What you need to know

Select the services of interest and register online

– Prototyping

– Upscaling

– Training & Reskilling

– Investment Coaching

– Business & IP Coaching (Available as part of any technology innovation project.)

Initial expert asessment

In-depth face to face meeting with the appointed experts covering both technical and business aspects followed by a report including the recommended next steps. (Typically, 2 weeks to complete this step).

Project evaluation

The PhotonHub Evaluation Team reviews and scores your proposal in accordance with the evaluation criteria (see below) . You will be invited to participate online to address any questions and will receive a formal evaluation report within one week. Possible outcomes are: granted; approved pending resubmission with modi cations; or cancelled. (Evaluation meetings every 1 – 2 months).

Technology orienteering

We will contact you to discuss your photonics innovation ambition and determine the right technology approach & partners for you. This discussion will take place under NDA.

Project proposal

PhotonHub appoints a project leader to work with you in preparing and submitting your customised innovation project proposal covering tasks, milestones, deliverables, budget, and IP ownership. (Typically, 1-2 months to complete this step)

Contract signing and kick-off

Once granted, an innovation project agreement is signed by your company and all of the partners involved. The project kicks off and you are on your way!

Evaluation criteria

The Project Evaluation Team (PET) assigns technology scouts and project leaders to qualified leads and evaluates project proposals based on the following criteria:

Innovation — How new of groundbreaking the project is.
Team & plan — Skills of the project team and the quality of the work plan.
Credibility — Reliability of the company and its project proposal.
Business plan — Strength and feasibility of the company’s business plan.
Company contribution — Value of in-kind support the company provides.
Agreement understanding — Clear acceptance and understanding of the funding terms.

Apply for innovation support

PhotonHub - 4 people having a meeting at a table

TRL 2–7: innovation projects

Available for cross-border innovation projects to:

– Entrepreneurially minded Researchers and Start-Ups
– Fast Scaling Ventures
– Photonics-Enabled Small – Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Large-Scale Companies (LSCs)

Subsidy Levels:

First €40k of innovation project budget fully subsidised; 85% of total budget subsidised thereafter*

(*Except for LSCs where it is 50% of total budget subsidised.)