EIC Accelerator: an opportunity for environmental SMEs

13/04/2020. The EIC Accelerator call is part of the European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot project supporting leading innovators, entrepreneurs and small businesses with funding opportunities and acceleration services. The aim of the programme is to bring to the European market new innovative products, services and business models that can drive economic growth. Pilot environmental projects will be funded at a rate of 70% with up to The aim of this specific project of the European Innovation Council Accelerator is to contribute to the implementation of the Green Deal objectives Environmental pilot projects that pass the second phase and meet the requirements will receive a grant ranging from EUR 0.5 to 2.5 million,  70% non-refundable. The deadline for submission will be 19 May at 5 p.m. The second phase of the EIC Accelerator call for proposals triples the budget «The European Innovation Council’s call is a unique opportunity for companies that have services or products within the environment. It is the first time that the European Commission has carried out a programme of this kind within the framework of the Horizon 2020 in the line for European SMEs», said Adrián Noheda, EU Project Manager of the Finnova Foundation, who highlighted that this year the second phase of the EIC Accelerator call triples the budget that it usually has for each call. Specifically, the total budget is 303,000,000 euros. This funding reveals the European Commission’s commitment to the Green Deal. In addition, this year there may be an investment of 15 million euros in risk capital by the European Union. Projects must contribute to the objectives of the ODS The aim of this specific programme of the European Innovation Council Accelerator is to contribute to the implementation of the Green Deal objectives, as well as to encourage impact investment by supporting the development and market implementation of innovations that can tilt our socio-economic systems onto a more sustainable path. Projects must support the implementation of the Green Deal by contributing significantly to one of the Sustainability Objectives (SO) such as eliminating pollution; sustainable mobility or clean energy, among others. Some examples of companies that have been successful in their projects thanks to the European calls are the company APSU from the Canary Islands, which received a seal of excellence from the European Commission for Horizon 2020, since they developed the APSU Microwave Reactor, which serves to eliminate the bacteria that accumulate in wastewater. Or the BunPlanet company, who created software to reduce water losses, received two seals of excellence in 2015 and 2016 from the European Commission. EUvsCrisis: April 24,25 and 26 The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Innovation, in close collaboration with the EU Member States, will be organising a Pan-European Hackathon on 24, 25 and 26 April. The aim is to connect civil society, innovators, partners, innovators, companies and universities from all over Europe in order to develop innovative solutions to overcome the challenges related to the coronavirus. More details in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZJn-kdkAAk The Finnova Foundation and its Startups Europe Awards programme are official partners of the European Union and those interested in making suggestions or proposing challenges can send them by filling in the following form: http://covid19.finnova.eu CONTACT -For any other question: info@finnova.eu General Director of the Finnova Foundation: Juan Manuel Revuelta juanmarevuelta@finnova.eu /Tel: 0032 475 97 4277 -Press officer: Lola Bordás cmo@finnova.eu, Tel: +34 619 11 02 66  

Leadership Program in Open, Strategic and Unique Innovation: Projects Creation Innovation Units

08/04/2020. These are grants for projects to create Joint Innovation Units to develop technological development and innovation activities in Andalusia. Characteristics of the eligible projects. The joint unit will be made up of a single research body and a single company that is NOT an SME, which must contribute at least 50% of the total budget. Eligible expenses Expenses for research, technical and auxiliary staff. Costs of newly acquired instruments and materials. Costs of contractual research, knowledge, patents, as well as costs of consultancy and equivalent services. General costs directly derived from the project and necessary for its execution. Other additional operating expenses Amount: The maximum intensity of the aid will be 60% of the investment with a maximum limit of 2,000,000 euros per project. Beneficiaries: NON-SMEs Public Research and Dissemination Bodies Organisation: Ministry of Economy, Knowledge, Business and University. Application period: 75 calendar days from the day following the end of the alarm condition. The minimum eligible budget for each project will be 1,500,000 euros. Contact: Adrian Noheda: adrian.noheda@finnova.e

Leadership Program in Open, Strategic and Unique Innovation: Collaborative Projects

