The success of this H2020 SME Instrument programme since 2014 has led to an increase in the 2017 budget to a total of M 437.5€.
What is the SME Instrument?
The "SME Instrument" is one of the European Commission's star commitments for the 2014-2020 period, endowed with €2,700 million to financially support SMEs that have the ambition to grow, develop and internationalise. Having practically passed the first programming period, 2014-2015, the European Commission plans to introduce improvements that will make it more attractive for 2016-2017.
Changes to the H2020 SME Instrument 2017 programme
Increase of the budget by €51.6M. Divided into :
In phase II, the concept of "open research" will be set as the default. This measure increases competitiveness by accelerating innovation and collaboration, improving transparency and avoiding duplication of efforts.
The duration of Health and Biotechnology projects will be extended up to 36 months.
4.Topic 8 "blue growth" will give more importance to the prevention of maritime pollution.
5.In the security topic, more importance will be given to actions to improve cyber security.
SME instrument success stories in the first call 2016:
FASTEEL «Disruptive innovation through new tool steels with unique thermo-mechanical performance for material forming applications» of ROVALMA S.A., a technological leader in the design and development of High Performance Steels and other Special Alloys for the most demanding industrial applications in the tool and mould making sectors, and for components of machinery and production equipment.
FRESHINK2 «Colour-code labelling for continuous monitoring of quality and safety of packed chicken meat» of the company CHIMIGRAF IBERICA S.L., manufacturer of liquid inks and digital printing. Last year they won Phase1 and now they will soon start Phase2.
VegAlert «Low-cost, early phytosanitary monitoring and alert service for horticultural farmers»from the company MICROGAIA BIOTECH S.L., a technology-based company that emerged as a spin-off from the prestigious Murcian research institute CEBAS-CSIC, whose mission focuses on converting the results obtained from R&D&I into high-value products for the integrated and sustainable management of pests in the fruit and vegetable sector.
If you think you could benefit from this support or would like more information, please contact us. Abra-Invest has an expert team at your disposal. Call + 34 946424142 or fill in the contact form.