CFAs: Acceleration and Post-Acceleration Programmes 2025 (Cohort 1)

Programme Segments

• Shape Programme (Acceleration): For start-ups looking to refine their business models, enhance market strategies, and secure investment.
• Scale Programme (Post-Acceleration): For scale-ups seeking to expand their business operations, raise capital, and establish a strong presence in international markets.

Strategic Focus

• The primary objective of this call for applications is to identify and support start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs in the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI) to participate in EIT Culture & Creativity’s Shape (Acceleration) or Scale (Post-Acceleration) programmes.
• The service of these programmes is designed to enhance the capabilities of these companies, providing them with the necessary resources, extensive mentorship, coaching and strategic guidance to transition from early-stage ventures to successful scale-ups and preparing them to raise capital from public and private markets.
• EIT Culture & Creativity’s Shape (Acceleration) and Scale (Post-Acceleration) programmes aims to:
  • Foster innovation and creativity within the CCSI by supporting SMEs and scale-ups that address sector-specific challenges.
  • Enhance the market readiness of innovative solutions with focus on building resilient CCSI, incorporating circular practices that reduce carbon emissions or fostering digital transition.
  • Boost innovative business models in the CCSI including, amongst others, the use of latest digital technologies, circular practices, etc.
  • Provide tailored support through mentoring and coaching from a network of universities, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and expert partners.
  • Enhance investment-readiness of start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs in the CCSI by preparing them for or supporting them during on-going investment rounds.
  • Facilitate growth and sustainability of start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs by offering access to strategic resources, industry connections, and potential investors.

Priority Areas 

• EIT Culture & Creativity prioritizes five key sectors within the CCSI, each facing unique challenges but collectively representing a substantial portion of the EU’s creative economy. Their focus is on addressing innovation gaps, sustainability, and market opportunities across these industries:
  • Fashion
  • Architecture
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Audio-Visual Media
  • Gaming
• Additionally, EIT Culture & Creativity supports innovations aligned with The New European Bauhaus (NEB), focusing on beautiful, sustainable, and inclusive solutions. This includes accessible living spaces, environmentally respectful building methods, circular design, and smart infrastructure.

Why participate?

• Expert Mentorship & Coaching – Gain insights from top industry experts and strategic advisors.
• Market Readiness & Business Development – Receive hands-on support to refine strategies and accelerate growth.
• Investor & Funding Opportunities – Connect with potential investors and partners in the CCSI ecosystem.
• Recognition & Visibility – Selected ventures may be included in the EIT CC “100 To Watch” List, gaining longterm support and visibility.
• Participation in Key Programme Events – Engage in the Kick-off and Demo Day, with logistical support provided.

Funding Information

• In addition to programme participation, selected ventures will have the opportunity to compete for financial prizes, awarded upon successful completion of the programme based on performance criteria. These prizes aim to recognize outstanding achievements and support ventures in their business development and fundraising efforts.
• Shape Programme (Acceleration)
  • Up to 20 prizes (10 per cohort), distributed as follows:
    • Up to Three first-place prizes: €30,000 each
    • Up to Three second-place prizes: €15,000 each
    • Up to Four third-place prizes: €7,500 each
  • Total prize budget per cohort: €165,000
• Scale Programme (Post-Acceleration)
  • Up to 20 prizes (10 per cohort), distributed as follows:
    • Up to Three first-place prizes: €60,000 each
    • Up to Three second-place prizes: €30,000 each
    • Up to Four third-place prizes: €15,000 each
  • Total prize budget per cohort: €330,000.

Programme Duration

•  8–10 weeks.

Eligibility Criteria

• This call for applications is specifically designed for start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs in pre-seed and seed stage within the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI) seeking to participate in EIT Culture & Creativity’s Shape (Acceleration) or Scale (Post Acceleration) programmes. Eligible applicants are entities that meet the following criteria:
  • Company Status: The applicant must be a start-up, scale-up, or SME that has tested its business model or product (minimum 2-year-old company with proven product-market fit) and is actively operating within at least one of the EIT CC five priority areas: fashion, architecture, cultural heritage, audiovisual media, and gaming. Ventures operating at the intersection of these sectors are also encouraged to apply.
  • Legal Entity: The applicant must be a legally established entity in an EU Member State or in a third country associated with Horizon Europe.
  • Innovation Focus: The company should be developing innovative solutions that align with the priority areas of EIT Culture & Creativity, aiming to address specific challenges within the CCSI.
  • Stage of Development: Applicants must be mature ventures with at least one product in the market and a minimum of two years of operational activity. Ventures that have completed an incubation or (regional) acceleration programme are encouraged to apply.
  • Single applicant: Applications must be submitted by a single legal entity.
  • Documentation: Applicants need to provide relevant documentation demonstrating their status, legal founding, and innovation focus. Detailed guidelines on the required documentation will be provided later. By applying, companies will receive the necessary support and resources to accelerate their growth, enhance their market presence, and contribute significantly to the CCSI innovation landscape.

For more information, visit EIT Culture & Creativity.