Supporting innovative SMEs in the healthcare biotechnology sector, Phase 1
Details
Description
Call Updates:
08 November 2017 16:29
Due to a misleading communication on the closing date of the SME Instrument call, the deadline of the call has been postponed to 09/11/2017, 17:00 Brussels time. You can review, edit and submit your proposal at any time before the new deadline from My Proposals tab (https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/proposals/index.html) in the Participant Portal.
03 November 2017 11:05
REMINDER: 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).
The cut-off date of November 8th set out in the Work Programme no longer applies.
17 October 2017 16:07
An overview of the evaluation results (flash call info - 06-09-2017 cut-off - Phase I) is now available under the Call 'Additional documents' tab.
05 September 2017 17:30
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).
The cut-off date of November 8th set out in the Work Programme no longer applies.
16 June 2017 08:31
An overview of the evaluation results (flash call info - 03-05-2017 cut-off - Phase I) is now available under the Call 'Additional documents' tab.
04 April 2017 12:23
An overview of the evaluation results (flash call info - 15-02-2017 cut-off - Phase I) is now available under the Call 'Additional documents' tab.
02 March 2017 16:54
The part B templates for SME phase1 and SME phase 2 have been updated. They now include an additional bullet point under section 2.1.a "expected impacts" relating to addressing climate change and the environment and bringing other important benefits to society.
The new templates can be viewed by clicking on the above links. Alternatively, you may download them at 'Step 3' of the submission process on the left-hand side of the screen(Download Part B Templates).
21 February 2017 17:18
The part B templates for SME phase1 and SME phase 2 have been updated. They now include an additional bullet point under section 2.1.a "expected impacts" relating to addressing climate change and the environment and bringing other important benefits to society.
The new templates can be downloaded at 'Step 3' of the submission process on the left-hand side of the screen(Download Part B Templates). They will also soon feature in the " Proposal templates" folder of the Reference documents page of the H2020 Participants Portal.
07 February 2017 17:08
Please note that on 2 February 2017, a updated version of the standard Self-Evaluation forms for SME Instrument phase 1 and SME Instrument phase 2 have been published.
07 February 2017 16:27
On 6 November 2016, Armenia became an associated country.
17 January 2017 10:57
Reminders:
1) The Evaluation Summary Reports (ESRs) and scores received from similar proposals submitted in different cut-off dates may differ, sometimes substantially, based on different opinions and judgments from independent experts.
2) Please have your SME status validated or renewed well ahead of the submission date.
06 January 2017 17:15
As of 1 January 2017, Switzerland is fully associated to H2020.
14 December 2016 18:52
An overview of the evaluation results (flash call info - 09-11-2016 cut-off - Phase I) is now available under the Call 'Additional documents' tab.
21 October 2016 14:42
An overview of the evaluation results (flash call info - 07-09-2016 cut-off -Phase I) is now available under the Call 'Additional documents' tab.
22 September 2016 12:56
In 2017, proposals for Phase I (SME-1) will no longer be possible for this topic SMEInst-05-2016-2017: Supporting innovative SMEs in the healthcare biotechnology sector.
The last cut-off date and the last option to submit your proposal to Phase 1 is on 09 November 2016.
09 September 2016 13:34
A total number of 1.938 proposals were submitted in response to the SME-1 (Phase I) September 7th 2016 cut-off (H2020-SMEINST-1-2016_07_09_2016). The number of proposals for this topic is shown below: SMEInst-05-2016-2017 - 72
02 September 2016 16:42
Reminders:
1) The Evaluation Summary Reports (ESRs) and scores received from similar proposals submitted in different cut-off dates may differ, sometimes substantially, based on different opinions and judgments from independent experts.
2) Please have your SME status validated or renewed well ahead of the submission date.
02 September 2016 15:14
Please note that, in 2017, applications for Phase I (SME-1) grants will no longer be possible in topic SMEInst-05-2016-2017: Supporting innovative SMEs in the healthcare biotechnology sector.
To access the Electronic Submission Service of the topic, please select the type of action that is most relevant to your proposal from the list below and click on the 'Start Submission' button. You will then be asked to confirm your choice of the type of action and topic, as these cannot be changed in the submission system. Upon confirmation you will be linked to the correct entry point.
To access existing draft proposals for this topic, please login to the Participant Portal and select the My Proposals page of the My Area section.
03 August 2016 15:06
Please note that, as a result of a recent technical update, following the self-assessment of the SME status, confirmation thereof will take into consideration the closing date of the accounts for the financial year on which the assessment of the SME status was based. The confirmation of the SME status applies for two years.
By way of example, if a legal entity performs the self-assessment in the 'Beneficiary Register', with closing date of its accounts for the financial year on March 31st 2015, confirmation of the SME status will be considered until March 31st 2017. Therefore, a legal entity which would like to submit a proposal for a cut-off date in April 2017, would need to perform a new self-assessment.
