Deadline:
January 30, 2025
Location(s)
Belgium Online
Overview
The EIT Digital Challenge aims to identify the best European deep tech entrepreneurs and help them scale up internationally, supporting the European deep tech ecosystem.
We’re looking for fast-growing European ‘deep tech’ companies with a differentiated product offering that leverages sophisticated, hard-to-reproduce digital technologies.
Each year a small group of winners receives waived entry into the 12-month Accelerator Program worth €50,000. They will get dedicated services in international Access to Finance and Business Development by the EIT Digital Accelerator team.
Details
The top 20 companies will be invited to an exclusive event to pitch in front of a panel of experts and investors as well as participate in the matchmaking sessions with invited corporates and investors. The winners will receive waived entry into the 12-month Accelerator Program worth €50,000. They will get dedicated services in international Access to Finance and Business Development by the EIT Digital Accelerator team.
We’re looking for fast-growing European ‘deep tech’ companies with a differentiating product offering that leverages sophisticated, hard-to-reproduce digital technologies. The EIT Digital Challenge aims to identify the best European deep tech entrepreneurs and help them scale up internationally, supporting the European deep tech ecosystem.
Since its launch in 2014, the competition has attracted thousands of applications from more than 33 European countries. Many of the winning scaleups have moved on to become internationally successful companies. Now it’s your turn to shine!
Applications for the 2025 competition will open in Q4 of 2024 - stay tuned!
Our purpose
EIT Digital aims at global impact through European innovation fuelled by entrepreneurial talent and digital technology.
We embody the future of innovation by mobilizing a pan-European multi-stakeholder open-innovation ecosystem of top European corporations, SMEs, startups, universities and research institutes, where students, researchers, engineers, business developers and investors address the technology, talent, skills, business and capital needs of digital entrepreneurship.
We build the next generation of digital ventures, digital products and services, and breed digital entrepreneurial talent, helping business and entrepreneurs to be at the frontier of digital innovation by providing them with technology, talent, and growth support. EIT Digital answers specific innovation needs by, for example, finding the right partners to bring technology to the market, supporting the scale-up of digital technology ventures, attracting talent and developing their digital knowledge and skills.
EIT Digital invests in strategic areas to accelerate the market uptake and scaling of research-based digital technologies (deep tech) focusing on Europe’s key societal challenges: Digital Tech, Digital Cities, Digital Industry, Digital Wellbeing, and Digital Finance
Launched in 2010, EIT Digital set out on a journey of growth. Growth of our community, growth of delivery on innovation, entrepreneurship and talent, and growth of its impact through thought leadership. Since its launch, EIT Digital has equipped more than 2,200 students with the skills to innovate and become entrepreneurs; EIT Digital has supported more than 370 start-ups and scaleups to grow internationally, created more than 200 ventures and launched more than 530 products and services commercially.
EIT Digital matured against the background of a fast-accelerating digital world and a growing focus on entrepreneurship in Europe. Complementing the strong European research base, this entrepreneurial mindset will strengthen Europe’s position in a digital world driven by data, platforms, and the network economy. Creating a Strong Digital Europe will safeguard European values by being inclusive, fair, and sustainable.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
CRITERIA
To apply, your scaleup must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
- Fast-growing technology company with international ambitions
- Company max. ten years old
- Company incorporated in EU27 or Horizon Europe Associated Countries
- Growth stage: min. €300,000 in revenue or €2,000,000 in funding
Dates
Deadline: January 30, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
Prize package
The best five companies will receive a full year of tailored international growth support by the EIT Digital Accelerator worth €50,000 to scale up their business.
- Raise your next Series A or B round from international investors with the support of an experienced Access to Finance team
- Get coached on your market readiness and go-to-market strategy to support your international goal ambitions
- Leverage EIT Digital’s 300+ Pan-European network of top European corporations, investors, SMEs, universities and research institutions
- Gain international visibility through EIT Digital communication channels
- Get the opportunity to have a seat sponsored by the OEHI.
FUNDRAISING SUPPORT
Benefit from the Access to Finance and Business Development support provided by a dedicated team of experienced business developers and financing specialists operating from 17 major European cities and a hub in Silicon Valley. They will support you in growing your business internationally and raising international capital.
PAN-EUROPEAN INNOVATION NETWORK
Get access to our network of 350+ renowned partners across Europe consisting of corporations, SMEs, startups, universities and research institutes.
GROWTH SUPPORT
A full year of tailored international growth support by the EIT Digital Accelerator worth €50,000 to scale up their business.
INTERNATIONAL VISIBILITY
We will communicate your success and share your story through our powerful on- and offline channels and leading European media outlets, generating valuable international exposure for your business.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
