This round closed on 17 September 2026. The details below are from that round.
The ERC Proof of Concept guide lists the next deadline if ERC announces one.
ERC
Proof of Concept Grant
Last seen in a scan/import: .
Catalog updated: .
These timestamps are not source verification. Confirm the current deadline and your eligibility on the funder’s call page before applying.
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 |
| 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.
Related on Grantsby
- ERC writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
- ERC Proof of Concept, full programme guide
Eligibility, budget, success rates, application timeline, FAQ.
- ERC Proof of Concept past winners & funded projects
Recent recipients, host institutions, and funded project titles. See who tends to win before you apply.
- How to Write an ERC Starting Grant Proposal
Part B1 framing, CV narrative, interview preparation: what actually moves the needle with an ERC panel.
- Choosing the Right ERC Panel for Your Proposal
Panel scope overlap, primary vs secondary panel strategy, and when your "obvious" panel is the wrong choice.
- How to Write an ERC Consolidator Grant Proposal
The consolidation step, proving independence, and the Brussels interview that decides it.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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