A further EUR 150 million of FP7 funding is to be made available under the Risk Sharing Instrument (RSFF). Following a recent modification to the it’s operating rules, universities undertaking either fundamental or applied research are now eligible to apply for risk financing in the form of a loan under this new batch of funding.
Managed by the European Investment Fund (EIF), the Risk-Sharing Finance Facility (RSFF) combines EU budget money and EIF resources to guarantee lending to small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-cap companies that undertake research and innovation.
First launched by the European Commission and EIB Group in December 2011, the RSFF has improved its capacity to meet the debt financing needs of universities seeking funding to support research programmes and purpose-built research installations. Universities are now addressed by the RSFF in a unique category among research and innovation promoters.
Interested universities should contact the EIB directly via either its main or UK offices (see links below). There is a continuous application process, and therefore no deadline exists for proposals.
Additional Information
- Commission press release
- Contact details for EIB main office and UK office
- Information on financing available for universities