21 June 2016 16:57
An overview of the evaluation results (flash call info - 03-05-2016 cut-off -Phase I) is now available under the Call 'Additional documents' tab.
14 June 2016 09:20
Reminders:
1) The Evaluation Summary Reports (ESRs) and scores received from similar proposals submitted in different cut-off dates may differ, sometimes substantially, based on different opinions and judgments from independent experts.
2) Please have your SME status validated or renewed well ahead of the submission date.
06 June 2016 15:39
Reminder: The Evaluation Summary Reports (ESRs) and scores received from similar proposals submitted in different cut-off dates may differ, sometimes substantially, based on different opinions and judgments from independent experts.
10 May 2016 11:14
A total number of 2,005 proposals were submitted in response to the SME-1 (Phase I) May 3rd 2016 cut-off (H2020-SMEINST-1-2016_03_05_2016). The number of proposals for this topic is shown below:
SMEInst-05-2016-2017 - 71
02 May 2016 16:43
Dear applicants,
Please remember to have your SME status validated or renewed well ahead of the submission date.
19 April 2016 10:22
An overview of the evaluation results (flash call info - 24-02-2016 cut-off -Phase I) is now available under the Call 'Additional documents' tab.
08 April 2016 14:51
Dear applicants,
Please remember to have your SME status validated or renewed well ahead of the submission date.
25 February 2016 10:47
A total number of 1995 proposals were submitted in response to the SME-1 (Phase I) February 24th 2016 cut-off (H2020-SMEINST-1-2016_24_02_216). The number of proposals for this topic is shown below:
SMEInst-05-2016-2017 = 75.
26 November 2015 00:30 The submission session is now available for: SMEInst-05-2016-2017(SME-1)
TOPIC : Supporting innovative SMEs in the healthcare biotechnology sector
| Topic identifier: | SMEInst-05-2016-2017 | ||
| Publication date: | 14 October 2015 | ||
| Types of action: | SME-1 SME instrument phase 1 | ||
| DeadlineModel: Opening date: |
multiple cut-off 26 November 2015 |
Cut-off dates: |
24 February 2016 17:00:00 15 February 2017 17:00:00 |
| Time Zone : (Brussels time) | |||
Specific Challenge:The healthcare biotechnology sector offers huge business and commercial opportunities; however it also requires heavy and risky investments which are often lacking in Europe, hampering the development of the industry.
The challenge includes either:
a) Cell technologies in medical applications (all phase 1 and phase 2 deadlines in 2016 and 2017)
Cell technologies include cell manufacturing (culture, multiplication, scale-up and automation), preservation, banking and transport; identification, cell sorting and delivery, imaging, tracking, process and quality control; genetic engineering and gene editing; production of therapeutic biomolecules. The medical applications of cell technologies include diagnostics and biosensors; cell and gene therapy, tissue engineering, bio-artificial organs, haematology, immunotherapy, and vaccine and antibody production; predictive toxicology, synthetic biology, and modelling development and disease processes.
However, the diversity, complexity and variability of living cells pose challenges for bringing safe, reliable, regulatory-compliant and cost-effective products to the market and to the patient. SMEs developing cell-based products and processes have limited financial resources to take the critical steps to move from proof of concept to practical application while at the same time addressing considerations such as scale-up/scale-out, automation, logistics, regulatory pathways and business models.
Particular attention should be given to dialogue with regulators and compliance with safety and regulatory requirements, such as those pertaining to cell procurement, GMP, ethics, clinical trials, ATMPs and medical devices.
The challenge addresses cells from any eukaryotic source though their eventual application must be to human medicine.
Or:
b) Clinical research for the validation of biomarkers and/or diagnostic medical devices (only at the first cut-off date in 2017 and for phase 2 applications - phasing out of the topic PHC-12-2014/2015 introduced in the Work Programme 2014-2015)
Biomarkers are used in clinical practice to indicate both normal and pathological conditions. They are also used for predictive or prognostic purposes. They are being used increasingly in medicine and many potential new biomarkers are proposed every year. However, only a few of these have been validated for clinical use. To achieve validation a robust analytical method is required and a link to a pertinent clinical process or endpoint needs to be demonstrated.
This validation process should provide evidence for high analytical value, appropriate sensitivity and specificity, and clinical validity. Particular attention should be given to validation of biomarkers with potential for rapid uptake into clinical practice. Both in vivo and in vitro potential biomarkers are eligible. Priority is given to the validation of disease-related biomarkers (i.e. diagnostic, susceptibility/risk, monitoring and prognostic biomarkers). Validation of the clinical performance of new diagnostic devices can also be supported, either in combination with the biomarker validation or against existing standards.
