Proof of Concept
The ERC Proof of Concept Grant funds ERC grantees to validate and advance the innovation potential of their research, supporting activities that bridge fundamental science and practical application.
Funder: European Research Council
Due Dates: March 17, 2026 (Proof of Concept, 1st cut-off) | September 17, 2026 (Proof of Concept, 2nd cut-off)
Funding Amounts: €150,000 lump sum per grant; project duration up to 18 months; up to 400 grants in 2026
Summary: Supports ERC-funded Principal Investigators in advancing the commercial or societal impact of their research through proof-of-concept activities.
Description
The European Research Council (ERC) Proof of Concept (PoC) Grant is a complementary funding scheme designed exclusively for Principal Investigators (PIs) who currently hold or have recently completed an ERC main grant (Starting, Consolidator, Advanced, or Synergy). The PoC grant enables these PIs to explore and validate the innovation potential—commercial or societal—of ideas arising directly from their ERC-funded research. Typical activities include testing, demonstration, validation, IP strategy development, stakeholder engagement, and advancing the pathway from fundamental research toward practical application or innovation.
