Innovation Support Vouchers
The Water Test Network offers SMEs an integrated package of support in the form of Innovation Support Vouchers. These vouchers will be tailored to the needs of the SMEs and guarantee a certain level of fully-funded support, which could be any of the following components:
- Access to a test facility to allow the SME to test their technology;
- Support with validation and verification to assist market entry, where necessary.
Support for an SME can be up to €50,000 (no cash, in-kind services like analytics, testing space and verification), except where a special case is made for high potential. All costs will be de minimis, with appropriate recording.
Through the voucher system the SME will be matched to the most appropriate support / test facility. The voucher will cover the cost of the relevant support, such as the cost incurred by the test facility in hosting the trial. All the SME’s cost, including but not limited to their own staffing, travel, accommodation and logistics, will be met by the SME.
On the test facility page you can find detailed information about the various test facilities accessible within the project.
Who can apply?
All small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from North-West Europe can apply. An SME is defined as an organisation with no more as 250 employees and a turnover of at most €50 million.
In the ‘Innovation Voucher Terms of Reference’ you can read all the information about who is eligible, the application process, the main characteristics of the innovation vouchers and the selection criteria.
How to apply?
Applications for the vouchers can be submitted at any point from 11 December 2018 until September 2022.
The application process consists of two stages.
-
Applicants should first contact the Innovation Chaser in their region. The Innovation Chaser is the first point of contact and will support the applicant throughout the application process. He/she will assess initial eligibility of the applicant.
- If the applicant is eligible for support the Innovation Chaser will then support the applicant through the second stage of the application process. The 'Guidance Notes' below provide the applicant with detailed information about how to fill in the stage 2 application form.
Innovation Support Voucher documents:
In the files below you can find all the necessary documents (per stage) for the application process:
Stage 1 documents
Stage 2 documents
Additional documents: