{"id":13720,"date":"2025-09-10T11:14:21","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T09:14:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inova.to\/grants-from-brussels-how-to-turn-an-idea-into-a-funded-project\/"},"modified":"2025-09-10T11:14:21","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T09:14:21","slug":"grants-from-brussels-how-to-turn-an-idea-into-a-funded-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inova.to\/en\/grants-from-brussels-how-to-turn-an-idea-into-a-funded-project\/","title":{"rendered":"Grants from Brussels: How to turn an idea into a funded project?"},"content":{"rendered":"

EU grants \u2013 a bogeyman for some, a huge opportunity for others. But how do you navigate them? If you’ve ever opened European calls and found yourself clueless about what all those acronyms, TRL levels, or \u201cimpact\u201d mean, you’re certainly not alone. That’s why there’s <\/span>INOFEST<\/b><\/a> workshop, which will show that the grant world doesn’t have to be so scary when you know where to start and what to focus on.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Discussing this will be <\/span>Matej Novotn\u00fd (BALTEUS<\/a>)<\/b>, <\/span>Ivan Filus (BIC Bratislava<\/a>)<\/b> and <\/span>Martin Krug (CVTI SR<\/a>)<\/b> \u2013 people who daily address the questions of innovative companies and know what truly works for European grants. At INOFEST, they will share their experiences, highlight the most common mistakes, and offer tricks on how to approach grants strategically. <\/span><\/p>\n

What to expect?<\/strong> A practical overview of funding opportunities for higher TRL projects, from cascade funding through EIT programs to Horizon Europe. You will learn when it makes sense to approach an investor and when it’s better to try for a grant, how to choose a suitable call, and how to prepare a successful application<\/strong>. And so you don’t get lost in the maze of programs, you will also receive <\/span>a grant map<\/b>, which will make orientation easier for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

This workshop is perfectly suited for innovators, startups, and established companies who want to take their ideas further \u2013 from concept to project to real funding from European sources.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How to Navigate Grants?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Grants are not just \u201cfree money\u201d<\/em>. They are tools that can help you take a project to a completely different level \u2013 but only if you know how to use them. Initially, it’s important to realize that grants are more about strategy and a long-term vision than about quick money gains<\/strong>. As <\/span>Matej Novotn\u00fd from BALTEUS:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave a clear idea and strong motivation for a long-term innovation strategy with an emphasis on internationalization. And patience.\u201d <\/span><\/i> \u2013 <\/span>Matej Novotn\u00fd<\/b><\/p>\n

It’s crucial to think about grants strategically, not just chase funding. You need a clear vision of where you want to take your company, and patience, because the process can be lengthy, especially if you’re a newcomer. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Initial Analysis and Common Mistakes<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you are not sure if you have a chance for a grant, start with <\/span>an initial potential analysis<\/b>. This step will help you get oriented and prepare the project to have a real chance of success. Matej explains: <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFill out our questionnaire about the current situation in your organization (approximately 30 minutes). Subsequently, we will arrange a workshop at your location (approximately 3 hours), which we will prepare to better understand your situation and needs. After the workshop, we will process the current opportunities for your organization along with a long-term strategy proposal \u2013 we will evaluate the innovation potential and propose specific grant support options,\u201d <\/span><\/i>clarifies <\/span>Matej.<\/p>\n

The initial analysis is also ideal for uncovering common mistakes:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe project is not thought through in depth. Especially with newcomers to Horizon Europe, we find that they tend to prepare grant applications without thorough initial analysis (e.g., S-O-T-A) and plan such analyses only if the grant is approved. One must be careful not to write a project just for the sake of it, just to get money, but to approach it as support for real and meaningful activities, <\/span><\/i>\u201d explains <\/span>Matej.<\/p>\n

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Another key aspect is partnership.<\/strong> Don’t have partners for an international project? Matej recommends: <\/span>\u201cThere are various tools for \u2018partner search\u2019. At the same time, we also use our internal database of foreign partners with whom we have long-term collaborations.\u201d <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

The difference between a one-off grant and systematic fundraising lies precisely in the experience and synergistic effect of follow-up projects<\/strong>: <\/span>\u201cLeveraging the experience and energy invested in previous projects and the synergistic effect of added value in the case of consecutive projects.\u201d<\/span><\/i> concludes <\/span>Matej. <\/b> <\/p>\n

Where to Start and What to Watch out For<\/strong><\/h2>\n

For complete newcomers, the clear path is through the <\/span>National Contact Point (NCP)<\/b>. As <\/span>Martin Krug<\/b> from CVTI SR:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you are complete beginners, I would recommend contacting the NCP first. Every country within the EU establishes National Contact Points that will guide you through the Horizon Europe program.\u201d <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

If you already have experience, reach for <\/span>work programs for specific clusters<\/b> or the <\/span>Funding & Tenders (FTOP) portal<\/b>. On this portal, all European calls are gathered, including those relevant to your project.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Two common mistakes are made when choosing a call:<\/span><\/p>\n