Last January in Madrid, EBN participated at the kick off event of InnoWWide, an H2020 project aiming at funding up to 120 SMEs and startups to conduct Viability Assessment Projects (VAPs) in markets outside of Europe with a funding of 60 k€ /VAP in order to validate the practical, technological and commercial viability of international, cross-fertilised, innovative businesses solutions along emerging global value chains.

The kick-off meeting was organised by the consortium leader, Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI), and included the participation of all project partners from different EU countries (EBN nd EBN Member SPI, as well being part of the consortium). The project is supported by a large range of partners that have a wide network of contacts among European SMEs. In particular, INNOWWIDE is composed by six national funding agencies, one of the most relevant international business acceleration networks, the most important multilateral business led R&I organisation, two highly specialised and renowned firms in international R&I management and an outstanding innovation public-private partnership.

Bringing European highly innovative SMEs to the forefront of international markets

INNOWIDE will implement two calls with a total budget of 7,2M€, and is expected to fund 120 VAPs (60.000 €/VAP). The calls will target markets of developing countries, large emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China, Mexico, etc.) and developed countries. The VAPs will be selected through a competitive selection procedure.

The INNOWWIDE strategic model relies upon the design and prototype of an innovative funding scheme which aims to support:

1. The viability assessment of globally-oriented, SME- led, innovative business solutions in close collaboration with third country stakeholders
2. The preparatory work to facilitate further joint R&I actions, including co-creation and open innovation, and market technology uptake.
3. The establishment of synergies, leverages and complementarities with current and future related national and international funding schemes.

The first call will be launched on April 1st 2019!

To get all the updated information you can follow the INNOWWIDE Twitter account and check the website!