European Innovation Council (EIC)
https://eic.ec.europa.eu/index_en
EIC is an entrepreneurship support program created by the European Union.
It provides millions of Euros worth of grants and financial support to support digital entrepreneurs.
The EIC Accelerator program focuses on growing technology companies and helps them accelerate their innovation.
EIC also offers comprehensive support, including services such as business networking, training and mentoring.
Purpose and Mission
EIC is a program launched by the European Union in 2017.
Its main objective is to strengthen innovation and support growth companies in Europe.
It aims to promote entrepreneurship and innovation, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and growth companies.
EIC Accelerator
One of the most notable parts of the EIC is the EIC Accelerator.
This program provides financial support to entrepreneurs and companies to bring their innovative projects to life.
It has a support system that includes grant and investment phases.
Financial Support
EIC supports high-risk but potentially high-return innovation projects.
It provides financial resources to entrepreneurs by offering grants and investments worth millions of Euros.
This support covers business model development, marketing, prototyping and growth.
Training and Networking
The program offers entrepreneurs educational resources and builds networks to help them grow their businesses.
EIC provides mentoring programs and opportunities to interact with business leaders.
EIC’s events and meetings allow entrepreneurs to connect with each other and potential investors.
Featured Success Stories
EIC is proud of the many successful entrepreneurs and companies it has supported.
Many projects that offer innovative solutions, grow and achieve sustainable success have been supported by EIC Accelerator.
Application and Selectio
Process
Entrepreneurs and companies can apply to the EIC Accelerator program.
Applications go through project evaluation and selection stages.
Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as technical innovation, market potential and the skills of the team.
EIC is a program that plays an important role in supporting innovation and strengthening the entrepreneurial culture in Europe. It contributes to the success of innovative projects by providing financial support, training resources and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs.
EIT Digital (European Institute of Innovation and Technology)
EIT Digital is an organization that supports entrepreneurship and innovation in the field of digital technology.
EIT Digital offers a wide range of education focused on digital skills with Masters School programs, innovation events and opportunities to collaborate with companies.
It also provides various supports to stimulate the entrepreneurial ecosystem through annual entrepreneurship competitions and accelerator programs.
Establishment and Purpose
EIT Digital is an entrepreneurship and innovation platform managed by EIT Digital, a KIC (Information and Communication Technologies) launched by the European Institute for Innovation and Technology in 2010.
Its main objective is to increase Europe’s competitiveness by supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in the field of digital technology.
Education Programs
In cooperation with higher education and research institutions, EIT Digital offers training programs in the field of digital technology.
It includes Masters School programs, PhD programs and a range of programs offering training in specialized fields.
The educational programs supported by EIT Digital provide students with technical skills and foster entrepreneurship.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
EIT Digital manages a number of projects supporting digital innovation and entrepreneurship.
These projects include entrepreneurship training, start-up support and a series of events that foster innovation.
By collaborating with large companies and SMEs, EIT Digital aims to strengthen the innovation ecosystem.
Strategic Areas
EIT Digital focuses on priority strategic areas. These areas include sectors such as digital industry, digital cities, digital health and digital finance.
To address these strategic areas, EIT Digital runs various projects and promotes innovation.
Research and Innovation Centers (Co-Location Centers)
EIT Digital has a number of Co-Location Centers across Europe.
These centers support innovation and provide opportunities for collaboration by bringing together industry and research institutions.
Each center promotes digital innovation in a specific geographical region.
Network and Collaboration
EIT Digital has a broad network of partnerships. This network enables strong collaboration between industry leaders, academics, entrepreneurs and start-ups.
EIT Digital’s network supports knowledge sharing, projects and entrepreneurial opportunities between member organizations and partners.
EIT Digital plays an important role as a wide-ranging education, research and innovation platform with the aim of strengthening Europe’s leadership in digital technology and fostering entrepreneurship.
Startup Europe
Startup Europe is an initiative that aims to support the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Europe.
In this framework, it supports entrepreneurship-related activities, provides funding and encourages cooperation between companies.
It also promotes entrepreneurship through grant programs and mentoring activities for young entrepreneurs.
Purpose and Organization
Startup Europe is an initiative that aims to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Europe.
