Learn how to create a compelling and concise EIC Accelerator video for your business. Follow these tips to maximize the impact of your pitch and increase your chances of securing EIC funding.
Since 2021, the EIC Accelerator program has required applicants to submit a 3-minute video (meaning 3 minutes and not more !) as part of the short application process. This video serves as an opportunity for the core members of your team to showcase their motivation, explain how the EIC Accelerator will make a difference for your business, and highlight your vision. Creating a compelling and concise video within this time constraint can be challenging, but with careful planning and execution, you can maximize its impact.
Here's a guide to help you create an effective EIC Accelerator video.
Be clear and concise
Thorough planning
Stick to the 3 minute timeframe
Select the right team members for your video
Make a strong first impression
Sell your vision
Show broader and planned developments
Show the need for EIC funding
Pay attention to technical details
Show motivation and commitment
1. Be Clear and Concise:
You should look at your video as a quick rehearsal of your interview pitch. Thus, avoid turning it into a product advertisement, which would not sit well with judges and rather, focus on conveying your team's motivation, competence/credentials, and importantly, its overall vision for the broader impact its project will have. We would advise you to stick to using simple language that is easy to follow and understand.
2. Thorough Planning:
As for all of the steps in the EIC Accelerator application process, the video requires thorough planning - you never know, it could just make the difference on whether your innovation gets through to the full proposal stage.
The best starting point before you even start filming anything is to start by writing an outline and then a script to anticipate the video's structure and create cohesive content. You should write different drafts and refine the script until you achieve the desired result.
3. Stick to the 3 minute timeframe:
Effective planning is crucial to ensure that you can convey all your key points within the designated time frame of a maximum of 3 minutes. Please stick to the strict video timing of 3 minutes, it is important to follow all of the explicit instructions to maximize your chances of success, and avoid being penalized for going slightly overtime.
4. Select the Right Team Members for your video:
You should choose core team members who hold management roles within your company to be in the video: the requirement is a maximum of 3 people and not more. Give preference to the most fluent English-speakers and include women among the founders, CEO, CTO, CFO, etc. Limit the number of presenters to one or two, while allowing other team members to briefly intervene.
5. Make a Strong First Impression:
As in any pitch, speech or video the first few seconds of your video are crucial for captivating the audience. Use this time to explain the problem your company addresses and then transition into the technical part of your solution. Choose your words wisely to create a strong hook or to craft a compelling narrative to make a lasting impression on the evaluators.
6. Sell Your Vision:
To enhance your video, it's crucial to center the narrative around your company's vision. Clearly articulate the vision and demonstrate how your innovation is set to disrupt the status quo and revolutionize the current market. Emphasize the high risk, high-impact nature of your solution.
In order to effectively convey your message, illustrate the market problem you're addressing vividly and explain how your innovation addresses it as a much-needed solution.
7. Show Broader Impact and Planned Developments:
Highlight the unique competencies and skills of your team, and present your vision for the next few years, demonstrating growth and how it leads to commercialization. Showcase the broader impact your project aims to achieve, the milestones and achievements that you have as goals to reach. Don’t stay limited to only mentioning the commercial impact of your innovation, say how it will generate a positive impact (whether on society, the environment, an industry etc).
8. Explain the Need for Investments and EIC Funding:
Discuss how EIC funding will help scale up your organization (such as by allowing you to invest in infrastructure, talent, enhance your capabilities etc) and support the realization of your project. Explain why the timing is right by explaining why the environment is favorable for your innovation, highlighting market trends, technological advancements, or regulatory developments for instance. Also mention the different reasons why your company needs the financial resources provided by the EIC and why it will help you reach your strategic objectives and effectively seize future opportunities.
9. Pay Attention to Technical Details:
To create a high-quality video, consider these tips: Use good lighting, a clear background, and branded elements to create a professional setting. Film in landscape mode, with a high-quality camera & microphone, and include subtitles for when you speak, as well as the names/roles of the team members who intervene. Incorporate images and visuals to illustrate your points effectively, and ensure your sound is clear and we can hear the speakers well. Moreover, be careful not to use an overpowering background music, rather, opt for soft/light background music that is not copyrighted.
10. Show Motivation and Commitment:
Use the video as an opportunity to directly address the judges and demonstrate your team's motivation and commitment. Show that your company is serious, dedicated to its innovation and processes. Avoid creating a video that resembles advertisement or conveying a lack of motivation, as this could raise doubts among evaluators and jeopardize your chances of progressing further in the application process.
Remember, the EIC Accelerator video is a valuable tool for showcasing your company's strengths and potential. By following these guidelines and putting in the effort to create a well-planned, executed and compelling video, you can strongly enhance your chances of securing EIC funding. Good luck!
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If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact us at info@futuro-perfecto.eu
We look forward to the opportunity to work together and assist you in realizing the full potential of your innovation through EU funding.
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