Our Framework

The 9 Dimensions of Funding Readiness

Holocen Tech's assessment methodology is developed through analysis of EU funding winners. Our framework benchmarks you against the criteria used by EU funding programs, so you instantly know if you are ready.

TECHNOLOGYREADINESSINTELLECTUALPROPERTYMARKETVALIDATIONTEAMCAPABILITYBUSINESSMODELCAPITALSTRATEGYEU STRATEGICVALUERISKMANAGEMENTBUSINESSINTELLIGENCE

No dimension stands alone. Each reinforces the others, creating a comprehensive readiness profile that answers the fundamental question:

Is this company ready to scale with EUR 2.5M in grant funding and become a European deep-tech leader?

Click any segment to explore that dimension in detail below.

Scoring & Benchmarking

Winner Profile4.0+
Strong Potential3.5 - 3.9
Building Foundation< 3.5

Scores are calculated as weighted averages across all 9 dimensions. EU Strategic Value carries the highest weight (20%) as it is a key differentiator for EU funding programs.

The 9 Dimensions Explained

Each dimension addresses a critical evaluation criterion that EU assessors need answered. Click any dimension to expand full details.

13 Winner Patterns

Identified through analysis of successful deep-tech companies and EU-funded innovators. These patterns consistently distinguish successful applicants from those who fall short.

1

Improvement Multiplier

10-100x performance improvement vs incumbent solutions

Zparq: 10x smaller than conventional motors

2

Years of R&D

5-10+ years of pre-company research and development

Basquevolt: 10+ years at CIC energiGUNE

3

Demonstrator Projects

Named operational deployments validating technology

Rheenergise: 250kW demonstrator at Cornish Lithium

4

Third-Party Validation

Certifications from recognized bodies

EASA certification, DNV classification

5

Patent Portfolio

8+ patents average for successful applicants

Multiple patent families in EP/US/CN

6

PhD Founders

PhD founders common among successful applicants

Technical founders from top research institutions

7

Non-Dilutive Funding Ratio

50-80% of funding from grants and non-dilutive sources

Patient capital model vs hypergrowth VC

8

Multiple Grant Sources

3+ government funding programs

Horizon Europe + national programs (Innovate UK, Vinnova)

9

Patient Capital Pattern

EUR 15M-EUR 40M raised over 5-8 years

Milestone-based raises tied to TRL progression

10

EU Alliance Membership

Active in European strategic initiatives and alliances

Battery Alliance, Clean Hydrogen Alliance

11

Platform Technology

3+ application domains

Zparq: leisure boats, commercial vessels, rescue

12

R&D Partnership Network

2+ academic/research partnerships

Chalmers, CIC energiGUNE, DTU

13

Industrial Partnership

Named OEM/Tier 1 partners

Stena Line, Iberdrola, Stellantis

What You Get

Every assessment includes comprehensive deliverables aligned with your funding strategy across grants and equity.

Readiness Assessment
  • 9-dimension scores with confidence levels
  • Overall funding readiness profile
  • Benchmarking vs. successful applicants in your sector
Funding Program Matching
  • Identification of relevant grant programs and investors
  • Program-specific evaluation criteria
  • Alignment analysis for your company profile
Strategic Roadmap
  • Gap analysis across all 9 dimensions
  • Prioritized recommendations for strengthening your profile
  • Timeline to funding readiness
Grant Writing & Pitch Support
  • Tailored application development for matched programs
  • Strategic pitch deck aligned to evaluator expectations
  • Financial models and supporting documentation

Our Verification Standards

Every assessment undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Multi-Source Verification

Every dimension is assessed using multiple independent sources -- patent databases (Espacenet, USPTO), regulatory filings, financial records, and third-party publications.

Confidence Levels
  • HIGH: 85%+ verification rate
  • MEDIUM: 60-84% verification rate
  • LOW: <60% verification rate
Independent Review

All assessments undergo peer review by senior consultants before delivery to ensure accuracy and catch blind spots.

Transparency & Limitations

What This Framework Can and Cannot Do

What We Can Do

  • *Assess your readiness across the 9 dimensions that matter most to EU's funding application evaluators
  • *Identify specific strengths and opportunities based on verifiable evidence
  • *Provide actionable recommendations to strengthen your profile
  • *Benchmark you against successful applicants in your sector

Limitations

  • *We cannot guarantee EU funding. The success rate is 10-15%, and final decisions rest with evaluators.
  • *Assessments are based on available information. Confidence levels reflect data quality.
  • *Scores are point-in-time snapshots. Your readiness evolves as you strengthen dimensions.

Our commitment: We provide honest, evidence-based assessments. If you are not ready, we will tell you -- and help you get there. If you are ready, we will help you maximize your chances of success with EU funding programs.

Ready to Benchmark Your Company?

Get a comprehensive assessment across all 9 dimensions and understand exactly where you stand relative to EU winner profiles.