2020 Program's SME Instrument Support

TÜBİTAK Marmara Teknokent A.Ş. (MARTEK), within the framework of the project titled “Applied Training Program for Developing the Innovation Potential of SMEs with the European Union (EU) Horizon 2020 SME Instrument, Project Workshop”, supported by the East Marmara Development Agency (MARKA) under the 2019 Technical Support Program, will organize a training camp between August 5-9, 2019, for innovative businesses that fall into the SME category according to the EU SME definition and wish to apply to the SME Instrument program, a sub-program of the Horizon 2020 (H2020) program, the largest budget support program of the European Union. Businesses participating in the training are expected to have projects that have already reached a certain level of technological maturity.

• EU SME definition: Businesses with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than €50 million or an annual balance sheet total of less than €43 million (for all details including whether they are affiliated/partner companies, etc.) http://ec.europa.eu/growth/smes/business-friendly-environment/sme-definition_en)
• Horizon 2020 Programme: Horizon 2020 is a support program developed under the Innovation Union, one of the seven flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 strategy, to ensure development based on research and innovation across Europe. The program's three main priorities are Excellence in Science, Industrial Leadership, and Societal Challenges. It will be implemented during the EU's 2014-2020 financial period and has a total budget of €80 billion. While it is a continuation of the European Union's 7th Framework Programme, it also introduces some innovations in terms of simplifying implementation processes and scope. The organization coordinating Horizon 2020 in Turkey is TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey).
• Horizon 2020 Programme SME Instrument Sub-Programme: The European Union (EU) Horizon 2020 SME Instrument is a phased support program developed by the EU primarily focused on the creation, development, and commercialization of innovative ideas. The SME Instrument aims to support SMEs in developing their innovation potential, enabling the rapid and effective market launch of new ideas, and in the long term, increasing Europe's industrial competitiveness, economic growth, and job creation. The SME Instrument is a three-stage support program. The first stage is "Concept and Feasibility Assessment Support." This support, up to €50,000 per company, covers the financing of technological and economic feasibility analyses, market research, strategy, and risk assessments for testing innovative ideas. A 10-page business plan must be submitted with the application. SMEs are expected to prepare their business plans and apply for the first stage support at the end of the training program. Companies that advance to the second stage can receive support from the EU ranging from €500,000 to €2.5 million. These companies also receive free coaching services from TÜBİTAK (the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey). In the third stage, businesses are provided with opportunities such as startup acceleration, training support, coaching, and access to venture capital networks.
• Support and awards provided by TÜBİTAK to encourage participation in the Horizon 2020 Program: https://h2020.org.tr/tr/destek-ve-oduller

The deadline for applications is Friday, August 2, 2019.

Announcement: https://twitter.com/Tubitak_Martek/status/1153207485869821952

The email address to send participation notifications to is: emus@marmarateknokent.com.tr

Who can apply?

• Representatives of innovative SMEs from all sectors located in the Eastern Marmara Region and possessing English language proficiency can apply. The European Commission, in its SME classification, uses the EU SME Definition (as described above).http://ec.europa.eu/growth/smes/business-friendly-environment/sme-definition_en(This is a reference point) and many large-scale businesses in Türkiye that are above the SME status qualify for SME status according to the EU SME definition.
• Businesses participating in the training are expected to have projects that have already reached a certain level of technological maturity.

The aims of education

• Developing the innovation perception, knowledge, and skills of SMEs in line with international standards.
• Introducing European Union programs and opportunities in the field of innovation (H2020, EASME, etc.)
• Improving SMEs' awareness and knowledge of the H2020 SME tool.
• Improving SMEs' knowledge and skills on the key elements and application procedures of the H2020 SME instrument.
• To provide SMEs with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to apply for the H2020 SME instrument.
• Providing the necessary consulting and mentoring support to enable SMEs to adapt their projects to the H2020 SME tool.

About the Training Camp

History of education

August 5-9, 2019

Training hours

09.30 – 17.30

The place of education

TÜBİTAK Marmara Technopark Social Facilities, 2nd Floor Training Room, Gebze, Kocaeli

(For transportation:) http://marmarateknokent.tubitak.gov.tr/bizeulasin.htm)

The training program

Day 1: 05/08/2019

• Introduction
• Expectations/Prejudices/Concerns
• Group dynamics
• Introduction to the EU Horizon 2020 SME Instrument Programme
• EU Programme Expectations and Innovations Coming in 2020
• Project examples

Day 2: 06/08/2019

• SME Instrument Phase 1: Basic Principles and Eligibility Analysis
• Project group work
• Application: Step-by-step application I – Preparation

Day 3: 07/08/2019

• SME Tool Phase I – EXCELLENCE
  • Problem and solution
  • Approach
• Application: Step-by-step application II

Day 4: 08/08/2019

• SME Instrument Phase I – IMPACT
  • Market access
  • Business model
  • Financing
  • Intellectual and industrial property
• Application: Step-by-step application III

Day 5: 09/08/2019

• SME Instrument Phase I – IMPLEMENTATION
  • Set
  • Feasibility and analysis
  • Business plan, work packages
• SME Instrument Phase I – Sections 4-5
  • Information regarding the applicant company
  • Ethic
• Application: Step-by-step application IV
• Evaluation

Day 6: 10/08/2019

Project application preparation, project evaluations, feedback and mentoring.

Day 7: August 11, 2019

Project application preparation, project evaluations, feedback and mentoring.

For more information and questions:

Ergin Muş

Tel: (262) 676 62 08

e-mail: emus@marmarateknokent.com.tr