Deadline: September 08, 2026
The program focuses on validating core technology at TRL 4–5, strengthening problem–solution fit, reducing technical and market uncertainty, building a clear path toward market entry, and addressing real-world industry challenges through co-creation with corporate partners.
The four-month programme brings startups together with industry partners to jointly develop solutions that respond to concrete market needs and industry use cases. Applicants can participate through two tracks. Under the Open Challenge Track, startups may apply together with their own corporate partner and jointly define the challenge they intend to address. The Industry Challenge Track enables startups to work on predefined challenges developed in collaboration with corporate partners.
Selected startups will receive financial support of up to €250,000 without any co-funding requirement. In addition to funding, participating ventures will collaborate directly with industry leaders, receive fundraising support, benefit from intensive expert-led training through the Speed Master and MentorMe programmes, and gain visibility across 28DIGITAL’s European innovation ecosystem, which includes corporates, public sector organisations, investors, and academia.
Applicants must be micro or small enterprises with fewer than 50 employees, incorporated and operating in an EU, Horizon Europe, or Horizon Europe-associated country. Eligible startups must have been incorporated within the last five years, operate at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4–5, employ at least two full-time equivalent staff members, and possess or control key intellectual property or technology assets.
For more information, visit EIT.
