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Fast Track to Innovation continues

Hager Bassyouni, MSc

This year, the pilot period of the grant programme Fast Track to Innovation (FTI), part of research programme Horizon 2020, comes to an end. An FTI project has to contribute to the objectives of Horizon 2020. These objectives focus mainly on strengthening the competitiveness of European industry and on contributing to innovative solutions for social challenges. Because the FTI programme doesn’t use pre-defined themes, a wide range of large-scale innovation projects can qualify for funding.

Continuation of FTI programme  

Over recent years, the FTI programme has proved quite successful. Therefore the European Commission has decided to continue with the innovation programme. Based on the two pilot rounds of 2014-2015 and 2016-2017, the renewed FTI programme has been informally announced to be continued for a period of 2018-2020. The programme probably opens immediately after the official publication of the Horizon 2020 Work Programme 2018-2020 and will work with cut-off dates for proposals.

Funding for large-scale European innovation tracks

With an average financial contribution of € 1,500,000 (maximum € 3 million), the FTI programme focuses on large-scale projects with a European impact. Up to 70% of the project costs are reimbursed. During the pilot phase, € 100 million budget was available per year. In 2018-2020 the same amount of money is likely to be made available every year. Details of the programme, including the budget for the coming round, are expected to be announced this fall.

European cooperation is required within the FTI programme. A consortium must consist of three to five partners from European member states and/or associated countries. Although the industry has to form the majority in a consortium, the FTI programme is also accessible to knowledge institutions and public organisations..

Evaluation FTI grant applications

FTI operates with annual calls that consist of three cut-off-dates. During these moments, all submitted proposals on or before the cut-off date are being evaluated. An evaluation commission reviews the application, regarding the following elements:

  • Degree of implementation | Potency to achieve goals;
  • Degree of excellence | Innovation within the field;
  • Degree of impact | Strong value creation and business case

Hezelburcht grant support and advice

The grant specialists of Hezelburcht have extensive experience in setting up, applying and coordinating large-scale European innovation tracks. They also ensure actively monitoring and advice of deadlines and administrative requirements. In case you would like to receive more information or should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We will keep you posted on the latest developments and news.

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