Grant options for close-to-the-market innovation activities

28th of March

The European Union undertakes various efforts to stimulate cooperation between regions in the European Union. The Fast Track to Innovation (FTI) is an innovation support programme (Horizon 2020) promoting close-to-the-market innovation activities open to industry-driven consortia that can be composed of all types of participants (e.g. SME-companies, large companies, knowledge institutions). The main aim of the FTI programme is to reduce the time to market of new and disruptive innovations.

The maximum EU contribution per project amounts to €3 million. Proposals for funding must be submitted by consortia comprising between three and five legal entities established in at least three different EU Member States or countries associated to Horizon 2020. Actions are to be ‘business-driven’ because they are intended to give breakthrough innovation ideas the last push. Substantial industry involvement in a FTI project is mandatory to ensure quick market take-up.

EU funding levels are fixed at 70% of the eligible costs. Proposals can be submitted at any time during the programme with ranking following the cut-off dates. The next cut-off dates in 2018 are 31 May 2018 and 23 October 2018. If you want to stay informed or want to discuss a project idea, please contact one of the Alfa grant experts.