Money Minutes 18: How to win Horizon 2020 funding

This week I attended the NHS Confederation and AHSN-supported Horizon 2020 event in Leeds. An expert panel gave the following insight into winning Horizon 2020 (H2020) cash.

Always remember, competition is/will be fierce. You will be up against many competing bids. You cannot hope to succeed unless time, effort and, inevitably, funding is allocated to building your consortium and writing your bid. In the case of the SME Instrument, where an SME does not require to be part of a consortium, time, effort and funding will still need to be expended to ensure your application is competitive.

Networking is key. Some funding experts advise companies to go and network in Europe with the key organisations that can advise and support you. Others say be part of the key networks, such as the European Enterprise Network, and let them make the connections for you.  

Take the question being posed by the call apart - truly understand what is being asked and ensure you make it clear how your project will deliver it. Identify the key words in the question that describe what those scoring the H2020 submissions will be looking for - ensure those words are reflected in your submission. Ignore words in brackets at your peril - sometimes these seeming asides are actually pieces of important content that the scorers will be looking for in your submission.

Aim to score the full 15 points - because many funding bids do achieve this. H2020 is evaluated against three criteria ( excellence, impact, and quality and efficiency of implementation) scoring a maximum of 5 points each. Be aware - you might score the full 15 points and still not be awarded the funding, because there is a funding envelope, and if this is exceeded, only the number of projects that can be afforded will be funded. Therefore, achieving 15 points should be seen as essential to succeed. In the most part, the Impact section will be scrutinised as a tie breaker to decide which projects go through(so, ensure all your sections, and particularly your impact section, are 'fire-proof'). N.B. It is possible to score less than 15 (say 14.5) and be awarded the funding, because your project is unique in the spread of projects being considered, however this is relatively rare.

A number of experts said, if you are developing a project (such as a device) ensure that it is close as possible to market. Whether or not the call says it is 'developmental' more bids are successful if the project is at least at Technology Readiness Level 7.

Improve your chances of success by engaging companies already funded to support you, such as the European Enterprise Network (contact details on the website). This is a free service.

Improve your chances by hiring a H2020 bid writer with a proven track record of success. This does not guarantee you success, but it does improve your odds. These writers will be either no win no fee, or will be part this and part a retainer fee.

Find out who are the best experts in your field of interest and see if you can attract them onto your consortium. Always aim to have the best on your side and contributing to your application.

And if you don't succeed, the speakers said, try try and try again and you will succeed eventually, if your subject, idea or product is truly excellent. After all, only so many projects can be funded each year.

Kevin Brooks

Consultant, Wessex AHSN