The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is pleased to launch the call for applications for the fifth component of the EU-funded Innovation Programme. Companies have the opportunity to access grants supporting the go-to-market and commercialization of their innovative products and/or processes.
This call for applications relates only to the second component of the programme (Innovation Vouchers for additional research and go-to-market and commercialization). SMEs and start-ups may apply for advisory projects that will help them as they take their innovations to market.
Activities covered under this component include:
- Prototyping
- Testing
- Certification
- Intellectual Property protection
- IT component development
- Process improvement
- Launch strategy
- Marketing
- Business development
The Programme can support beneficiaries with several activities that do not to exceed a total grant of EUR 30,000. Benefiting companies will contribute to a share of the activities’ cost.
The innovation programme has three main components that are awarded progressively and through a competitive process. Successful beneficiaries of the programme’s first component will be prioritised for the subsequent two. Companies’ eligibility for all three stages will be assessed based on the degree of innovation and its feasibility, the companies’ track record (size, growth, potential), sector of activity, alignment with strategic priorities (green transition, equality of opportunity and digitalisation), and main stakeholders (company and researcher). The Programme will prioritise SMEs operating in the Agribusiness, Healthcare/Pharmaceutical/Cosmetics, and ICT/Creative industries and their value chains.
The programme aims to foster the generation of innovative ideas, whether they pertain to products or processes.
Product innovations are those that provide significant improvements to one or more characteristics or performance specifications. This includes the addition of new functions, or improvements to existing functions or user utility. Relevant functional characteristics include quality, technical specifications, reliability, durability, economic efficiency during use, affordability, convenience, usability, and user friendliness.
Business process innovations are new or improved business processes that differ significantly from the firm’s previous business processes and that plays a significant role in the company’s core or supporting functions. Examples include greater efficacy, resource efficiency, reliability and resilience, affordability, convenience, and usability for those involved in the business processes.
Please find below a brochure that explains the programme in more detail as well as the application form. The call for applications will be open from Tuesday, February 10 until Tuesday, March 10, 2026. To apply, please send an email to knowhowlebanon@ebrd.com and attach the appropriate submission form as well as all required supporting documents.
We look forward to receiving your application. If you have any questions or need further clarification about the application process or the programme itself, we invite you to participate in our dedicated information session on Wednesday, February 25, at 11:00AM – Register here. Meanwhile you can follow this link for all programme information or contact us by sending an email to knowhowlebanon@ebrd.com.
