Mapping ERC frontier research : ERC proof of concept grants : exploring the innovation potential of ERC-funded research

Innovation lies at the heart of the European Union (EU)'s strategic vision for competitiveness, resilience and autonomy. In recent years, this commitment has been reinforced through high-level policy initiatives, most notably the New European Innovation Agenda, along with reports such as the Draghi Report and the Heitor Report, which call for a stronger innovation ecosystem, simplified funding mechanisms, and a greater focus on translating scientific excellence into tangible economic and societal benefits. The European Research Council (ERC) launched its Proof of Concept (PoC) scheme as a key instrument in the effort to translate results from curiosity-driven research into application. Since its launch in 2011, the scheme has empowered researchers to bridge the gap between frontier science and the initial steps of commercial exploitation. By offering targeted support for activities in the early stages of innovation, such as prototyping, market validation, patenting and stakeholder engagement, PoC grants help to transform scientific discoveries into viable technologies, products and services [...].This report offers insights into the wide-ranging technological and sectoral scope of ERC-funded frontier research, highlighting its potential to drive impactful innovations across multiple sectors and to contribute to Europe's goal of becoming a global leader in scientific entrepreneurship.