For the 13th time now CRIDO has reached the podium in the Most Effective Consultancy Firms ranking compiled by the European Funds portal. Our Business & Innovations team took 1st place in the overall performance category by the total value of grant applications and combined project value, by the number of grants secured under the Fast Track contest, and by the value of financial support obtained through the SME Instrument contest under the Horizon 2020 programme. It was also named most effective firm by the value and number of grant applications and combined project value in the Large Enterprises category.
We are pleased to enjoy the continued trust of our clients who have so often chosen us to assist them in seeking EU funds. Grants remain the most important component of the innovation financing ecosystem in Poland. The funds that have been made available to companies to finance their R&D activities and investment projects help them develop new ideas, technologies and services. The money also gives them the edge over their rivals and stimulates their continued growth. The R&D projects though tend to be highly complex. There is no certainty that a project grant application will be approved. CRIDO does not shy away from ambitious projects carrying a high risk of failure. By way of an example, the nation-wide success rate for the Horizon 2020 applications is rather low. Our team however cooperates with firms bidding for grants directly from Brussels, and despite the even more complicated application procedure and keen competition for the EU funds, we have scored initial success with grant applications. Our achievements to date have put us in the position of leader in the total grant value category within the Horizon 2020 programme. It is a testament to the measurable benefits derived from the dedication and engagement of our consultants - says Michał Gwiazda, managing partner at CRIDO, who leads the Business & Innovations team.
CRIDO has spent over ten years trying to earn the title of leader in securing grants for enterprises. To date, our efforts have translated into PLN 6.3 bn in state aid, including PLN 1.6 bn for R&D projects and over PLN 10 million obtained directly from the Horizon 2020 programme. Our consultants’ efforts were recognized in previous years too. In the 2018 Most Effective Consultancy Firms ranking, CRIDO was a nine-time leader in categories including the total value of grant applications and R&D projects, securing financing under the Smart Growth Operational Programme, and financing for large enterprises.