Deadline Date: January 29, 2026
On behalf of the AEDIB|NET consortium, the European Business and Innovation Centre Network (EBN) is looking for 100 start–up (50 in Africa and 50 in Europe) to participate in one of the two Virtual Partnership Programmes managed by two innovation centres (1 in Africa and 1 in Europe) within the framework of AEDIB|NET project.
The project was launched under the broader African–European Digital Innovation Bridge initiative and forms part of the European Commission’s Digital 4 Development process, following a joint initiative by EU Member States including France, Belgium, and Germany together with the European Commission.
The project’s ambition is to inspire and empower ecosystem actors by supporting innovation-friendly policy frameworks, building the capacity of marginalised groups, and strengthening digital and entrepreneurial skills through initiatives such as a Digital Entrepreneur Skills Academy.
A key focus of AEDIB|NET is the creation and support of digital innovation across both continents. This includes the establishment of African Digital Innovation Hubs, a Digital Hub Lab, online marketplaces, and virtual communities linked to investor networks. These efforts are centred on four strategic sectors: climate-smart agriculture, smart cities, digital trade, and clean technology, all of which are critical to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Another central objective of the project is to connect start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, digital innovation hubs, diaspora communities, and other ecosystem players from Africa and Europe. By fostering transcontinental partnerships, AEDIB|NET aims to facilitate collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the emergence of a shared digital innovation ecosystem spanning both regions.
Within this framework, the European Business and Innovation Centre Network, on behalf of the AEDIB|NET consortium, is launching a partnership programme for 100 start-ups, with 50 based in Africa and 50 in Europe. These start-ups will take part in one of two virtual partnership programmes managed by innovation centres in each region, offering a structured yet flexible approach tailored to the needs of participating companies.
The virtual partnership programme is designed to run for six months and combines shared core sessions with customised components addressing specific challenges faced by start-ups in each group. Common sessions focus on areas such as business development, start-up management, strategic planning, access to finance and fundraising, sustainability, internationalisation, intellectual property, EU funding opportunities, and cross-cultural understanding. Networking sessions form a key part of the programme, encouraging collaboration and relationship building.
In addition, smaller group sessions concentrate on sector-specific topics, trends, best practices, and key stakeholders, with contributions from digital innovation hubs specialising in the priority sectors of the project. The programme is built around four main pillars: capacity building, peer learning, problem solving, and learning by doing.
Throughout the programme, experienced entrepreneurs, second-chance entrepreneurs, and successful start-ups are invited to share their insights and practical experiences. These exchanges are designed to strengthen learning, encourage collaboration, and support meaningful connections between participants and innovation stakeholders operating across Africa and Europe.
The ultimate goal of AEDIB|NET’s partnership programme is to enable start-ups to engage in sustained learning and knowledge exchange while strengthening linkages between digital innovation ecosystems on both continents. By facilitating matchmaking among tech entrepreneurs, innovation partners, hubs, support organisations, networks, and academic institutions, the project seeks to raise the capacity of tech-driven start-ups and contribute to a more connected, inclusive, and resilient African–European digital innovation landscape.
For more information, visit AEDIB NET.
