The European Commission has officially confirmed the certification of the National Innovation Fund (NIF) selection procedure and the “Grant Scheme for the Development of Innovations with High Market Potential” under the European Innovation Council (EIC) Plug-In. This certification enables innovative companies that have successfully completed the NIF selection process under the Plug-In scheme to proceed directly to the full proposal stage of the EIC Accelerator, bypassing the initial short application stage. This streamlines access to European funding opportunities and supports continuity between national and European innovation funding, helping promising innovations progress from national-level development to expansion into international markets.

• Proceed directly to the full proposal stage without undergoing the initial competitive selection process.

Companies that have successfully completed the Plug-In selection process can bypass the EIC Accelerator short proposal evaluation stage, at which more than 50% of applications are rejected. This allows them to focus their time and resources on preparing a full project proposal.

• Preserve their opportunities to apply under the standard evaluation process.

The national selection process under the Plug-In scheme does not count as an unsuccessful application to the EIC Accelerator. Companies therefore avoid the risk of using up part of the limit of three unsuccessful applications at the initial stage. However, subsequent rejections at the full proposal stage are counted in accordance with the general rules.

• Gain access to expert business support.

Companies invited to submit a full proposal may benefit from business coaching through the EIC Business Acceleration Services, administered by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). This support helps companies refine their business plans, value propositions and presentations to potential investors.

• Enter the next stage better prepared.

The preliminary selection process and access to business coaching create favourable conditions for developing a more competitive project proposal. Full proposals are evaluated against the same criteria as all other applications, and funding decisions depend on the outcome of the evaluation.

According to the European Commission's official letter, Bulgaria may propose a maximum of 22 companies per year under the Plug-In scheme, covering all certified programmes in the country.

The NIF will provide further information on the selection process and next steps through its official communication channels.

The National Innovation Fund (NIF) is part of the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation, which brings together technology, capital and a strategic vision for a modern, secure and competitive ecosystem for citizens and businesses.

The NIF provides grants for research and innovation projects.