The I3-INSHAPE Open Call for new European SMEs is currently up and running, but it doesn’t stop there. The project is now searching for independent experts who can support the evaluation process of the I3 collaborative project proposals submitted under the same Open Call. This represents a unique opportunity for professionals in the sector to assess groundbreaking projects and receive compensation for their expertise.
Why apply as an evaluator
The I3-INSHAPE Open Call is selecting innovative SMEs that will receive funding and investment support to scale up their solutions in the sports and vitality sector. In this framework, the role of the evaluators will be to select high-potential projects that can make an impact on the EU market. They will review the documents submitted from SMEs consortia and examine their project proposals following the principles of impartiality, objectivity, accuracy and consistency. The proposal evaluation process will take place remotely from April 28 to May 9, 2025, using a standardized evaluation grid provided by I3-INSHAPE consortium partners to ensure fairness and transparency.
Thanks to this great opportunity, evaluators can expand their professional network in the European sports innovation ecosystem, as well as assess European-funded innovation projects and support SMEs in scaling up in the EU market. Evaluators will receive €200 per project proposal revised.
Selection Criteria
Evaluators will be chosen according to the following criteria:
- Specific expertise: Evaluators should have expertise in two or more of the following areas:
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- Physical education and or sports
- Technology applied to sports (IoT, AI, gamification, immersive technologies, data and analytics)
- Sports management
- Rehabilitation & physical therapy
- Sports tourism
- Promotion of healthy lifestyles (nutrition, wellbeing…)
- Business Management
- Experience in management, coordination, or implementation of innovation projects at regional, national or European level.
- Experience as reviewer of innovation projects at regional, national or European level.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, candidates must be fluent in English (C1 level or higher), have prior experience in evaluating or implementing innovation projects, and be able to issue invoices within the EU. They also need to be available to carry out their tasks from the 28th of April to the 9th of May. Applicants must also be based in an eligible EU country, or non-EU countries listed as EEA countries, or countries associated with the I3 Instrument, and have no conflicts of interest with SMEs applying for funding.
The call for evaluators is open until March 14, 2025, at 17:00 CET and selected candidates will be required to attend a mandatory training webinar on one of the following dates: April 15, 16, or 24, 2025. Interested professionals can apply by sending an email to opencall@sportsandtechnology.com with the subject “Evaluators Application” The application must include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s expertise and motivation, along with a CV in English detailing relevant experiences in EU-funded projects.
For all details, guidelines and further requirements, visit the dedicated page on the I3-INSHAPE website.
