F.A.Q

Open Call for Public and Private Buyers

General Information

What is the InnoMatch Open Call for Buyers?

The InnoMatch Open Call invites public and private buyers to submit their unmet innovation needs. Selected buyers will collaborate with innovative SMEs (EIC Awardees) to develop and test tailored solutions through the InnoMatch “Prepare, Deploy, and Assess” Programme.

Buyers gain access to innovative solutions tailored to their needs, receive expert mentorship, and de-risk innovation procurement. They also access a robust innovation procurement toolkit and collaboration opportunities.

Eligible applicants include public and private entities based in EU Member States or Horizon Europe-associated countries.

Open Call duration: February 6, 2025 – May 7th, 2025 (17:00 CET)

Eligibility check results: Until the end of May.

 

Evaluation and selection results: Until the end of June.

Eligibility and Application

What is an unmet need and what types of unmet needs are eligible?

An unmet need is a buyer’s purchasing requirement that is currently not met and for which a solution is not yet available or widely available on the market.

Unmet needs must align with one of the five thematic areas:

  • Agriculture, Food & Beverages
  • Construction, Infrastructure, Manufacturing
  • Digital Transformation and AI
  • Energy, Environment, Sustainability
  • Health and Life Sciences

Yes, group applications are encouraged. Groups must include a buyer representing the group, and an unlimited number of buyers as part of the group. 

A buyer can submit one unmet need as an Individual Buyer/Lead Buyer but may participate in multiple applications as an Observing Buyer.

Buyers can participate in multiple submissions within the Open Call process. 

  • Each buyer is allowed to submit up to one (1) group application (unmet innovation need), where they take the principal role in the application, submitting it on behalf of a group of buyers.
  • Can submit up to one application (unmet innovation need) as a single applicant.
  • There are no restrictions on the number of applications where the buyer is part of a group application where the buyer is not the one submitting the application on behalf of the group. 

Applications must include:

  • A completed application form.
  • A signed Letter of Commitment outlining the buyer’s in-kind contributions and support for the process.

In case of group applications, the Letter of Commitment only will be filled and signed by the buyer applying on behalf of the group.

Selection and Process

How are unmet needs evaluated?

Applications are assessed based on four criteria:

  • Commitment: Willingness and ability to implement the solution, as well as previous links from the buyer with the EIC Innovation Procurement Programme.
  • Impact: Benefits of addressing the unmet need.
  • Alignment: Fit with InnoMatch’s approach and methodology.
  • Innovation: Need for a new solution and prior innovation experience.

Selected buyers will:

  • Receive a group proposal from the InnoMatch Consortium (only in case similar unmet needs from other buyers are identified).
  • Refine their unmet needs into challenges with expert guidance.
  • Collaborate with an EIC Awardee to deploy and assess a pilot solution.

Lead Buyer: Pilots the solution on-site, collaborates with the innovator, and provides direct feedback.

Observing Buyers: Assist in refining challenges and provide feedback without piloting the solution themselves.

The roles of Lead and Observing Buyers will be signed after the selection process, during the grouping phase described in the Guidelines.

  • While the primary objective is to form groups consisting of at least one Lead Buyer and one Observing Buyer, the InnoMatch Consortium reserves the right to establish a group consisting solely of a Lead Buyer if the number or nature of applications requires it.
  • It is also important to note that applying as the representative of a group does not guarantee being designated as the Lead Buyer if stronger applications from individual buyers with the same unmet need are identified. In such cases, the main applicant will have the option to either take part in the observers group formed by InnoMatch or withdraw from the process if preferred.

Funding and Implementation

Is funding available for buyers?

No, buyers do not receive monetary funding. However, EIC Awardees will receive up to €60,000 to develop and pilot solutions for the buyers’ challenges.

It’s a three-phase framework designed to support pilot implementation:

  • Prepare: Develop a Pilot Action Plan with objectives, KPIs, and timelines.
  • Deploy: Execute the pilot with regular monitoring and support.
  • Assess: Evaluate outcomes, including impact and scalability.

Buyers and innovators will be supported in planning for sustainability and scaling the solution for broader adoption. Everything concerning the subsequent purchase of the solution will be regulated by the parties. In case of public buyers, it will proceed with the purchase of the solution according to the rules that govern public tender procedures. If it is a private buyer, it will proceed with the negotiation and the relative purchase according to the rules of private law.

Additional Information

How is data protection handled?

All data is managed in compliance with GDPR. The F6S platform and the InnoMatch Consortium ensure secure handling of personal and industrial data.

Contact support at support@f6s.com before the submission deadline.

Visit the InnoMatch website or check the F6S platform for additional templates, guides, and updates.

In case of Lead buyers, withdrawal may require Observing Buyers in your group to take over as Lead Buyer, subject to InnoMatch Consortium approval.

Joint submissions between buyers and EIC Awardees can be submitted under Open Call 1: EIC+ Buyer.