The beneficiary submits the voucher application through a web form on the website of the project.

The following documents are all needed to be properly completed and submitted electronically through MINE.THE.GAP platform to answer the call:

MINE.THE.GAP provides direct financial support to SMEs through innovation vouchers. Two competitive calls are launched aiming to select the best projects to carry out strategic plan’s preparation, validation of ideas, proof of concept and demonstration activities. The expected TRLs for activities funded under the calls lie between TRL6-7 for design and implementation of a prototype/proof-of-concept and TRL7-8 for demo activities.

The MINE-PoC Voucher provides financial support of up to €25 000 per SME for the design and implementation of a prototype/proof of concept to demonstrate its feasibility. This voucher has to address any of the top 10 challenges and needs identified in the raw materials and mining value chain while focussing on at least one of the ‘Key Actions’ to be funded.

The MINE-Demo Voucher provides financial support of up to €50 000 per SME for the development and testing in a production environment of a simple functional pilot or demonstration with all the major features of the product/service/solution. This voucher has to address any of the top 10 challenges and needs identified in the raw materials and mining value chain while focussing on at least one of the ‘Key Actions’ to be funded.

The top 10 challenges and the ‘Key Actions’ are defined in the Guide for applicants dedicated to this call.

MINE.THE.GAP will offer business support services for the selected projects to enhance innovation capacities, promote technology transfer and commercialisation, and to boost SMEs internationalisation.