Recruitment of businesses into the Global Incubator Programme will be in three stages: -

First Stage Selection - application and suitability criteria

This application form will be used for the recruitment of businesses onto the programme and will be managed by the EEN Delivery Manager on behalf of Innovate UK. To participate in this Global Incubator Programme your business must be established in the UK. If your business is not registered in the UK, your application will be rejected.

The Global Incubator Programme is designed to support SMEs to grow and scale. Only SMEs according to the European definition are eligible to apply though this could include early stage, micro and mature SMEs, and there are no firm guidelines on turnover or employee number requirements.

The following criteria will be used to shortlist the applicants at the first stage:

1. Programme fit: Must be a highly innovative company and fit with the Global Incubation Programme focus

2. Ambition: Must show ambition for growth and how participating in the programme can help them to achieve this.

3. Product market fit: The product has the potential to fit with the ecosystem and market of the partner country.

4. Capability: Must have sufficient expertise and resources to exploit the opportunities from the programme

5. Level of innovation impact: Given the competitive markets of the Global Incubation Programme, the company should offer a strong product or service which has a positive impact on climate change.

Second Stage Selection – panel interviews

A panel comprising a Lead Adviser from the EEN Partner team, the relevant Innovate UK Innovation Lead(s) and the Global Incubator Programme Manager and in some cases a representative from the partner incubator will shortlist the applicants and conduct short interviews with businesses. Further details will be provided after first stage process completed.

Third Stage - financial checks

Innovate UK will undertake financial background checks on the businesses (or directors if company is less than 3 years old) to ensure the business is viable and does not have any outstanding CCJs.

There are a limited number of places available on each Global Incubator Programme and only businesses that have passed these three stages, and have scored highly, will be offered a place on the programme.

Businesses that have taken part in previous Global Incubator Programmes

Companies who have taken part in a previous Global Incubator Programme are not eligible to participate in any new programmes unless by exception where clear additional benefit and impact can be demonstrated through the application process. These applications should be treated as exceptional. Only one participant per company will be eligible for a funded place on a programme – second and subsequent delegates are able to apply to attend but would need to pay their own expenses. It is possible for multiple representatives from the same company to take part in the programme but we would only fund one representative at a time.

“De Minimis” State Aid

This programme employs the De Minimis exemption regulation. We are required to ensure that the €200,000 limit will not be breached when an application for grant/given public support. Have you received any public grants/ state aid in the last 3 fiscal years? (If yes, please specify below). This includes any assistance you may have received from a public body. I declare that the amount of aid received by my organisation is as follows, if no support previously provided put 0 in the amount box below.