EIT Jumpstarter 2026
EIT Jumpstarter is a pre-acceleration programme offering training, mentorship and international exposure for early innovation projects within science-based start-ups in Europe.
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Contact the providerOver 240,000 euros in financial support, including prizes of 10,000, 5,000, 3,000 and 2,500 euros.
Varies — depends on the scope of the project and the grant provider's assessment.
Application open until 17 May 2026
About the grant
EIT Jumpstarter 2026 is a pre-acceleration programme from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) supporting early innovators to transform science-based ideas into successful start-ups. The programme offers over 55 hours of entrepreneurship training, expert mentorship, professional pitch development and access to EIT's pan-European innovation network. Participants can compete for over 240,000 euros in financial support, including prizes of 10,000, 5,000 and 3,000 euros for top teams in each thematic cohort, as well as special prizes of 2,500 euros for projects from the EU's outermost regions, Western Balkans and Ukraine, and solutions linked to the New European Bauhaus initiative. The programme primarily targets innovators from EIT Regional Innovation Scheme countries and associated countries, running from March to December 2026 with online bootcamps, pitch sessions and a final in October with an award ceremony in an EIT RIS country.
Requirements
- Innovators from EIT Regional Innovation Scheme countries, the EU's outermost regions, Western Balkans, Ukraine and associated countries may apply.
- Applications can be made individually or in teams of up to two co-founders.
- Projects must be science-based and focused on one of six thematic cohorts: Food & Agritech, Healthcare, Energy & Renewables, Advanced & Green Manufacturing, Metals, Minerals, Advanced Materials & Industrial Side Streams, Smart Cities & Urban Mobility.
What types of project are suitable?
Source
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