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Accelerate the uptake of lifecycle assessment (LCA) for Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) chemicals and materials and resulting products

Saxony is increasingly focused on European research and innovation funding, especially through the "Horizon Europe" program, which runs from 2021 to 2027. The Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture, and Tourism (SMWK) invites all stakeholders to provide input on their experiences and expectations for a successor program after 2028. A survey is open until April 12, 2024, for this purpose.

To support Saxon companies, especially SMEs, in participating in Horizon Europe, the state has updated its funding guidelines. This program provides up to 50% financial support for eligible services related to preparing and submitting Horizon Europe applications. Fundable services include:

  • Development and submission of Horizon Europe proposals,
  • Establishing project management for coordinators in the initial project phase,
  • Analyzing reasons for rejected applications.

Non-eligible services include those provided by internal staff, affiliated companies, or family members, as well as services already funded by other governmental or EU bodies.

The grant amounts are capped at:

  • €5,000 for initial phase proposal development,
  • €10,000 for coordination role expenses,
  • Additional €15,000 for start-up coordination,
  • €1,000 for analyzing failed applications.

A company can receive funding for up to three projects, with applications submitted in writing to the Saxon Development Bank (SAB). Funding is granted after submitting the Horizon Europe proposal to the EU, and the company must notify SAB of the project's outcome (success or failure). Additional funding for coordination or analysis can be requested based on this result.

Find the original funding call page in german here.

Expected Outcome

The expected outcomes of the Horizon Europe funding call include several key objectives aimed at enhancing the participation and success of Saxon stakeholders in European research and innovation initiatives:

  1. Increased Participation: The primary goal is to stimulate greater involvement of Saxon small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), research institutions, and universities in Horizon Europe projects. By providing financial support, the program aims to lower barriers to entry for these entities.
  2. Improved Proposal Quality: The funding will help organizations develop higher-quality proposals for Horizon Europe by enabling access to professional services for preparation and submission. This includes project management and support services that can enhance the competitiveness of their applications.
  3. Higher Success Rates: By facilitating the preparation of well-structured and competitive proposals, the funding call aims to improve the success rates of applications submitted by Saxon entities, ultimately leading to more funded projects.
  4. Capacity Building: The call is expected to enhance the capacities of Saxon SMEs and research institutions by providing them with the necessary tools and expertise to effectively participate in international research projects, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
  5. Feedback for Future Programs: The call includes a survey for stakeholders to share their experiences and expectations, which is expected to inform the development of future funding programs beyond Horizon Europe. This feedback loop will help tailor future initiatives to better meet the needs of the Saxon research community.
  6. Sustained Engagement in Research and Innovation: Ultimately, the funding call aims to create a more robust ecosystem for research and innovation in Saxony, fostering long-term collaboration among academic institutions, industry, and government entities.

In summary, the funding call is designed to enhance the overall capacity and engagement of Saxon stakeholders in European research initiatives, leading to improved project outcomes, increased funding success, and a strengthened research landscape in the region.

Scope

The scope of the Horizon Europe funding call encompasses several key areas aimed at enhancing participation and support for Saxon stakeholders in the European research and innovation landscape. Here are the main aspects:

  1. Target Audience: The funding is directed primarily at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located in Saxony, including craft businesses, as well as higher education institutions, research facilities, and private providers of research and development (R&D) services.
  2. Funding Purpose: The call aims to support Saxon companies in preparing and submitting applications for the Horizon Europe program. It encourages engagement in EU-funded research and innovation projects.
  3. Financial Support: The program offers financial assistance of up to 50% for eligible services related to the development of Horizon Europe proposals, project management during the initial phase, and the evaluation of rejected applications.
  4. Eligible Services: Fundable activities include:
    • Preparing and developing proposals for Horizon Europe.
    • Establishing project management and controlling during the initial phase.
    • Analyzing reasons for the rejection of previous applications.
  5. Non-eligible Services: Certain services are not eligible for funding, including:
    • Services provided by internal company staff or affiliated entities.
    • Services from family members of company owners or executives.
    • Services already funded or provided at no cost by the EU, federal government, or the state of Saxony.
  6. Funding Limits: The maximum funding amounts vary, with specific caps for different phases of the application process:
    • Up to €5,000 for the initial proposal development phase.
    • Up to €10,000 for coordination roles.
    • Additional funding available for analysis of unsuccessful applications.
  7. Application Process: Applications must be submitted in writing to the Saxon Development Bank (SAB), and funding cannot commence before the application has been received by the SAB.

Overall, the call aims to strengthen Saxony's participation in European research initiatives, facilitate the development of high-quality proposals, and enhance the success rate of applications to Horizon Europe.

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