Fastenica srl and Ekymed srl have been winners of call ICT-37-2014 “Open Disruptive Innovation Scheme” implemented through the SME Instrument in the framework of Horizon 2020. Horizon 2020 is the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly €80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020) – in addition to the private investment that this money will attract. It promises more breakthroughs, discoveries and world-firsts by taking great ideas from the lab to the market. The aim of the SME Instrument is to fill the gaps in funding for the early stages, Research and Innovation and accelerating the exploitation of innovation. Projects will be selected through a bottom-up approach within a given societal challenge or enabling technology of H2020. They must be of clear interest and benefit to SMEs and have a clear European dimension. When applying for funds through this instrument SMEs can form collaborations according to their needs, including for subcontracting research and development work to apply for funding and support. Fastenica and Ekymed won – Phase 1 – which aims to cover the assessment of technical feasibility and market potential of new ideas. Currently Fastenica and Ekymed are engaged in the preparation of a proposal to be submitted for Phase 2. Phase 2 aims to cover R&I activities with a particular focus on demonstration activities (testing, prototype, scale-up studies, design, piloting innovative processes, products and services, validation, performance verification etc.) and market replication encouraging the involvement of end users or potential clients. Project funding should amount to no more than € 2,500,000 and the typical duration of thisd phase should range from 12 to 24 months (more funding and longer durations are possible if duly justified).