Proof of Concept (Dokazivanje inovativnog koncepta) (PoC9 — First PK.1.1.17)

Proof of Concept (Dokazivanje inovativnog koncepta) (PoC9 — First PK.1.1.17)

Funds concept-stage Croatian innovations by supporting technical validation, protection work, and proof activities before scale-up.

The Proof of Concept 2026 call — formally titled Dokazivanje inovativnog koncepta — Prvi poziv with call code PK.1.1.17 and informally known as PoC9 — is the ninth cycle of HAMAG-BICRO's proof-of-concept program for Croatian innovators. HAMAG-BICRO (Croatian Agency for Small Business, Innovation and Investment) serves as the implementing body, while the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth (MZOM) is the funding authority for this cycle under NPOO (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) sub-component 3.2. The call opened on 15 May 2026 at 11:00, with project-level applications accepted from 16 June 2026, and the submission deadline is 15 September 2026 at 11:00. The award ceiling is EUR 70,000 per project as a non-repayable grant.

The program targets innovations at TRL 3–4 — early proof-of-concept stage — and funds activities including technical R&D validation, knowledge and technology transfer, verification and protection of intellectual property, dissemination of project results, and project management. Eligible costs encompass personnel costs, external research services, materials and small inventory, and depreciation of instruments and equipment. Eligible applicants are micro, small, and medium enterprises registered in Croatia, research organizations, and natural persons with a serious demonstrated intent to establish a business entity. This last category allows pre-incorporation researchers and inventors to participate before forming a company.

All submissions are electronic only via the eKohezija platform (europski-fondovi.eu); paper applications are not accepted. Successful PoC applicants typically demonstrate a clear technical hypothesis, defined validation milestones, and an articulated path toward commercialization or further R&D development beyond TRL 4. Historical PoC cycles at HAMAG-BICRO have funded projects across technology sectors including digital technologies, medical devices, advanced materials, and biotechnology. Applicants may contact HAMAG-BICRO or MZOM for pre-application guidance on eligible activities and budget structuring.