Getting Started with European Innovation Funding
Time: 09:30 – 13:00
Date: Wednesday, 24 September
Location: Trowers & Hamlins, Snow Hill Queensway #1, Birmingham B4 6GB
Discover how to access up to 100% upfront funding for ambitious R&D projects and how partnering across Europe can unlock large grants
About the Event
Are you an SME with innovative ideas but limited resources to fund them? This event is designed specifically for SMEs looking to explore Horizon Europe – the EU’s major funding programme for research and innovation.
You’ll gain a clear understanding of what funding is available, whether your business is eligible, and how to form the kind of international partnerships that open doors to larger, fully funded projects. The session will also cover how to:
- Navigate calls for proposals
- Write competitive applications
- Avoid common pitfalls.
Whether you’re just starting to explore European funding or ready to take the next step, this event will provide practical guidance, examples of SME success stories, and a chance to connect with peers and experts in the field.
If your business is ready to grow through innovation and collaboration, this event is the place to start.
This event is organised by the Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands (IAWM), with support from the West Midlands Combined Authority and Trowers & Hamlins.
Agenda
Agenda:
9:30 – 10:00 AM Networking & Refreshments
10:00 – 10:10 AM Welcome
10:10 – 10:45 AM What Is Horizon Europe and How Does It Work? (Perry Guess, Horizon Europe UK National Contact Point, Innovate UK)
Horizon Europe structure, Work Programmes, and how to join winning teams
10:45 – 10:55 AM Coffee / Networking Break
10:55 – 11:20 AM Your Roadmap to a Winning Application (Olcay Yilmaz, Chairman of the Board, Kollestee UK Global)
Finding calls, partners, and writing a strong proposal
11:20 – 12:00 PM SME Panel + Q&A (Chaired by Jim Sims, Senior Delivery Manager, West Midlands Combined Authority)
Hear from successful applicants and ask your questions
12:00 – 12:20 PM Wrap-Up & Next Steps
Support, resources, and how to stay involved
12:20 – 1:00 PM Networking Lunch
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