EU supports Swiss inventiveness

Switzerland is taking part in the EU’s Horizon 2020 research programme, giving it access to a funding pool of 80 billion euros. Ideas from small and medium enterprises are also being supported. Swiss inventiveness can only benefit here.

Switzerland and Europe as a whole benefit from the innovations of Swiss Wood Solutions AG. The founders of the Zurich-based startup developed a process that gives domestic wood similar properties to that of rare tropical wood. Swiss Wood Solutions AG is the first company to benefit with an innovation project from SME Instrument, which is part of the EU research programme Horizon 2020 and seeks to revolutionize European innovation funding for small and medium enterprises.

“It has never been easier for SMEs to submit a grant application,” said Florian Berner. He is the Zurich contact person for SMEs at Euresearch, a Swiss network financed by the federal government that provides free assistance in applying for European research funding.

1.6 billion euros for SMEs

The SME Instrument is revolutionary in a number of ways. Firstly, the administrative effort has been massively reduced – an application consists of only 10 to 30 pages. Secondly, research partners are no longer required, making it perfect for projects that promote the further development of a product or a new business model. Thirdly, the variety of possible topics is now nearly unlimited.

“For Switzerland, the SME Instrument is one of the few opportunities for innovation support that grants funding directly to a company, without having to pay it back or give up shares in the company,” said Florian Berner.

A total of 1.6 billion euros will be available by 2020. Up to 70 per cent of the costs will be covered up to a maximum of 2.5 million euros, though most sums will be in the six-digit range. But competition is fierce: generally speaking, only 5 to 10 per cent of applications are accepted. 250 applications were submitted in 2016 from Switzerland, 14 per cent of which were successful.

From prototype phase to market readiness

Euresearch helps applicants determine if their own project is suitable. Strong growth and market potential, a high degree of innovation and an international orientation are required. Ideally, the jump from prototype phase to market readiness should be achieved with this assistance, but small sums are also available for feasibility studies for all those still at the very beginning.

The expert is also willing to give a tip: “Projects working on ecological or socially sustainable solutions to societal problems have better chances.” Swiss Wood Solutions AG is good example of this.