Innovation Vouchers 2022

About the Call

Innovation Vouchers are a simple and accessible financial instrument that enables micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), startups, and innovative individuals to access the expertise of accredited research and scientific organisations. The programme aims to foster short-term collaboration between the private sector and academia, helping businesses improve their products, services, or processes through knowledge and technology transfer.

The programme operates on a rolling basis, meaning that applications are accepted continuously as long as funds remain available or until the application deadline. This makes it one of the most flexible support instruments offered by the Innovation Fund.

Grant Amount

From EUR 2,000 to EUR 8,000 per voucher.

A single voucher may cover up to 80% of the total cost of services provided by a research institution and may amount to a maximum of EUR 8,000, including Value Added Tax (VAT).

Eligible Services

The following services are eligible for support under this programme:

• Development of new or improvement of existing products (in terms of functionality and quality), processes, or services;
• Proof of concept;
• Feasibility study;
• Production of a laboratory prototype;
• Development of a demonstration prototype;
• Various forms of testing (in laboratories or pilot facilities);
• Technology validation;
• Validation of new or improved products, processes, or services;
• Development and implementation of dedicated software for a product or process (as part of product development).