Proof of Concept grants provide support for previous and current ERC grantees who want to explore the commercial or societal potential of their work.
Who should apply
Current ERC principal investigators (PIs) or ERC PIs whose grants ended less than 12 months before the 1 January of the year of the work programme.
How it works
Proof of Concept grants support ERC PIs and can employ researchers and innovators of any nationality as team members. It is also possible to have one or more team members located in a non-European country.
What is funded
Research and innovation activities conducted in a public or private research organisation in one of the EU Member States or Associated Countries. Proof of Concept grants are awarded a lump sum of €150,000 for 18 months.
How we can support you
We are the UK National Contact Point for ERC. You can email us for free information and advice.
You can attend our regular free events about ERC calls. Every event is recorded so that you can catch up on past recordings, too.
Additional support for UKRO subscribers
If your organisation subscribes to UKRO, we can provide additional support. Check if your organisation is a subscriber.
While we cannot read and comment on proposals directly, we have resources available to help with proposal writing. Your UKRO European Advisor can advise you on general questions regarding your proposal.
Next steps
- Find out if you can apply, read about Starting Grants and what the funding covers by visiting the ERC website.
- Read about the financial support available in the current Work Programme to see if this is right for you.
- Look at what the ERC has funded in the past and see if your project fits the scale and ambition of an ERC grant.
- Familiarise yourself with the panels to pick the right one for you. Note that all research areas are eligible.
- Speak to your host institution as early as possible.
- Apply on the Funding & Tenders Portal.
If you do not already have an account, you need to register on the portal
If your host institution needs a Participant Identification Code (PIC), register for one on the Funding & Tenders Portal.
Contact us if you have any questions.
Last updated: 9 July 2024