It was launched by the European Commission and aims to support young entrepreneurs, start-ups and innovative projects.
Events and Programs
Startup Europe promotes entrepreneurial culture through various events and programs.
StartUp Europe Awards is a program that rewards entrepreneurial achievements. It also organizes conferences, competitions and panels on entrepreneurship.
Accelerators and Innovation Programs
Startup Europe supports start-ups through accelerator programs and innovation support.
Accelerators aim to rapidly grow young entrepreneurs through training, mentoring and financial support.
Connections and Collaborations
Provides useful connections and collaboration opportunities for entrepreneurs and start-ups.
It creates a Europe-wide network, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and government officials.
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs
Startup Europe supports the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program to encourage young entrepreneurs to gain experience.
This program allows young entrepreneurs to work and learn alongside an experienced business person or entrepreneur.
European Crowdfunding Network
Startup Europe supports platforms such as the European Crowdfunding Network (ECN) to increase funding.
Such networks help start-ups to access alternative sources of funding.
Success Stories and Databases
Startup Europe aims to inspire young entrepreneurs by sharing and promoting the stories of successful entrepreneurs.
It creates various databases to keep track of successful start-ups and entrepreneurs across Europe.
Startup Europe stands out as a comprehensive entrepreneurship initiative that provides various programs, events and support to support and strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem across Europe.
Erasmus+ Program
https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
Erasmus+ is an education, youth and sport program supported by the European Union.
It provides financial support to projects that aim to provide digital skills to vocational education and training students.
It offers scholarships for participation in various activities such as student exchanges, internships and digital skills development courses.
Purpose and Overview
The Erasmus+ Program is a comprehensive education program supported by the European Union that promotes international learning among young people, students, educators and young professionals.
The main objective of the program is to contribute to the personal, cultural and professional development of participants by enabling them to learn, study and gain experience abroad.
Main Areas of Activity
The Erasmus+ Program covers a number of main areas of activity
1. Youth Sector: Develops the personal and social skills of young people through youth exchanges, volunteering activities and youth projects.
2. Higher Education: Supports activities in the field of higher education, such as student and academic staff exchanges, partnership projects and credit transfer.
3. Vocational Training and Internships: Offers international experiences in vocational training and internships.
4. Adult Education: Provides international projects and exchange opportunities for adult learners and educators.
5. School Education: Organizes projects and exchange programs between school staff and students.
Learning Mobility
Erasmus+ offers students and academic staff the opportunity to study and teach abroad.
The program offers a variety of scholarships and support for participants to meet different cultures, improve language skills and provide opportunities for international cooperation.
European Voluntary Service
(European Solidarity Corps)
Another important area under Erasmus+ that offers community service and volunteering opportunities for young people is the European Solidarity Corps.
Young people can take part in social responsibility projects in Europe and contribute to their communities.
Project and Partnership Support
Erasmus+ encourages the participation of educational institutions, youth organizations, businesses and other institutions.
It provides financial support to support projects and partnerships.
Results and Impacts
The program provides participants with a range of benefits such as cultural diversity, language skills, personal development and gaining a competitive advantage in the world of work.
It promotes a culture of cooperation and learning between education systems across Europe.
The Erasmus+ Programme promotes mobility in the field of education in Europe, offering a wide range of activities to enable young people, students and professionals to gain international experience.
European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH)
https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu
EDIHs are European networks that support digital innovation and facilitate the digital transformation of companies.
They provide services to help businesses to use digital technologies.
They provide access to a variety of resources to support SMEs and startups, such as consulting, training, testbeds and networking opportunities.
Description and Objective
European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) is a European network that supports and disseminates digital innovation.
Its main objective is to accelerate the digital transformation of industry and the public sector, foster innovation and strengthen access to digital technologies.
Services and Areas of Activity
EDIHs offer a wide range of services:
1. Innovation Services: EDIHs provide support to companies and SMEs on innovation issues related to digital technologies.
2. Training and Consulting: They provide training and consulting services for SMEs and industry to improve their digital skills.
3. Testing and Validation Services: EDIHs offer testing and validation of new digital solutions.
4. Connectivity and Collaboration: They create collaboration opportunities by bringing together industrial players, academic institutions, SMEs and other stakeholders.