Scope:The SME instrument consists of three phases, including a coaching and mentoring service for beneficiaries. Participants can apply to phase 1 or directly to phase 2.
In phase 1, a feasibility study shall be developed in order to verify the technological/practical as well as economic viability of an innovation idea/concept with considerable novelty to the industry sector in which it is presented (new products, processes, design, services and technologies or new market applications of existing technologies). The activities could, for example, comprise risk assessment, market study, user involvement, Intellectual Property (IP) management[1],
innovation strategy development, partner search, feasibility of concept and the like to establish a solid high-potential innovation project aligned to the enterprise strategy and with a European dimension. Bottlenecks in the ability to increase profitability of the enterprise through innovation shall be detected and analysed during phase 1 and addressed during phase 2 to increase the return in investment in innovation activities. The proposal should contain an initial business plan based on the proposed idea/concept. It should outline the specifications of a more elaborate business plan, which is to be the outcome of the project, and the criteria for success.
Funding will be provided in the form of a lump sum of EUR 50.000. Projects should last around 6 months.
In phase 2, innovation projects[2]
will be supported that address the specific challenges identified and that demonstrate high potential in terms of company competitiveness and growth underpinned by a strategic business plan. Activities should focus on innovation activities such as demonstration, testing, prototyping, piloting, scaling-up, miniaturisation, design, market replication and the like aiming to bring an innovation idea (product, process, service etc.) to industrial readiness and maturity for market introduction, but may also include some research. For technological innovation, Technology Readiness Levels of 6 or above (or similar for non-technological innovations) are envisaged; please see part G of the General Annexes.
Proposals shall be based on an elaborate business plan. Particular attention must be paid to IP protection and ownership; applicants will have to present convincing measures to ensure the possibility of commercial exploitation ('freedom to operate').
Proposals shall contain a specification for the outcome of the project and criteria for success. They will include an explanation of how the results of the supported project are to be commercialised and of what kind of impact on the company is expected.
The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 0.5 and 2.5 million[3]
would allow phase 2 to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts (higher or lower). Projects should last between 12 and 24 months.
Phase 3 of the SME Instrument aims to increase the economic impact of the funding provided by the SME Instrument phase 1&2 grants and by the business coaching. Phase 3 is not subsequent to phase 1 and/or 2, but provides specific support to SME instrument beneficiaries during and after phase 1 or 2.
All support under phase 3 of the SME instrument will be accessible through a single, dedicated entry point, which will serve as an information portal and a networking space.
This platform will offer access to two main strands of services:
Access to markets
Access to finance
In addition, phase 3 will create opportunities for partnering, networking and training, which are set out in the Dedicated Support Actions at the end of this call.
SME instrument beneficiaries are also offered dedicated business innovation coaching and mentoring support. This service is facilitated by the Enterprise Europe Network and delivered by a dedicated coach through consultation and signposting to the beneficiaries. The coaches are recruited from a central database managed by the Commission and have all fulfilled stringent criteria with regards to business experience and competencies.
Throughout the three phases of the instrument, the Network will complement the coaching support by providing access to its innovation and internationalisation service offering. This could include, for example, depending on the need of the SME, support in identifying growth potential, developing a growth plan and maximising it through internationalisation; strengthening the leadership and management skills of individuals in the senior management team and developing in-house coaching capacity; developing a marketing strategy or raising external finance.
Expected Impact:Enhancing profitability and growth performance of SMEs by combining and transferring new and existing knowledge into innovative, disruptive and competitive solutions seizing European and global business opportunities.
Market uptake and distribution of innovations[4] tackling the specific challenges in a sustainable way.
Increase of private investment in innovation, notably leverage of private co-investor and/or follow-up investments.
The expected impacts should be clearly described in qualitative and quantitative terms (e.g. on turnover, employment, market seize, IP management, sales, return on investment and profit).
[1]This is not limited to the costs of acquiring and enforcing European or international IPR titles but could include auditing and risk management schemes to protect IP assets across planned supply and distribution chains and more generally IP valorisation plans to enhance return on investment and lever commercial investment into the relevant project.
[2]In the case of SMEInst-05-2016-2017, research type activities in medical application and clinical validation, including support for clinical studies and trials, will be predominant and will necessitate reimbursement at 100%. The Technology Readiness Levels indication does not apply.
[3]In the case of SMEInst-05-2016-2017, phase 2 proposals can request a contribution from the EU of between EUR 1 and 5 million.
[4]In the case of SMEInst-05-2016-2017, the development of innovative solutions should lead to value creation through the increased use of cell-based products/processes, biomarkers and/or diagnostic medical devices in industrial or clinical settings, and should contribute to technical and regulatory progress in these domains.
