high quality of proposals.

Zabala Innovation provides comprehensive support throughout the entire process, including preparation for the final interview if the proposal progresses to the in-person evaluation phase. “We ensure that each section is well-structured and polished and that every detail aligns with the EIC’s evaluation criteria,” stresses San Martín. She concludes: “We know how to present each part of your project to highlight its strengths and minimise any possible risks. Furthermore, we understand that every project is unique, so we make sure that each proposal is tailored to the specific characteristics of your company, your innovation, and your needs.”