LF Accelerate

LF Accelerate supports applied research and experimental development projects with the potential for practical application of their results. The aim of the scheme is to move research results generated at LF MU towards application, support the validation of their application potential, facilitate technology transfer, and promote the development of Proof of Concept projects and start-up/spin-off activities.

Key Information

Project duration: maximum 2 years
Maximum funding: CZK 1,000,000 per project
Mandatory outcome: achievement of at least one result with application potential (e.g. a patent, prototype, validated technology, software, methodology, licensing agreement, or another result with potential for practical use)

As part of the project, applicants must also establish cooperation with a relevant external partner (e.g. a commercial partner, clinical partner, or testing platform) and submit an application for follow-up external funding.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants are:

Core research staff at LF MU with an employment fraction of at least 0.5 at LF MU.

The project must focus on applied research or experimental development and must deliver an innovative solution with potential for practical application.

What Projects Can Be Supported

Projects must:

aim to translate research and development results into practical application,
demonstrate the application potential of the results,
advance the result, technology, or knowledge to a higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL),
include a plan of activities leading to the application of the results,
not form part of another project.

Eligible Costs

The funding may be used for:

personnel costs of research team members (maximum 25% of total eligible costs, unless an exception is granted),
consumables,
minor tangible and intangible assets,
intellectual property protection,
capital expenditure (e.g. software, models, equipment),
services,
travel costs related to meetings with partners.

Costs that cannot be financed from public funds (e.g. refreshments) are not eligible.

Application

The call is announced once a year based on a decision by the Dean of LF MU. Applications must be submitted in English through the ISEP system.

The application must include:

a project proposal submitted through ISEP,
a description of the application potential and planned use of the results,
a project budget,
any mandatory supporting documents required depending on the nature of the project,
the CV of the principal investigator.

Evaluation and Final Report

Applications are evaluated with regard to their application potential by an expert panel and subsequently by the InGA Council, which makes the final decision on funding.

During the project, the principal investigator submits interim reports (quarterly checklists) through the ISEP system. Following completion of the project, a final report must be submitted, focusing in particular on:

achievement of the planned results with application potential,
cooperation with the external partner,
submission of a follow-up application for external funding,
preparation and presentation of results to relevant stakeholders and the application sector.