EU launches programme to support SME's and start-ups

The EU is to launch a new programme to help SMEs and start-ups recruit the best postdoctoral research associates from other countries to assist with their innovative business ideas.

The SME Innovative Associate programme intends to provide small companies with increased access to specialised skills and knowledge by encouraging mobility.

It will award 90 SMEs with individual grants covering the salary and related costs of employing a postdoctoral research associate, including full training costs, from anywhere across the globe.

In turn, researchers will gain a wealth of experience in the business innovation process, learn industrial innovation and business management skills, and be able to boost their CV with business experience abroad.

The programme is available to all SMEs and start-ups established in the member states and countries associated to Horizon 2020. Researchers must at minimum hold a PhD (or equivalent), have demonstrated expertise in line with the job advertisement, and comply with the transnational mobility criteria.

Applications are open from 11 February 2016. For more information, visit https://ec.europa.eu/easme/en/h2020-sme-innovation-associate