Distribution across Europe
There are a number of EDIHs across Europe. These hubs operate to foster digital innovation in specific geographical regions and sectors.
EDIHs provide support to companies operating in various sectors such as industry, healthcare, agriculture, transportation and energy in different parts of Europe.
European Commission Supported
EDIHs operate as an initiative supported by the European Commission.
The European Commission funds these hubs to promote digital innovation and technology transfer.
Strategic Objectives
EDIHs aim to contribute to Europe’s digital transformation objectives.
These objectives include strengthening digital skills, enhancing industrial competitiveness and facilitating access to digital technologies.
Strengthening the Digital
Innovation Ecosystem
EDIHs strengthen digital innovation ecosystems at the local and regional level.
These hubs encourage companies, academic institutions and other stakeholders to come together and engage in innovation projects.
European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) is a network that supports Europe’s digital transformation and fosters digital innovation in various sectors. These hubs operate to accelerate the digitalization of industry, support SMEs and increase Europe’s global competitiveness.
The Empresa Nacional de Innovación, S.A (ENISA) is an entity of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism that provides financial support through participatory loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that want to promote their innovative entrepreneurship projects.
Participative loans are a financial instrument halfway between the traditional loan and venture capital. Apart from ordinary interest, ENISA obtains a remuneration that depends on the performance of the company to which it grants the loan. Among other characteristics, no endorsements or guarantees are required, they are loans of up to nine years and offer repayment and grace periods of up to seven years.
ENISA has various help lines depending on the stage the company is in: creation, growth and consolidation.
Empresa Nacional de Innovación, S.A (ENISA) is an entity of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism that provides financial support through participatory loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that want to promote their innovative entrepreneurship projects.
Participative loans are a financial instrument halfway between the traditional loan and venture capital. Apart from ordinary interest, ENISA obtains a remuneration that depends on the performance of the company to which it grants the loan. Among other characteristics, no endorsements or guarantees are required, they are loans of up to nine years and offer repayment and grace periods of up to seven years.
ENISA has various help lines depending on the stage the company is in: creation, growth and consolidation.
https://impulsochileno.cl/noticias/buscas-apoyo-conoce-las-convocatorias-2023-de-sercotec/
The ERC Accelerator offers SMEs, start-ups and entrepreneurs the possibility to access grants of up to EUR 2.5 million to finance projects of some risk, but with great potential. In addition, it also allows access to capital investment for commercial activities and strengthening its international presence. All participating projects access services that allow them to benefit from mentoring, mentoring and expert guidance, partnership opportunities with companies, investors and others, as well as various services and activities. Spain is the country that has had the most success in achieving this aid with 1,034 projects financed (if we take into account its predecessor, the SME Instrument) between 2014 and 2022.
The LIFE Programme, for its part, supports up to 60 % of the total budget projects of companies and institutions on the environment or climate action. In 2022, LIFE has turned 30 and in this period has supported more than 900 projects in Spain.
The Spanish Digitalization Plan (2021-2025) is an ambitious public program that includes a set of measures, reforms and investments aimed at promoting more sustainable and inclusive growth from a digital point of view. Among these measures are, among others, the strengthening of digital skills of all citizens, the extension of adequate digital coverage for 100 percent of the population or the deployment of 5G, among many others.
One of the main characteristics of the Spanish economy is that 98.99% of all companies are SMEs. Spain, despite showing a positive evolution in the main international digitization indicators, has not made the same progress in the integration of digital technology by small companies.
The drive to digitize SMEs is highly conditioned by the availability of financing, as well as by the lack of training for the acquisition of digital tools to meet the new technological challenges.
The Plan has a total investment of 4,656 million euros, with 14 proposals distributed among four lines of action:
- Basic digitalization for SMEs.
- Support for change management.
- Disruptive innovation and digital entrepreneurship.
- Support for sectorial digitalization.
In addition to improving the basic digitalisation of SMEs, the Plan envisages boosting disruptive innovation (Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Big Data) to seize the opportunities of the data-driven economy through scalable programmes to be deployed through public-private partnerships.
