EIT Culture & Creativity Acceleration and Post-Acceleration Programmes

Through these programmes, EIT Culture & Creativity is actively empowering creative entrepreneurs, helping themrefine business strategies, expand into new markets, and establish long-term partnerships with the EIT CC ecosystem.

Aims

• 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

• Projects must tackle challenges in at least one of EIT Culture & Creativity’s priority areas:
  • Fashion: Promote circular innovations, new textile processing and recycling technologies, and sustainable business models.
  • Architecture: Foster circular innovation, affordable climate adaptation, and social cohesion through new materials and sustainable design.
  • Cultural Heritage: Integrate emerging technologies and new business models to commercialize scalable cultural heritage solutions.
  • Audio-Visual: Media Promote responsible and trustworthy technology use, including generative AI and audience data analytics.
  • Gaming: Foster digital ethics, cross-sector collaboration, and innovation in game development and business models.

Programme Segments

• Segment 1: Shape Programme (Acceleration) – Designed to support up to 40 start-ups and SMEs in CCSI that have been in the market for at least two years and have ambitions for future growth including raising funds from public and/or private investors within the next two years. This programme provides tailored support, mentorship, and strategic guidance to help companies refine business models, enhance market strategies, and achieve growth milestones.
• Segment 2: Scale Programme (Post-Acceleration) – Designated to support up to 50 scale-ups and SMEs with at least three years of commercial success, presence in at least two EU member states or Horizon-associated countries and with plans to raise capital imminently or in the near future. This programme supports companies undergoing pre-seed/seed funding or preparing for it within the next six to twelve months. The programme offers advanced mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to industry networks to strengthen market position, scale operations, and expand into new international markets.

Funding Information

• Maximum EIT Funding in Prizes in this call: 990,000 EUR
• Shape Programme (Acceleration): total prize budget €330,000
  • 3 prizes of €30,000
  • 3 prizes of €15,000
  • 4 prizes of €7,500
• Scale Programme (Post acceleration): total prize budget €660,000
  • 3 prizes of €60,000
  • 3 prizes of €30,000
  • 4 prizes of €15,000

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.

Expected Outcomes

• The expected outcome is to provide advanced support, mentorship, and strategic guidance, ensuring that the selected companies can thrive, secure funding, and achieve significant market impact in the competitive landscape of the CCSI.

Who can apply?

• 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.

For more information, visit Innovate UK.