A global coatings manufacturer headquartered in the United States had a successful public funding track record in America. This success is attributed to a highly sophisticated internal funding development team. Despite its strong R&D presence throughout Europe, the company had limited success securing European technology innovation funding primarily due to its decentralized structure. The company hired LNE Group to develop a European funding strategy to support its R&D on the Old Continent.
Approach
LNE Group developed a strategy for its client to identify and assess funding opportunities at European Union (EU) and European national levels. LNE Group evaluated the client’s European innovation roadmap and business unit core competencies; undertook a comprehensive funding survey to identify opportunities aligned with the client’s innovation priorities; recommended funding programs meeting set criteria; and advised the client on which funding programs to pursue.
LNE Group identified a near-term EU Horizon 2020 opportunity – the Fast Track to Innovation (FTI) program. The FTI program was determined to be a strong fit with one of the client’s priorities: a new technology to prevent fouling (settlement of marine organisms) of ship hulls. This technology is expected to lead to a paradigm-shift in the fouling protection business. Because of its strategic importance, the client engaged LNE Group to design the project scope, identify partners, and draft the application.
Result
LNE Group helped the client and its innovation partners to secure FTI funding; one of the most competitive EU programs. The anti-fouling project was awarded €2.4 million and was among only 16 projects to receive funding from a field of more than 260 applications. With one success under its belt, the company is currently pursuing additional technology development opportunities with LNE Group.
ExpertiseOpen Innovation & Strategic Partnerships Public Funding Identification Proposal Development & Grant Writing
