Do you want to start your entrepreneurial journey? Do you have a business idea and want to turn your innovative digital technology into an MVP and start your venture?
What is the EIT Digital Venture Incubation Program?
The Venture Incubation Program is a two-stage initiative by EIT Digital, combining entrepreneurial education and venture-building support. It starts with the SpeedLauncher program, a 12-week incubation phase focused on essential entrepreneurial skills. Teams that successfully complete the first phase can move into the Pre-Acceleration phase, which includes a €5,000 Growth Package Prize and tailored mentoring to develop and validate their MVP. Selected ventures will commit to providing EIT Digital with 3% equity at nominal value.
Who can apply?
The EIT Digital Venture Incubation Program 2025 is open to individuals and teams who reside in one of the following eligible locations:
EU27 Member States
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
Horizon Europe Associated Countries
Montenegro, Republic of North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine.
Additional Requirements
- Teams must not have legally established their company before 1 January 2024.
- Only one application per team is allowed.
- Multidisciplinary teams with both technology and business skills are encouraged to apply.
Participation from Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) countries and gender-balanced teams is strongly encouraged and will be positively evaluated.
Detailed eligibility and requirements: Rules and regulations
Who is the EIT Digital Venture Incubation Program for?
EUROPEAN ENTREPRENEURS
- Develop your entrepreneurial skills through structured education and hands-on mentoring
- Validate your product idea and build a robust MVP.
- Get access to a €5,000 Growth Package Prize and expert support during the Pre-Acceleration Phase.
- Establish your deep tech venture
- Pitch your solution at Demo Day and prepare for seed-stage investment.
- Get business development help from top international experts
- Find a first investor
- Join Europe's leading innovation ecosystem
From Entrepreneurial Exploration to Venture Creation
The EIT Digital Venture Incubation Program is a two-stage competition designed to support the development of deep tech ventures from the earliest stages—helping entrepreneurial teams move from concept to MVP, validation, and investment readiness within a structured timeline.
The program begins with a 12-week Incubation Phase, delivered through the SpeedLauncher program, where participants acquire essential entrepreneurial skills and validate their ideas in a safe, supportive environment. Teams that successfully complete this phase may advance to the 12-week Pre-Acceleration Phase, receiving a €5,000 Growth Package Prize, tailored mentoring, and support in finalizing their MVP and preparing for seed investment.
The entire program is delivered fully online, enabling broad accessibility while ensuring high-quality mentorship, training, and peer learning.
LAUNCH
Kick-off at the Bootcamp
Explore and develop essential entrepreneurial skills in a 12-week Incubation Phase. The hands-on curriculum includes problem identification, ideation, validation, team formation, tech adoption, business planning, and go-to-market strategy.
GROWTH PACKAGE
A 12-week virtual Pre-Acceleration Phase with tailored mentoring to finalize your MVP and prepare for market. Support from entrepreneurial experts.
€5,000 cash prize
DEMO DAY
Teams who complete both phases, incorporate their venture on time, and present a validated MVP are eligible for Demo Day and follow-up opportunities for pre-seed investment.
Sponsors & Partners
Partner With Us — Boost Innovation, Gain Visibility
EIT Digital invites leading players in tech, investment, and innovation to sponsor or partner with our Venture Incubation Program. Join us in empowering the next generation of European deep tech startups.
Why join?
- Exclusive visibility as a program partner
- Access to a pipeline of validated deep tech startups
- Get a jury place in our Demo Day
- Engage with EIT Digital’s pan-European innovation network
We’re collecting interest now — submit your details through our sponsorship form or reach us at [email protected]
How to apply
1. Read carefully the Rules & Regulations
2. Complete the application form
- Visit the → Application page.
- Select your country of residence.
- Describe your team.
- Explain the business model, the technology underlying your product/solution, and your innovative idea.
- Upload your pitch deck.
3. Application deadline
8 June 2025
