Strengthening Innovation Funding Capacities through the Lebanon Innovate Academy

Between April and June 2026, Lebanese universities innovation stakeholders, researchers, and project developers took part in the Lebanon Innovate Academy, a capacity-building programme combining a series of interactive online workshops with an intensive two-day practical online training session.

The Academy was designed to help participants navigate the increasingly competitive landscape of European innovation funding. Through expert-led sessions and hands-on exercises, participants strengthened their ability to identify funding opportunities, design innovation projects, build strategic partnerships, and prepare high-quality proposals aligned with European evaluation standards.

The programme provided practical guidance on fundraising strategies, project design, and the management of European funding instruments. From transforming an innovative idea into a compelling project concept to understanding donor expectations, participants gained valuable insights into the requirements of the European Innovation Council (EIC) and other key European programmes.

Particular emphasis was placed on the effective use of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to support proposal development, opportunity screening, and project design while maintaining rigorous standards for data verification and confidentiality.

Session 1 – Using Artificial Intelligence to Identify and Respond to Funding Opportunities

30 April 2026

The Academy opened with a practical exploration of how AI can support project development and proposal preparation. Participants learned how to:

• Analyse calls for proposals and assesses eligibility requirements;
• Compare project ideas against EIC priorities and expectations;
• Verify AI-generated technical information, references, and market data;
• Understand the risks associated with uploading proprietary research or sensitive institutional information to public AI platforms.

Session 2 – Understanding the European Funding Landscape for Research Commercialisation

6 May 2026

This session provided an overview of the main European funding instruments supporting innovation and market deployment, including:

• The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT);
• The European Innovation Council (EIC);
• Horizon Europe Missions and selected funding opportunities expected in Autumn 2026.

Participants also learned how to identify the funding mechanisms best suited to their innovation ambitions and stage of development.

Session 3 – Mastering the Three Key Evaluation Criteria

20 May 2026

Focusing on proposal quality and competitiveness, this session examined the three core EIC evaluation criteria:

• Excellence;
• Impact;
• Quality and Efficiency of Implementation.

Participants explored the evaluation logic behind each criterion, reviewed scoring methodologies through practical examples, discovered the EIC Innovation Radar approach, and received expert recommendations for strengthening future applications.

Session 4 – Designing, Demonstrating and Measuring Impact

26 May 2026

The fourth session focused on transforming innovative ideas into credible and measurable project plans. Topics included:

• Aligning SMART objectives with project narratives;
• Structuring interconnected work packages and project activities;
• Developing key performance indicators (KPIs), deliverables and milestones;
• Building Gantt charts and project budgets;
• Demonstrating expected impact in line with European Commission requirements.

Intensive 2 days online workshop: Partnership Development and Proposal Structuring

10–11 June 2026

The Academy concluded with a two-day online practical workshop dedicated to partnership building and concrete proposal preparation.

Day 1 – The Strategic Core

Participants learned how to identify and select relevant EIC calls using AI-powered tools. They practised analysing eligibility requirements, budgets, deadlines and partnership expectations while uncovering the policy priorities and strategic objectives embedded within funding calls.

Day 2 – Building the Project Framework

The second day focused on transforming ideas into structured project concepts. Participants worked on the development of project concept notes, project objectives and strategic narratives using the DARE Project Template, laying the foundations for future European funding applications.

Through this combination of strategic insight, practical methodologies and hands-on coaching, Lebanon Innovate Academy equipped participants with the knowledge, tools and confidence needed to engage more effectively with European innovation funding opportunities and develop stronger, more impactful collaborative projects.