EUR 200K to Transform Croatian Research into Products: Complete Guide to HAMAG-BICRO Proof of Concept Grants

Croatian universities and research institutes produce world-class science, but too often that research stays locked in academic papers rather than becoming products that benefit society. The gap between laboratory discovery and commercial product is notoriously difficult to cross - it requires different skills, different resources, and different mindsets than academic research.

HAMAG-BICROs Proof of Concept program exists specifically to bridge this gap. With grants up to EUR 200,000, the program funds the critical activities that transform promising research into investor-ready or market-ready innovations. This isnt money for more basic research - its capital for building prototypes, validating markets, developing IP strategies, and preparing for commercialization.

The rolling deadline means researchers can apply when their discovery is ready for the next step, not when an arbitrary calendar permits. This flexibility recognizes that breakthrough discoveries dont follow predictable schedules.

For Croatian researchers sitting on innovations with commercial potential, this program provides the funding to take the crucial first steps toward market impact.

Key Details at a Glance

What This Opportunity Offers

The EUR 200,000 grant covers the specific activities needed to move research from laboratory to market. Unlike research grants that fund knowledge creation, this funding targets knowledge application.

Prototype development transforms theoretical concepts into tangible demonstrations. Whether you need to build a physical device, develop a software platform, or create a scaled manufacturing process, prototyping is often the essential first step toward commercialization.

Technology validation proves your innovation works outside the controlled laboratory environment. Testing with real users, in real conditions, or at commercial scale generates the evidence needed to attract investment or customers.

Market assessment investigates whether anyone will actually pay for your innovation. Customer interviews, competitive analysis, and market sizing help determine if commercial potential is real or wishful thinking.

IP development and protection secures your competitive position. Freedom-to-operate analysis, patent drafting and filing, and IP strategy development create the intellectual property foundations for commercialization.

Business model development translates technology into sustainable enterprises. Understanding how to capture value, price products, reach customers, and build organizations around innovations requires different expertise than creating them.

Commercial partnership exploration connects innovations with companies that can bring them to market. Licensing negotiations, joint development agreements, or spin-out preparation all fit within the programs scope.

Who Should Apply

The program specifically targets Croatian public research organizations. This includes universities, their technology transfer offices, and public research institutes. Private companies cannot apply directly, though they may become partners in commercialization.

Principal investigators with commercializable discoveries are the primary audience. If you have research results that could become products, services, or licensable technology, this program helps you take the next steps.

Technology transfer professionals working with researchers on commercialization projects should consider this funding source. The program can resource activities your office might not otherwise be able to support.

Research teams with industry interest already receiving inquiries from companies about licensing or development partnerships can use proof of concept funding to strengthen their negotiating position.

Scientists considering spin-outs who want to commercialize their own research through startup companies can use this funding to prepare for that path.

Research groups with promising but unproven innovations who need resources to demonstrate feasibility at commercial scale or validate market assumptions find this program well-suited.

Your project must advance a laboratory innovation toward market readiness. You must demonstrate a credible commercial pathway - meaning realistic plans for how the innovation would reach customers, whether through licensing, spin-out, or other routes.

Insider Tips for a Winning Application

Lead with the market problem, not the science. Reviewers want to fund innovations that solve real problems people will pay to solve. Start your application with the market need, then explain how your research addresses it. Academic achievements matter less than commercial potential.

Quantify the commercial opportunity. Vague claims about large markets dont impress. Specific analysis of target customers, their willingness to pay, market size, and competitive landscape demonstrates serious commercial thinking.

Be honest about what you dont know. Proof of concept funding is for learning and validation. Your application should acknowledge uncertainties and explain how the project will resolve them. Pretending everything is already validated misses the programs purpose.

Show team capability for commercialization. Scientific expertise alone isnt sufficient. Demonstrate that your team understands or will acquire the skills needed for business development, market engagement, and commercial operations.

Include industry perspectives. Letters of interest from potential customers, licensees, or commercial partners significantly strengthen applications. Even early-stage conversations with industry contacts show commercial traction.

Plan for sustainability beyond the grant. What happens after proof of concept funding ends? Your application should outline next steps - follow-on funding, licensing arrangements, spin-out plans, or other paths forward.

Engage HAMAG-BICRO early. Discuss your project with program officers before submitting. They can advise on fit, identify potential issues, and suggest improvements. This investment of time typically improves application quality significantly.

Application Timeline

Rolling deadlines give you flexibility, but plan your timeline carefully.

Research-to-commercialization assessment (ongoing): Before applying, honestly evaluate whether your research has commercial potential. Not all good science makes good products. Consider market need, competitive landscape, IP position, and development requirements.

Pre-application consultation (2-4 weeks): Engage with HAMAG-BICRO to discuss your project concept. Get feedback on fit and any concerns before investing in a full application.

