ERC

Proof of Concept Grant

Up to €150k| Deadline: 17 September 2026 (4 days)|18 months

Last updated: 6 Sept 2026

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This is the current call of the ERC Proof of Concept programme. The programme guide covers eligibility, budget, success rate and FAQ across every round.

The ERC Proof of Concept grant funds current or former ERC grant holders to explore the commercial or societal innovation potential of results from their existing ERC-funded frontier research project. It is a single-stage, no-consortium call restricted to researchers with an active or recently completed ERC grant, and runs annually. The next deadline is 17 September 2026.

Details

Funder	ERC
Budget	Up to €150k
Deadline	17 September 2026
Duration	18 months
Consortium	No
Application	Single stage
Frequency	Annual

Eligibility & scope

Open only to researchers who already hold an ERC grant, to explore the innovation potential of their ERC-funded frontier research project.

Who Should Apply

•Current ERC grant holders with an active frontier research project
•Former ERC grantees whose grant has recently ended
•Researchers seeking to test commercial or societal application of ERC-funded results
•Individual applicants, no consortium required

Key Dates

•Deadline: 17 September 2026
•Single-stage application
•Call runs annually

Tips for Applicants

✓Only current or recently completed ERC grantees qualify, check your grant's end date against the eligibility window before drafting.
✓Frame the proposal around a concrete innovation or commercialisation step (patent, prototype, spin-off) traceable directly to your original ERC-funded results, not new research directions.
✓Because it is single-stage with no interview described, put the full case for feasibility and impact into the written proposal itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the ERC Proof of Concept grant?

Only researchers who currently hold, or have recently held, an ERC frontier research grant (Starting, Consolidator, Advanced, or Synergy) can apply.

What does the ERC Proof of Concept grant fund?

It funds work to explore and validate the innovation or commercial potential of results from an existing or completed ERC-funded project.

How many times per year can I apply for ERC Proof of Concept?

The call runs annually, and the current round has a submission deadline of 17 September 2026.

Is ERC Proof of Concept a multi-stage application?

No, it is a single-stage application process.

Do I need a consortium to apply for ERC Proof of Concept?

No, this call does not require a consortium; applications are submitted by the individual ERC grant holder.

ercproof-of-conceptinnovationseniorno-consortium-requiredtranslationaleurope-wide

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