ERC Proof of Concept 2026 – Key Insights and Resources

ERC Proof of Concept 2026 – Practical Insights & Resources

This page provides a summary of key messages and supporting information related to the ERC Proof of Concept (PoC) scheme, based on the information session organised by the German NCP ERC on 8 December 2025. The aim is to support ERC Principal Investigators exploring the innovation potential of their ERC-funded research.

Update on the call opening
According to the ERC, the publication and opening of the ERC-2026-PoC call will be delayed by approximately three weeks compared with the initially planned date of 13 November 2025. Updated information will be provided on the ERC website as soon as available.

Content: 

1. Overview of the PoC scheme 

   Speaker: Line Fredslund Volkers, ERC Executive Agency (ERCEA)
   Line Volkers provided an overview of the PoC scheme, including objectives, eligibility conditions, the focus on innovation potential, the three evaluation elements, and recent submission trends and statistics.

2. Reviewer’s perspective 

   Speaker: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Monika Heiner, Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg
   Prof. Heiner offered insights into the PoC evaluation process, highlighting the importance of clarity, structure and consistency with the proposal template. She also shared recommendations on how to refine objectives, methodology, competitive positioning and risk mitigation.

3. Insights from a successful PoC grantee

   Speaker: Prof. Dr. Lutz Ackermann, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
   Prof. Ackermann shared his experience as an ERC PoC grantee, outlining practical lessons from preparing and implementing a PoC project. His input covered how to focus the proposal narrative, engage institutional support, manage expectations around outcomes, and use PoC as a stepping stone towards further development.

4. IP strategy in PoC proposals

   Speaker: Claire Fritz, EURICE / European IP Helpdesk
   The European IP Helpdesk contributed guidance on how to address intellectual property and early exploitation aspects in PoC proposals. Topics included distinguishing background and results, clarifying ownership and access rights, choosing proportionate protection measures, and defining realistic exploitation pathways.

Key insights for PoC applicants

• PoC aims to test potential, not deliver final innovation outcomes.
• Clarity, evidence and internal coherence are essential.
• Describe novelty and positioning relative to competing approaches.
• Demonstrate PI leadership and project management.
• Engage institutional support structures, including TTOs.
• Use a realistic and proportionate IP and exploitation strategy.

Further resources

• ERC PoC information
• ERC Work Programme 2026
• National Contact Points for the ERC
• European IP Helpdesk Helpline - IP Helpdesk - European Commission: Confidential first-line support on IP in EU-funded research

Additional support services

• Horizon Results Booster: Free support for dissemination planning, exploitation strategy and go-to-market preparation.
• EIC Transition: The main follow-up funding opportunity after PoC to further develop validated results (e.g., demonstration, advanced validation, business case development).
• EIC Tech-to-Market (T2M): Entrepreneurship and innovation capacity-building under the EIC Business Acceleration Services.
  ERC PoC grant holders and team members eligible to apply for EIC Transition are also eligible for T2M activities.

This page is provided as a support resource for ERC Principal Investigators. Please consult the official ERC website and your NCP for all guidance and updates.

Highlighted

• General publications
• 12 December 2025

European_IP_Helpdesk_ERC PoC IP Strategy CFritz

IP strategy in PoC proposals

Speaker: Claire Fritz, EURICE / European IP Helpdesk

This document provides practical guidance on addressing intellectual property and early exploitation aspects in ERC Proof of Concept proposals. It outlines how to distinguish background and project results, clarify ownership and access rights, choose proportionate protection measures, and define credible exploitation pathways in line with ERC evaluation expectations.

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