ERC Proof of Concept Grant

The ERC Proof of Concept (PoC) Grant helps ERC-funded researchers (Principal Investigators) take promising results from frontier research toward real-world application. It focuses on ERC funded projects and aims to enable ERC funded ideas with clear commercial or societal potential to move closer to implementation. Read more about this grant, how to apply and its deadlines below.

What is the ERC Proof of Concept Grant?

The ERC Proof of Concept (PoC) Grant is a follow-on scheme for ERC grantees who want to test, validate and mature ideas arising directly from their ERC-funded frontier research. It supports short, targeted projects that de-risk promising results on the path to innovation, by funding work that was not covered by the original grant, such as prototyping and validation, IP and knowledge-transfer planning, and early engagement with stakeholders and end users.

Who can apply?

Researchers holding an ERC Starting, Consolidator, Advanced or Synergy Grant may apply to the ERC Proof of Concept grant if their main grant is ongoing or ended after 1 January 2024, and if the proposed work draws substantially on that ERC project. Each applicant may submit only one PoC application per call. No more than three PoC grants can be awarded per main ERC project, except for Synergy projects where up to six are possible; for Synergy projects, the applying researcher needs the written consent of all co-grantees. The Host Institution (a legal entity in an EU Member State or Associated Country that employs/engages the applicant for the PoC) must engage the applicant for at least the PoC duration. The Host Institution may be different from the institution hosting the main grant, provided it meets ERC eligibility rules.

How does the application process work?

You may submit at any time from the call opening until a cut-off date. A complete application includes the administrative form, the proposal (part B), as well as supplementary documents: a binding HI support letter and, where applicable, an ethics self-assessment and additional ethics materials; letters of support or intent from stakeholders are optional. Calls are published on the ERC website, the EU Funding and Tenders Portal and in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Evaluation is single-stage and based solely on excellence across three elements: breakthrough innovation potential, a feasible and appropriate approach and methodology, and the researcher’s strategic leadership and project management. External experts mark each element “very good,” “good,” or “fail.” To be eligible for funding, your proposal must receive a pass (“very good” or “good”) from a majority of experts on all three elements. Proposals that pass all three but cannot be funded due to budget limits receive a Seal of Excellence.

Overview: ERC Proof of Concept Grant

Aim of the programme

ERC Proof of Concept grants aim to support existing ERC-grantees who want to test, validate and mature an idea that emerged directly from their ERC-funded frontier research. It supports short, targeted projects that de-risk promising results on the path to innovation, by funding work that was not covered by the original grant.

Who can apply?

Current or recent ERC grantees (Starting, Consolidator, Advanced, or Synergy) whose main grant is ongoing or ended after 1 January 2024, with a PoC proposal clearly linked to that ERC project. A Host Institution must be in place, but may differ from the original ERC host if eligible.

Funding details

Each ERC Proof of Concept project receives a lump sum of €150,000 at a 100% funding rate. Grant agreements are signed for up to 18 months, although most projects are expected to complete in about 12 months. The total available budget is €30 million in 2025 and €60 million in 2026.

Deadlines in 2026

The 2026 call opens on 13 November 2025, with cut-offs on 17 March 2026 and 17 September 2026.

More information on the ERC Proof of Concept Grant.

About the European Research Council (ERC)

The European Research Council (ERC) funds frontier research through highly competitive ERC grants. ERC funded research has the boldest ideas and top talent across career stages: Starting, Consolidator, and Advanced Grants; a Proof of Concept grant to build on an ongoing ERC project; and Synergy Grants for small, high-impact consortia.

More about ERC grants or visit the ERC website

 

 

---

 

About Catalyze

At Catalyze we commit ourselves to accelerate innovations that have a positive impact on the world. We are the driving force for innovations across the fields of Life Sciences and Sustainability. Our offering of strategic consulting services, funding consulting, project management and more, deliver impactful expertise for all development stages. With a proven track record and the highest quality and success rate in the industry, we aim to be the consulting partner of choice to drive the success of meaningful innovation projects.

Learn more