ERC Proof of Concept Grants help ERC grant holders explore the innovation potential of ideas that have come from their ERC-funded frontier research.
They are part of the European Research Council (external link) funding scheme under Horizon Europe and are designed to help researchers bridge the gap between research results and early-stage innovation.
Overview
Proof of Concept Grants are different from the main ERC frontier research grants.
They are only available to researchers who hold, or have recently completed, an ERC frontier research grant. This includes ERC Starting, Consolidator, Advanced and Synergy Grants.
The funding helps researchers test whether findings from their ERC-funded research could be developed further. This could include exploring commercial, societal or practical applications.
Applications are assessed on the innovation potential of the idea, the quality of the proposed approach and whether the project could help move ERC-funded research towards use beyond the original research project.
Who this is for
ERC Proof of Concept Grants are for researchers who:
- are current or recent ERC grant holders
- want to explore the innovation potential of findings from their ERC-funded research
- need funding to test, validate or develop an idea further
- want to assess whether research results could have commercial, societal or practical value
- have a clear route for taking the idea towards use, uptake or further development
Researchers of any nationality can apply, but they must meet the ERC Proof of Concept eligibility rules.
The proposal must build on results from an existing or recently completed ERC frontier research grant.
What this could help you do
An ERC Proof of Concept Grant could help you:
- test whether ERC-funded research findings have innovation potential
- explore possible commercial or societal applications
- validate a concept, method, process, product or service
- assess market, user or stakeholder needs
- develop a business case or exploitation strategy
- explore intellectual property, licensing or commercial routes
- engage with potential users, partners, investors or stakeholders
- prepare the idea for further funding or development
What you can get
Proof of Concept Grants provide a lump sum of €150,000 for a period of 18 months.
The funding can support activities that help move ERC-funded research towards innovation, application or wider use.
You should check the latest ERC Work Programme document (PDF) and call documents for the full funding rules, eligible activities and application requirements.
What proposals are eligible
Applications must be based on results from an ERC-funded frontier research project.
The original ERC project may be an ERC Starting Grant, Consolidator Grant, Advanced Grant or Synergy Grant.
The Proof of Concept proposal must show a clear link to the ERC-funded research and explain how the new project will explore the innovation potential of those results.
The Principal Investigator can submit the Proof of Concept proposal with a different host institution from the one where the original ERC grant was carried out, as long as the new host institution meets the eligibility criteria.
Teams and partners
ERC Proof of Concept Grants are led by a Principal Investigator who is, or has recently been, an ERC grant holder.
The project may involve team members, advisers, users, stakeholders or external partners where this supports the development of the idea.
Unlike many Horizon Europe funding routes, ERC Proof of Concept Grants do not usually require a consortium.
Funding in practice
Turning research into energy-saving coating technology
Maria Clelia Righi received ERC Proof of Concept funding to explore the practical application of research from her earlier ERC Consolidator Grant. Her research developed a way of creating carbon-based coatings through mechanical processes at room temperature. The Proof of Concept project is exploring how this could become an affordable, energy-efficient solution for reducing friction and wear in machinery.
View ERC Proof of Concept project examples on their website
Next steps and support
- Find out if you are eligible to apply, read about Proof of Concept Grants and what the funding covers by visiting the ERC website.
- Read about the financial support available in the current Work Programme (PDF) to see if this is right for you.
- Confirm that your proposal builds on results from your ERC-funded research.
- Gather any letters of support or intent from relevant stakeholders.
- Speak to your host institution’s research office or innovation team as early as possible.
- Contact the NCP for ERC with questions and support on any of the above.
Find current ERC Proof of Concept calls
Open and upcoming Proof of Concept calls, cut-off dates, official call documents and application requirements are listed on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
There are currently no open Proof of Concept calls.
Find the latest ERC Proof of Concept calls on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
(external link)
Registering for EU Login and a PIC
To apply for funding through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, you need an EU Login account. If you do not already have one, register for an EU Login account on the EU Funding and Tenders portal.
Your organisation also needs a Participant Identification Code (PIC) to be included as a participant in a funding application and to manage the grant if the application is successful. If your organisation does not yet have one, find out how to register your organisation and get a PIC on the EU Funding and Tenders portal.
Last updated: 29 October 2026