LLM-BRIDGE – Venture Incubation Programme - Open Call for Incubators – 2nd Call

Proposal submission:

All proposals shall be submitted at: https://share.hsforms.com/133VDDomZReqeyGTex0VYRwf4os

Proposal template and supporting documents:

The proposal template and supporting documents are available at: https://www.llm-bridge.eu/open-calls-2/

Evaluation process:

Eligible proposals will be evaluated by independent external experts, appointed by the LLM-BRIDGE Consortium, to ensure objectivity and impartiality.

Each proposal will be assessed by at least two experts using the criteria and scoring system defined in the Evaluation Criteria.

Applicants will be notified of the evaluation results within four weeks after completion of the panel ranking.

Each applicant will receive an Evaluation Summary Report (ESR) containing individual scores, comments, and the final consensus assessment.

The successful applicant will be invited to sign a Financial Support Agreement with 28DIGITAL on behalf of the LLM-BRIDGE Consortium.

Evaluation criteria:

The evaluation is based on the following criteria, each with a maximum score and a minimum threshold:

Relevance (maximum score: 10; threshold: 6): Assessment of how well the proposal aligns with the objectives of LLM-BRIDGE, including its capacity to support early-stage Generative AI startups and contribute to European GenAI strategic goals.

Track record (maximum score: 8; threshold: 5): Evaluation of the applicant’s proven experience in incubating and scaling AI or deep-tech ventures, with demonstrated results in terms of startup growth and innovation.

Networks and access (maximum score: 8; threshold: 5): Consideration of the ability to provide startups with access to mentors, investors, and strategic industry partners that can strengthen their market positioning and growth potential.

Adaptability (maximum score: 6; threshold: 4): Evidence of flexibility and capacity to respond to emerging technological and market needs, particularly in the rapidly evolving Generative AI sector.

Monitoring framework (maximum score: 5; threshold: 3): Quality and clarity of the proposed processes and documentation for monitoring and reporting, including well-defined metrics to track startup progress and overall programme performance.

Cost effectiveness (maximum score: 5; threshold: 3): Adequacy and justification of the proposed budget, demonstrating efficient use of resources and value for money.

Each criterion is scored from 0 up to its maximum (10, 8, 6 or 5). Proposals are evaluated according to six qualitative levels.

Not addressed (score 0 in all scales): The proposal fails to address the criterion or cannot be assessed.

Poor (score 1–2 out of 10, 1–2 out of 8, or 1 out of 5/6): The proposal shows serious weaknesses or lacks the required level of detail.

Fair (score 3–4 out of 10, 3–4 out of 8, or 2 out of 5/6): Some strengths are present, but significant weaknesses remain.

Good – threshold level (score 5–6 out of 10, 5 out of 8, or 3–4 out of 5/6): The criterion is adequately addressed, though moderate weaknesses are observed.

Very good (score 7–8 out of 10, 6–7 out of 8, or 4–5 out of 5/6): The criterion is well addressed, with only minor shortcomings.

Excellent (score 9–10 out of 10, 8 out of 8, or 5–6 out of 5/6): The criterion is fully addressed, demonstrating outstanding quality with no or only negligible weaknesses.

Threshold per criterion: 3 to 6 points. Overall minimum score: 26 points (out of 42). Maximum total score: 42 points. Proposals failing to reach the threshold in any criterion or the overall minimum score will not be considered for funding.