Verifying an SME
EBRAINS does not accept direct registration requests from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Registration is only possible when an SME is already known to and verified by an EBRAINS partner. This ensures every commercial engagement is built on prior knowledge, a verified identity, and a clear chain of trust.
When a partner identifies a candidate SME, that partner takes responsibility for the verification process: arranging a call with a senior representative of the company (director, senior manager, or equivalent decision-maker), confirming the company’s legitimacy, and establishing a verified line of communication.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Identify the SME
The SME must already be known to an EBRAINS partner. Direct unsolicited requests from companies that have not engaged with a partner first are not accepted.
Arrange a Verification Call
The EBRAINS partner schedules a video call with a senior representative of the SME — a director, senior manager, or equivalent decision-maker who can speak on behalf of the organisation.
Conduct Identity Verification
During the call, the SME representative presents a valid government-issued identification document (passport, national ID card, or equivalent). The partner visually checks that the document matches the person on the call. No copy of the document is taken or stored.
Confirm Legitimacy
Once identity is verified, the partner confirms that the SME is a suitable and trustworthy candidate for EBRAINS engagement. This judgement rests with the partner.
Complete Registration
The partner contacts EBRAINS Support with the SME’s details and the verification outcome. From this point onward, registration proceeds through the standard onboarding flow.
Partner Responsibilities
The verifying partner acts as the sponsor of the SME’s entry into EBRAINS. By initiating the verification, the partner attests that:
- The SME is a real, operating organisation.
- The representative on the call has the authority to speak for the SME.
- Identity was verified live, against an official document.
- No personal data from the call has been retained.
After Verification
Once Support has been notified and registration is in progress, the SME follows the standard onboarding flow. There is no separate “SME account” type — verified individuals receive ordinary EBRAINS user accounts, with the same access scope, terms, and obligations as any other user. The verification step exists before registration, not as a parallel system.
If an SME’s needs go beyond what a single user account allows — multiple seats, shared resources, formal collaboration — the partner should escalate via Support to discuss a more formal engagement.