08/04/2020. This is aid for collaborative projects of Industrial Research or Experimental Development by companies with operational establishments in Andalusia. Characteristics of the eligible projects Industrial Research or Experimental Development Projects: Developed in effective collaboration between several companies, at least three with operational establishments in Andalusia, of which at least one must be an SME, with the paid participation of at least one research and knowledge dissemination organisation in an amount equal to or greater than 15% of the overall eligible budget. Eligible expenditure Expenses for research, technical and auxiliary staff. Costs of newly acquired instruments and materials. Costs of contractual research, knowledge, patents, as well as costs of consultancy and equivalent services. General costs directly derived from the project and necessary for its execution. Other additional operating costs. Beneficiaries: Self-employed Companies in general Public Research Bodies Universities and their university institutes with proven capacity and activity in R&D Other centers Public R & D Technology Centers and Innovation and Technology Centers. Other non-profit entities that carry out and/or manage R+D+i activities Organisation: Ministry of Economy, Knowledge, Business and University. Application period: 75 calendar days from the day following the end of the alarm condition. The minimum subsidizable budget will be 1,000,000 euros. Contact: Adrian Noheda: (adrian.noheda@finnova.eu)

LIFE aid for Environment and resource efficiency traditional projects

08/04/2020. The Environment and Climate Action Programme (LIFE) is the European Union’s financial instrument dedicated to the environment for the period 2014-2020. Its overall objective is to contribute to sustainable development and the achievement of the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy and the EU’s environment and climate strategies. One of the sub-programmes of LIFE is the Environment, which represents 75% of the total funding. LIFE co-finances up to 55% of projects in the priority area of Environment and Resource Efficiency (the Environment Sub-Programme) especially in the areas of air, chemicals, green and circular economy, industrial accidents, marine and coastal management, noise, soil, waste, water and urban environment. The programme provides grants for pilot and demonstration projects to develop, test and demonstrate policy or management approaches. It also covers the development and demonstration of innovative technologies, the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of EU environmental policy and law, as well as best practices and solutions. In particular, the European Commission seeks new technologies and solutions that are ready to be applied under near-market conditions, on an industrial or commercial scale, for the duration of the project. In the framework of the LIFE Programme and the 2020 call, there are interesting opportunities to give continuity to several actions of the Iberian Centre for Research and Fight against Forest Fires (CILIFO). The project could obtain alternative sources of funding for some lines of study, research and dissemination being carried out by the project’s different Working Groups. Furthermore, a proposal promoted by CILIFO within the framework of the LIFE Programme could exploit the good practices of CILIFO and the results obtained by the CILIFO Working Groups. The CILIFO project, which is a European project focused on the prevention and extinction of forest fires, as well as on the adaptation and mitigation of climate change, is led by the Andalusian Regional Government (Spain). CILIFO has the first accelerator/incubator specialized in the prevention and extinction of forest fires and co-founded by an Interreg programme in Europe, «Firefighting Open Innovation Lab – CILIFO», which can contribute with innovative solutions. This Open Innovation Lab welcomes entities (entrepreneurs, spin-offs, start-ups, SMEs…) working in the field of climate change adaptation and mitigation, including forest fire prevention and extinction. Target: the programme is aimed at consortia between public and private organisations at local level, councils, town halls, universities, public or private companies (including SMEs) and associations. Startups and entrepreneurs can also apply for the aid, as innovation in low-cost technologies for easy application in different areas is particularly encouraged. Procedure: the Environment Subprogramme is divided into two stages: first a 10-page «concept note» is presented. You can modify a concept note submitted as many times as you wish until the call for project proposals is closed. Then, if the concept reaches the second stage, it will be necessary to send the complete project proposal based on the comments of the LIFE programme. The average budget per project is EUR 1 to 2 million. Deadline for concept notes for traditional environment and resource efficiency projects: 14 July 2020. Project example: HyperIN Hyper [IN] is a revolutionary thermal and acoustic insulation material with permanent fire resistance. It is an internationally patented material that is biodegradable, insulating and fireproof, manufactured mainly from recyclable materials, which is mainly applied in the construction sector. A characteristic of this product is that a large part of its components are obtained from recycled products following the principles of the circular economy. This project is characterized by applying the principles of the circular economy, since it is composed of recycled materials that are reused (such as rice straw), with the aim of providing solutions to various environmental problems using 100% recycled and natural materials. Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic: Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, projects dedicated to the management of the COVID-19 pandemic have taken on special relevance for the European Commission, encouraging research into systems of contagion and control of pandemics. It is not only researching new drugs or vaccines that may be of special interest in the fight against the coronavirus but also looking for projects that have unique viability in this field so important at present. EU applicants are encouraged to reflect on what elements of their project can help prevent, mitigate, manage the current crisis or recover from a similar health crisis in the future. The aim is that any project that has some element, however small, that can collaborate or add to a much larger and more coordinated response in the fight against the pandemic, can be investigated from a health approach in order to readopt it and turn it into a response that, coming from different projects, can become a solution greater than the sum of its parts. For more information contact the Coordinator of the CILIFO project at the Finnova Foundation, José Manuel Requena (jrequena@finnova.eu) or visit the website   DOWNLOAD HERE THE GUIDE TO THE LIFE CALL FOR ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE ACTION PROJECTS CILIFO_Guideline_Finnova_LIFE_en_v1

