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Calling all innovators to develop EO-based solutions for Food, Energy and Environment – Interview with PARSEC

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Brussels, Belgium, 16 October 2019

On the 20th of September 2019, the PARSEC Accelerator launched its first Open Call for applications,“Call for ideas” . The Accelerator invites all SMEs, start-ups and aspiring founders keen to develop Earth Observation[1]-based innovations for the Food, Energy or Environment sectors to apply. Applications should be submitted before the 20th of December 2019 at 17:00 CET. Winners of this Open Call will receive €10.000 equity-free funding and access the PARSEC Accelerator business ecosystem and support services. It is worth noting that they will also get a chance to compete for €100.000 and further support in the second Open Call.

1. Emmanuel, can you tell us more about the application process?

It is very easy! All you have to do is make a 3 minute video where you present:

  1. Your skills and experience
  2. Your idea for innovation on Food, Energy or Environment
  3. In which way your idea is addressing the issues or needs of the sector(s)

Simply put, tell us your idea and why you are qualified to make this idea a reality.

It is worth noting that you do not have to share your business solution, just upload the video and apply before 20th of December 2019 at 17:00 CET on the PARSEC platform.

2. What kind of activities can successful applicants expect to participate in?

Besides, the 10.000€ equity-free funding provided per beneficiary, the PARSEC activities where designed to address the key challenges entrepreneurs face when trying to convert their idea into a business such as gaining a competitive advantage, having their vision validated by experts or just finding the capital to launch the business or in their scale-up process.

In the first stage beneficiaries will network in a 3-day bootcamp, receive mentorship by the PARSEC team and other selected experts and receive tailor made coaching.

There will also be dedicated matchmaking events to enable them to form cross-border and cross-sectoral consortia. These activities will empower them with knowledge and capacity to see their visions transforming into solid business cases and help them to gain a competitive advantage.

3. Why do you ask applicants to be part of cross-sectoral and/or cross-border consortium?

We identified the key challenges for SMEs to scale up. One of them is finding clients outside of their home country. Therefore, having a cross-border partnership can really help small companies scale-up fast.

As for the cross-sectoral aspect, we believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds but who share the same ambition for innovation is an opportunity to develop mutually enriching partnerships and to reach new markets. These new teams, if they decide to apply for the Open Call 2, can be supported with  the 100.000 € funding and further business services.

I would like to take this opportunity to clarify that first stage beneficiaries will have to create a consortium but not necessarily with their competitors. They could use this as an opportunity to team up with their costumers or potential business partner.

4. Any tips for our readers that wish to apply?

Go for it! You have nothing to lose!

Regardless of your background or experience, if you have an innovative idea we want to hear it! Our goal is really to boost innovation and your business.

Just upload your 3 minute video and apply before 20th of December 2019 at 17:00 CET on the PARSEC platform. Find useful tips here.


More information about the PARSEC Accelerator Open Call 1 application can be found on the attached overview or our website: www.parsec-accelerator.eu.

For questions you can read our FAQs or contact us directly at info@parsec-accelerator.com.

EARSC – the leading business network representing companies creating EO-based value across Europe – has partnered with leading clusters (AVAESEN, bwcon), accelerator experts (BIOSENSE), and innovative SMEs (Rasdaman, Geomatrix, DRAXIS, Eversis, Evenflow) to bring the PARSEC vision to life.

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Website & sign-up for e-mail alerts: parsec-accelerator.eu

Twitter: @PARSEC_EU

Facebook: @PARSEC.Accelerator

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[1] Earth Observation is the collection, analysis and presentation of information about various features of the Earth via remote sensing technologies such as satellites.