ECLIPSE is an exciting initiative funded by the HORIZON-EIE-2023-CONNECT-02, Interconnected Innovation Ecosystems program. Our mission? To revolutionize the way private and public investors, particularly venture capitalists, engage in the innovation procurement process, focusing on pre-commercial procurement (PCP).

The Vision: ECLIPSE aims to create a pioneering model for PCP that fosters a dynamic interaction between public procurers and the vibrant ecosystem of startups and private investors. By implementing ECLIPSE’s innovative services and tools, we aim to:

• Boost participation of groundbreaking startups in public procurement challenges.

• Empower public procurers to evaluate technical solutions and market potential effectively.

• Enhance public procurement capabilities to identify innovation needs, find suitable suppliers, and scale up solutions.

Special emphasis will be placed on green technologies, aligning with the EU's long-term development goals.

Three-Pillar Process:

Pillar 1: The Model Our Innovation Procurement Journey includes five critical stages:

1. Preparation Phase

2. Tender Preparation

3. Evaluation of Proof of Concept Proposals

4. Evaluation of Prototypes

5. Evaluation of Test Results and Preparation for the Procurement of Innovative Solutions

Pillar 2: ECLIPSE Navigator The Navigator is a comprehensive toolkit designed for public procurers, startups, and investors. It includes:

• A detailed handbook

• Extensive training materials available online and offline

Pillar 3: ECLIPSE Pilot We will validate the effectiveness of the Navigator through a real-world pilot, setting a practical example for future innovation procurement initiatives.

Project Timeline:

• Start Date: 1st June 2024

• End Date: 31st May 2026

Join us on this journey to transform public procurement and drive innovation across Europe! 🚀