Covid-19 Financial Support Programme for Companies

This is a line of financing to guarantee the monetary risks incurred by SMEs and self-employed workers before financial institutions in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia. Eligible expenditure: the guarantee operations which the SGR grants and formalises with the business owner, from 14 March to 31 October 2020. Characteristics of the loan: Average amount: 25,000 Term: Up to 5 years. Grace period: up to 12 months. Interest rate: Fixed, up to 2%. Arrangement fee: Up to 0.50%. Guarantee: 100% of the underlying transaction. Guarantor: Sociedad de Avales y Garantías de Andalucía, S.G.R. (Guarantee) Economic conditions of Guarantee: Single payment on formalization. – Annual guarantee commission: Up to 1.25%. – Study fee: Up to 0.50%. – Linked capital: 2% (refundable). Counter-guarantees: personal signatures of holders and partners. Situation of the SME at 31/12/2019: businesses with tax benefits and generation of sufficient resources for the payment of their debt Beneficiaries: SMEs Self-employed Eligible expenditure: Guarantee operations granted and formalised by the MGS guarantee with the business owner between 14 March and 31 October 2020. Organisation: Consejería de Hacienda Industria y Energía List of economic activities admitted, according to CANE-2009: click Deadline: 31 October 2020 Contact: Adrian Noheda (adrian.noheda@finnova.eu)  

LIFE call for proposals for environmental innovation

02.04.2020. The Environment and Climate Action Programme (LIFE) is the European Union’s financial instrument dedicated to the environment for the period 2014-2020. LIFE opens the call for co-financing projects in the environmental sector. Its overall objective for the period 2014-2020 is to contribute to sustainable development and the achievement of the objectives and targets of the Europe 2020 strategy and the relevant EU environment and climate strategies and plans. The programme is divided into two subprogrammes: the Environment subprogramme accounts for 75 per cent of total funding, and the Climate Action subprogramme for 25 per cent of the budget. The Iberian Centre for Research and Fight against Forest Fires (CILIFO) encourages its beneficiaries and other entities related to the sector to submit their proposals. Within the framework of the LIFE Programme and the 2020 call, there are interesting opportunities to give continuity to various actions of the CILIFO project. It is important to highlight some priorities contained in the 2018-2020 Work Programme of the LIFE Programme, which may be of interest to CILIFO. In this sense, CILIFO could obtain alternative sources of funding for some lines of study, research and dissemination being carried out by the project’s different Working Groups. Furthermore, a proposal promoted by CILIFO within the framework of the LIFE Programme could exploit CILIFO’s good practices and the results obtained by the CILIFO Working Groups. Currently, the Finnova Foundation, the beneficiary of the CILIFO Project, is looking for collaboration entities to implement a LIFE Project in the 2020 call for proposals focused on the thematic area in which the CILIFO project is working. Furthermore, Finnova can contribute with innovative solutions thanks to the «Firefighting Open Innovation Lab – CILIFO», the first accelerator/incubator specialized in forest fire prevention and extinction and co-founded by an Interreg programme in Europe. This Open Innovation Lab welcomes entities (entrepreneurs, spin-offs, start-ups, SMEs…) working in the field of climate change adaptation and mitigation, including forest fire prevention and extinction. Beneficiaries: Consortium between public and private bodies at local level: councils, town halls, universities, public or private companies (including SMEs) and associations. For more information contact the CILIFO project coordinator at the Finnova Foundation, José Manuel Requena (jrequena@finnova.eu) or visit the web