Application development (4-6 weeks): Prepare your full proposal including technology description, commercialization plan, project activities, budget, and team information. This deserves serious effort - rushed applications rarely succeed.

Submission: Submit when your application is genuinely ready. Rolling deadlines mean you set the timing.

Review (6-8 weeks typically): Your application goes through assessment. Reviewers may request additional information or clarification.

Decision and contracting (2-4 weeks): If approved, you negotiate the grant agreement and establish reporting requirements.

Project execution (12-24 months): Conduct your proof of concept activities according to the approved plan.

Required Materials

Technology description: Clear explanation of your innovation - what it does, how it works, what makes it novel, and its current development stage.

Commercial opportunity analysis: Market assessment including target customers, problem being solved, market size, competitive landscape, and value proposition.

Commercialization pathway: How will this innovation reach the market? Through licensing, spin-out, industry partnership, or other routes? What are the specific steps and timeline?

Project plan: Detailed activities, milestones, and timeline for proof of concept work. What exactly will you do and what will you learn?

Budget breakdown: Costs for each activity with justification. What resources do you need and why?

Team information: Backgrounds of project personnel with emphasis on relevant experience for commercialization activities.

IP status: Current intellectual property situation including patents filed, publications that may affect IP, and freedom-to-operate considerations.

Letters of support: Evidence of industry interest - expressions of interest from potential customers, licensees, or commercial partners strengthen applications significantly.

What Makes an Application Stand Out

Commercial potential (35%): How real is the market opportunity? Is there genuine demand for this innovation? Can it generate sustainable revenue or attract investment?

Technology merit (25%): Is the innovation genuinely novel? Does it offer meaningful advantages over existing solutions? Is the underlying science sound?

Project approach (20%): Will the proposed activities actually validate commercial viability? Are milestones appropriate? Is the timeline realistic?

Team capability (15%): Can this team execute both technical and commercial aspects of the project? Do they have relevant experience or access to needed expertise?

Path forward (5%): Is there a credible plan for what happens after proof of concept? How will successful results translate into actual commercialization?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Treating this as research funding: This isnt money for more scientific investigation. Focus on commercialization activities - if you want to do more basic research, apply to research funding programs instead.

Weak market analysis: Assuming people will want your innovation without evidence. Demonstrate real market need through customer research, competitive analysis, and value proposition development.

Ignoring IP considerations: Not understanding your freedom to operate, failing to protect valuable innovations, or misunderstanding IP ownership at your institution can derail commercialization.

Science-heavy, market-light proposals: Leading with technical details while giving superficial attention to commercial aspects. Reviewers want evidence of market thinking.

Solo researcher applications: Commercialization requires diverse skills beyond scientific expertise. Teams with business development, industry, or entrepreneurial experience are more credible.

Unrealistic commercialization timelines: Underestimating how long and how difficult commercialization is. Build realistic plans that acknowledge challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can private companies apply? No, only Croatian public research organizations are eligible. However, companies can be partners in projects led by eligible institutions.

What stage of research is appropriate? Your research should be past basic discovery but not yet ready for direct commercialization. The proof of concept stage focuses on validation and preparation, not ongoing research or full-scale development.

Who owns IP from funded projects? IP ownership typically remains with the research institution according to Croatian law and institutional policies. HAMAG-BICRO may have reporting requirements but generally doesnt claim ownership.

Can I fund salary for researchers? Personnel time spent on eligible project activities can typically be included. Check current guidelines for specific rules on personnel costs.

What if commercial viability isnt confirmed? Proof of concept projects can produce negative results - learning that an innovation isnt commercially viable is valid and valuable. Report honestly on findings.

Can I apply for multiple projects? Generally yes, though each application is evaluated independently. Check with HAMAG-BICRO about any limits on simultaneous applications.

What reporting is required? Regular progress reports and a final report documenting activities, findings, and commercial outcomes or plans.

How to Apply

Ready to commercialize your research through proof of concept funding? Heres your path forward.

Begin by honestly assessing whether your research has commercial potential. Not every scientific advance makes a viable product. Consider market need, competitive landscape, and development requirements.

Engage with HAMAG-BICRO before applying. Discuss your project concept, understand program requirements, and get feedback on application strategy.

If your institution has a technology transfer office, involve them early. They have experience with commercialization and can strengthen your application.

Develop your application with equal attention to technical and commercial elements. Demonstrate that you understand both the science and the market.

Gather supporting evidence - particularly letters of interest from potential customers or commercial partners.

Submit through HAMAG-BICROs application portal when your proposal is complete.

For complete program guidelines, application forms, and contact information: https://hamagbicro.hr/en/

Questions about program fit or specific requirements? HAMAG-BICRO program officers can discuss whether your project aligns with proof of concept funding criteria.