EU Project Pill I: Cascade Funding Opportunities

Part of the EBN Training & Knowledge offer 2024

Organised in collaboration with the EU|BIC Associate Sploro, this EU Project Pill will focus on cascade funding opportunities available in the three priority areas identified by the European Business and Innovation Centre Network in 2024: circular economy, deep tech and open innovation.

Cascade funding, also known as Financial Support for Third Parties (FSTP), is a European Commission mechanism to distribute public funding to assist beneficiaries, such as start-ups, scale-ups, SMEs and/or mid-caps, in the uptake or development of digital innovation.

The EBN is hosting a specialised training session for EU|BICs, EU|BIC associates, and client companies on Wednesday, 29 May at 12:00 CET. This session is designed to provide insights into the funding opportunities provided by the EU through FSTP mechanisms. Attendees will learn about the associated benefits and how to stay updated on these opportunities.

In true EBN style, we will learn with and from community members through a practical approach. On this occasion, Alberto Sierra, from EU|BIC Associate Sploro will provide expert analysis on this crucially relevant funding mechanism, which, in his words “represents a promising shift in the way innovation and research projects are funded”.

According to Sierra “By fostering collaboration, resource sharing, and a dynamic ecosystem, cascade funding not only accelerates progress but also promotes resilience and sustainability. To harness its benefits, individuals and organizations must actively engage in this exciting model, embracing the interconnected nature of innovation in today’s world”.

This training offers Certified EU|BICs and Associate members (including your client companies) insights on funding opportunities offered by the EU through different granting schemes. In a later session this July 3 we will also learn about the participation of Associated and Other Third Countries in Horizon Europe

Hexagon Date: Wednesday 29 May 2024, 12:00-12:45 CET

Target audience

EU|BIC project managers
Client companies of EU|BICs
Non-members

Agenda

12:00 – 12:10	Welcome and introduction	EBN
12:10-12:20	Cascade Funding Mechanisms: why European entrepreneurs should look into cascade funding opportunities? Pros and cons; Do’s and Don’ts. A practical talk on how entrepreneurs can exploit this mechanism.	Alberto Sierra, COO & Co-founder of SPLORO
12:20 – 12:30	Now what? – Where can we find info about the available calls? – How to read them? – Other questions from the audience (Q&A)
12:30– 12:45	Available open calls > focus on circular economy / Greentech / sustainability / deeptech (TBC)
12:45 – 12:50	Q&A and closing remarks	EBN

The Expert: Alberto Sierra

Alberto Sierra, COO & Co-founder of SPLORO, is an innovation strategy specialist with both law and business administration degrees from the University of Navarra.

He has a background in marketing, finance consultancy, and innovation. Throughout his career, he has led and participated in international R&D projects funded by the European Commission, focusing on technological entrepreneurship, cascade funding programmes and ecosystem development, also serving as a mentor and project evaluator.