EIT Jumpstarter

With the contribution of best-in-class experts, a creative community, and unique know-how, we aim to support idea-holders in turning their ideas into business. We help innovators and entrepreneurs build a viable business model around their innovative product or service idea and validate it. If their business idea is sustainable, we encourage them to register their company.

The strategic aim of this program is to create a sustainable impact in the Central-Eastern and Southern-European Regions by boosting innovation and entrepreneurship within this part of Europe. The programme’s concept originates from the real needs of the innovation ecosystem of these regions. Countries face similar challenges; they have enormous innovation potential with bright scientific minds, but the research results will likely remain within the labs. At the same time, many needs have been unmet from the corporate side. To overcome these challenges by connecting innovative solutions with the industry’s articulated demands and increasing our regions’ competitiveness, six EIT Communities teamed up to jointly run EIT Jumpstarter: EIT Health, EIT RawMaterials, EIT Food, EIT InnoEnergy, EIT Manufacturing and EIT Urban Mobility organize the competition. The seven Knowledge and Innovation Communities of EIT, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. They bring together businesses, research centres and universities as partners creating a favourable environment for creative thought and innovation to flourish. EIT is a valuable, credible partner to get your business idea up and running.

Graduates of the program possess the skills and knowledge to launch their companies. As part of the alumni community, they receive further support and dedicated advice from the EIT Communities regarding the next stage of their start-up journey. We introduce teams to partners, VCs, regulatory bodies and companies that can produce their products, their first buyer or a test site. They meet major innovation hubs in Europe, which is essential when they want to enter foreign markets.

What will you learn?

During the 8 months-long programme, you will find and validate the best business model for your innovative idea. The courses build on the lean start-up methodology from Silicon Valley translated to the European Environment. You will learn about: how to refine your deal, market segmentation, customer value proposition, market segmentation, financials, investment basics, legal basics

You will receive travel and accommodation support during the program, and the best teams in each category will have the chance to win a €10,000 money prize.

Why it is unique?

EIT Jumpstarter is a very selective, competitive program; participating in it opens doors towards the European markets and connects the best teams with the seven EIT Communities’ large industrial partners.