Proof of Concept
The ERC Proof of Concept Grant helps previous ERC grantees turn their research results into real-world innovations by funding proof-of-concept activities beyond their original scientific projects.
Funder: European Research Council
Due Dates: March 17, 2026 | September 17, 2026
Funding Amounts: Lump sum of €150,000 per grant for up to 18 months; up to three grants per main grant project (six for Synergy Grants).
Summary: Supports previous ERC grantees in bridging their ERC-funded research towards innovation by funding proof-of-concept activities.
Key Information: Only previous ERC main grant holders (or those with a main grant ending on/after Jan 1, 2025) are eligible; one proposal per call.
Description
The ERC Proof of Concept (PoC) Grant is designed to help Principal Investigators (PIs) who have received an ERC main grant (Starting, Consolidator, Advanced, or Synergy) take the next step towards translating their research results into innovation, whether commercial or societal. The PoC grant funds activities not covered by the original ERC grant, enabling PIs to validate, test, and demonstrate the innovation potential of their ERC-funded ideas, clarify intellectual property or knowledge transfer strategies, and engage with stakeholders to move their research closer to market or societal impact.
