The ERC expects that normally proof of concept activities should be completed within 12 months. However, to allow for those projects that require more preparation time, the grant agreements will be signed for 18 months. Extensions of the duration of proof of concept projects may be granted only exceptionally.

The lump sum will cover the beneficiaries’ direct and indirect eligible costs for the project:
if the project is implemented properly the amounts will be paid regardless of the costs actually incurred. The lump sum has been designed to cover the beneficiaries’ personnel costs, subcontracting, purchase costs, others cost categories and indirect costs.

All Principal Investigators in one of the main grants are eligible to participate and apply for an ERC Proof of Concept Grant. Principal Investigators in an ongoing main grant are eligible to apply to both Proof of Concept calls. Principal Investigators in a main grant that has ended less than 12 months before 1 January 2021 are eligible to apply only to call ERC-2022-PoC1. Principal Investigators in a main grant that has ended less than 12 months before 1 January 2022 are eligible to apply to both calls ERC-2022-PoC1 and ERC-2022-PoC2.
Principal Investigators may submit only one proposal under each Work Programme 2022 Proof of Concept call. If further submissions are made at different cut-off dates under call ERC-2022-PoC2, only the first admissible and eligible proposal will be considered.

Synergy Grant Principal Investigators are eligible to apply only with the written consent of all Principal Investigators in the same Synergy Grant project.