NEOTEC Program

27.03.2020. The Firefighting Open Innovation Lab-CILIFO reports the following aid: up to 70% of funding in the budget of each of the business projects that opt for this program and that have a minimum of 175,000 euros eligible for funding. Objective To finance the start-up of new business projects in any technological and/or sectorial field, which require the use of technologies or knowledge developed from research activity and in which the business strategy is based on the development of technology. However, business projects whose business model is based primarily on services to third parties, without developing their own technology, are not eligible for this call. Neither will those initiatives that do not clearly reflect in their business plan the continuity in the development of technology be supported. Deadline and budget The 2020 call is expected to be launched in May. For more information, please visit the following link Who? Small innovative companies that: Are not quoted Are constituted in the three years preceding the closing date of applications. Likewise, the date of granting of the company’s deed of incorporation must be at least six months prior to the closing date of applications They have not distributed profits They did not arise from a corporate transaction Have a minimum share capital of 20,000 euros Have the annual accounts for the last two years Details: Up to 70% of the project’s budget can be financed, which must be between 175,000 and 250,000 euros. The duration of the project will be annual or multi-annual (two years maximum).

El proyecto CILIFO apuesta por el Voluntariado INTERREG

20.03.2020. Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) es parte de la Iniciativa del Cuerpo Europeo de Solidaridad lanzada por la Comisión Europea. IVY ofrece la posibilidad a jóvenes voluntarios de entre 18 y 30 años de servir como voluntarios en programas transfronterizos, transnacionales o interregionales y proyectos relacionados. Se trata de un programa que permite hacer prácticas dentro de un partenariado con proyecto Interreg aprobado. *Cabe destacar que dada la situación del COVID-19 los programas de prácticas internacionales están paralizados. Sin embargo, la inscripción está abierta y la fecha límite para solicitar el voluntariado es el 31 de diciembre de 2020. Para más información: contacte con la Fundación Finnova (navarro@finnova.eu) o visite el link https://www.interregyouth.com/  

EIT Climate-KIC #Accelerator in Spain opens call for entrepreneurship

The EIT Climate-KIC #Accelerator in Spain opens a new call for proposals (until April 8, 2020) for entrepreneurship grants, seeking to support the rapid growth of startups and their consolidation by overcoming the so-called «Valley of Death». Thus, it seeks to support the potential of businesses while at the same time supporting sustainable innovation, both environmentally and economically. It offers an 18-month program where you will be tutored and mentored at all times and with all the resources, offering the knowledge and tools to get the most out of your business and success. *As they inform: «Due to the current situation and the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus and the state of alarm, EIT Climate-KIC could make changes in the terms and conditions of this call. It is recommended to be aware of these possible changes through its website and social networks». For more information: click here

The next EU LIFE Information and Networking day will be online, as a precaution, due to Coronavirus

19.03.2020. The European Commission is organising a Virtual Information Day on the LIFE 2020 call for project proposals. Due to the outbreak of coronavirus, as a precautionary measure, this event will now be a virtual conference, on 30 April 2020. The event is open to potential applicants submitting project proposals on green technology, nature protection and climate action. Centro Ibérico para la Investigación y Lucha contra Incendios Forestales (CILIFO) will be present, through the Finnova Foundation, at the next LIFE event as a project proposal on green technology, nature protection and climate action. According to information on the website, the information session on the 2020 LIFE call will cover significant changes in the programme compared to previous years. Main topics: Environmental technologies and solutions including water, waste, air quality, soil, forest, health, climate change adaptation; climate change mitigation; nature conservation and biodiversity; climate and environmental governance and information initiatives. To participate in the event: https://www.sli.do/