The European Commission published yesterday a response to a Frequently Asked Question concerning the extension of deadlines due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Indeed, the recent escalation of restrictions related to the COVID-19 outbreak may hamper applicants’ ability to prepare and finalise high-quality proposals. For this reason, for Horizon 2020 calls with original deadlines between now and 15 April, extensions will be applied. The precise new deadlines for each call and topic will be published on the call and topic pages on the Funding and Tenders Portal.
Two calls that are directly or indirectly addressing the COVID-19 outbreak will proceed as foreseen, and no extension of deadline/cutoff date will apply:
- IMI2-2020-21-01
- EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020
The IMI Call is indeed addressing the “Development of therapeutics and diagnostics combatting coronavirus infections”, while in the EIC, which remains bottom-up, the EC the Commission will look to fast track the awarding of EIC grants and blended finance (combining grant and equity investment) to Coronavirus relevant innovations, as well as to facilitate access to other funding and investment sources.
In all cases, potential applicants are advised to prepare themselves as necessary, especially by establishing effective communication links for remote collaborative work, also anticipating possible further restrictions in the coming weeks.
Luxinnovation NCP services are up and running, and ready to support all the applicants wishing to submit. Please do not hesitate to contact us!