by European Research Council (ERC) · Any legal entity established in an EU Member State or Associated Country (Universities, Research Centers, SMEs, etc.)
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
💛 Lump sum funding for innovation-related activities🟩 Active🎓 Postdoctoral / Principal Investigator🌍 European Union / Associated Countries📌 Research and Innovation Grant
Multiple annual cut-offs (typically March and September)
Level
Postdoctoral / Principal Investigator
Acceptance
Approximately 35%
Difficulty
High
Quick Summary
ERC Proof of Concept Grant is a lump sum funding for innovation-related activities scholarship offered by European Research Council (ERC) for students pursuing studies in European Union / Associated Countries. The award covers A fixed lump sum of 150,000 to bridge the gap between research results and the early stages of commercial or social innovation. and is open to postdoctoral / principal investigator students studying all fields of science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. The scholarship runs for typically 12 to 18 months. Eligibility is generally based on exclusively available to researchers who have already been awarded an ERC Starting, Consolidator, Advanced, or Synergy Grant. The application deadline is Multiple annual cut-offs (typically March and September), with an acceptance rate of approximately Approximately 35%. Competition for this scholarship varies year to year, so early preparation of required documents is recommended.
✨ Should I Apply for ERC Proof of Concept Grant?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
38%
Win Probability
7/10
Difficulty
6/10
Reward Score
30-45 hrs
Time Required
Approximately 30% to 40%
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
150,000 EUR
⏳
Duration
Typically 12 to 18 months
📅
Deadline
Multiple annual cut-offs (typically March and September)
🔬
Fields
All fields of science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 150 to 200 per year
🌏
Study Country
European Union / Associated Countries
🏛️
Provider
European Research Council (ERC)
📊
Acceptance
Approximately 35%
The ERC Proof of Concept Grant is a supplementary funding scheme for researchers who already hold an ERC grant. It aims to help PIs explore the commercial or societal potential of their ERC-funded research, covering activities such as intellectual property rights, commercialization, and social impact strategy.
👥 Who Should Apply
Exclusively available to researchers who have already been awarded an ERC Starting, Consolidator, Advanced, or Synergy Grant.
🏛️ Host University
Any legal entity established in an EU Member State or Associated Country (Universities, Research Centers, SMEs, etc.)
🤝 Sponsor
European Commission
🔬 Fields of Study
All fields of science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities
✨ Key Benefits
A fixed lump sum of €150,000 to bridge the gap between research results and the early stages of commercial or social innovation.
🎯 Target Students
Professional Researchers and Scientists
🏷 Tags
ERCHorizon EuropeInnovationTechnology TransferEU GrantPostdoctoral Research
📊 Statistics & Competitiveness
Approximately 500-600 across all cycles
Applicants Last Year
Approximately 200
Winners
Approximately 35%
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 30% to 40%
Competition Level
Win Probability
38%
Match Score
75%
Competition
50%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Check website
Living Stipend
Eligible for personnel costs including PI salary portion
Total Award
150,000 EUR
✈️ Travel: Yes (if directly related to the proof of concept project)🏠 Accommodation: No💊 Health Insurance: Provided through the host institution's employment contract🔄 Renewable: No💳 App Fee: Free
🏠 Living Stipend
Eligible for personnel costs including PI salary portion
🏡 Accommodation
No
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes (if directly related to the proof of concept project)
💊 Health Insurance
Provided through the host institution's employment contract
🎁 Other Benefits
Covers indirect costs (overhead) at a flat rate of 25%, intellectual property protection costs, and market research expenses.
🔄 Renewable
No
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable; however, a PI can apply for more than one PoC grant per main ERC grant if projects are distinct.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must be a Principal Investigator of an ongoing ERC Grant or one that ended less than 12 months before the call publication date.
🎓 Academic Level
Postdoctoral / Principal Investigator
🗣️ English Requirement
High proficiency (Proposal must be submitted in English)
💼 Work Experience
Must be an established senior researcher/PI with an existing ERC grant
🏆 Leadership
Must be the Principal Investigator of the project
💰 Financial Need
No
🎯 Target Students
Professional Researchers and Scientists
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Detailed 7-page technical and innovation proposal)
Rec Letters
No (Host Institution Letter of Support is required)
Interview
No (Selection is based on peer review of the written proposal)
Application Fee
Free
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
No (Host Institution Letter of Support is required) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
High proficiency (Proposal must be submitted in English)
Interview: No (Selection is based on peer review of the written proposal)
📋 Application Process
Focus heavily on the 'Innovation Potential' and 'Impact' sections. Clearly explain how you will move from a research result to a commercial or social application.
💡 Insider Tip: Do not just describe the science; focus on the 'Proof of Concept' plan, including market analysis, IP strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Varies by annual Work Programme
⏰ Deadline
Multiple annual cut-offs (typically March and September)
🎤 Interview
No (Selection is based on peer review of the written proposal)
🎓 Study Starts
Upon signing the Grant Agreement
Varies by annual Work Programme
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Multiple annual cut-offs (typically March and September)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
No (Selection is based on peer review of the written proposal)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
Upon signing the Grant Agreement
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
1. Excellence in Innovation Potential, 2. Impact (Economic/Social), 3. Quality and efficiency of the implementation plan.
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🇨🇦 McMaster University Provost Entrance Scholarship for International Students
Exclusively available to researchers who have already been awarded an ERC Starting, Consolidator, Advanced, or Synergy Grant.
This scholarship covers: A fixed lump sum of €150,000 to bridge the gap between research results and the early stages of commercial or social innovation.. Coverage may vary — check the official website for exact details.
The deadline is Multiple annual cut-offs (typically March and September). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Approximately 30% to 40%. Acceptance rate: Approximately 35%. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, High proficiency (Proposal must be submitted in English), No (Host Institution Letter of Support is required) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.