The main objective of the Government is that this plan can reach one and a half million SMEs in a period of five years, which represents approximately half of the total number of companies with less than 250 workers in the country. The program is partly supported by EU Next Generation funds.
https://digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu/en/actions/national-initiatives/national-strategies/spain-sme-digitalisation-plan
Smart&Start Italy is an incentive aimed at the establishment and growth of innovative high-tech businesses (created by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy). It serves as a facilitating tool to promote the conditions for the spread of new entrepreneurship across the country and to support policies for technology transfer and the economic use of the results from public and private research systems.
This incentive supports the creation and growth of innovative enterprises throughout Italy. It has a total budget of approximately 200 million euros and finances projects with costs up to 1.5 million euros.
Smart&Start Italy finances the creation and growth of innovative enterprises with the following characteristics:
A strong technological dimension
Operating in the digital economy
Developing search results (by-products of research)
Fundable projects with costs between 100,000 and 1.5 million euros
Smart&Start Italy offers:
An interest-free loan for up to 80% of the total investment. If the startup is entirely composed of women, young people under 35, or includes at least one Italian Ph.D. considering returning to Italy from abroad, the funding percentage can increase to 90%.
A non-repayable grant equivalent to 30% of the loan for startups located only in Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Puglia, Sardinia, Sicily, and the “Seismic Crater” area of Aquila.
Startups established for less than a year can benefit from technical and managerial support services during the initial phase.
To submit your business plan:
You can submit your business plan online only through the Invitalia web platform (the page is in Italian): https://www.invitalia.it/cosa-facciamo/creiamo-nuove-aziende/smartstart-italia/currenta-la-domanda
Invitalia – Italian Development Agency (https://www.invitalia.it/eng)
INNOVA Venture is a fund dedicated to venture capital in the Lazio Region. Its purpose was to increase the supply of venture capital to startups and SMEs located in or planning to establish themselves in the Lazio region, creating a leverage effect on the capital of private co-investors and an impact on the real economy of the region.r.
INNOVA Venture directly co-invests in the venture capital of Lazio companies exclusively together with private and independent investors. There is also provision for:
– operate through Co-investment Framework Agreements with investors of proven ability interested in structurally investing in Lazio, especially in startups in the most seed stages;
– co-invest with capital through Equity Crowdfunding campaigns with authorized agreed platforms through ad hoc corporate vehicles.
Features
Fund allocation € 21.8 million
Target: Eligible companies with operational headquarters in Lazio (existing or planned)
Eligible Sectors: All (except for specific and limited exclusions)
Investment Phases: seed, start-up. scale-up, expansion
Investment Limits:
Minimum Initial Investment € 150,000 and maximum € 1.4 million
Maximum investment (Initial + Follow on): € 2.5 million
Expected duration of investment: up to 8 years
Submission of porposal
The updated version of the Public Notice of INNOVA Venture was published in BURL No. 117 of December 16, 2021, and the submission of the relevant Proposals is from 12 noon on December 16, 2021 until 12 noon on July 31, 2023 (unless earlier exhaustion of funds).
Submission of Investment Proposals must be made exclusively through the GeCoWEB Plus platform (gecoplus.lazioinnova.it) by filling out the INNOVA Venture form provided therein and uploading the following documents to it before the form is finalized and digitally signed:
the complete 5-year business plan (intended as a unified and complete document including the descriptive and numerical part of the business project, as per Appendix 3 of the Invitation);
expressions of interest from independent Private Co-investors interested in investing together with Innova Venture (prepared using template 1, if non-binding, or template 2, if binding, as per the Notice).
Please note: In case of entities (Proponents and/or Co-investors) not subject to Italian law, the appointment of an Italian representative (lawyer or auditor) is mandatory, according to art. 15 point 3 of the Invitation.
https://www.lazioeuropa.it/bandi/por_fesr_fondo_innova_venture_per_il_capitale_di_rischio_di_startup_e_pmi-536/
The “New Zero Interest Businesses” measure aims to support, throughout the country, the creation and development of micro and small enterprises with predominantly or totally youth or female participation.
Who it is aimed at
Micro and small businesses established for no more than 60 (sixty) months at the date of submission of the application for facilitation and in which the corporate structure is composed, for more than half of the numerical members and shares, of individuals aged between 18 and 35 years or women.
Individuals who intend to set up a new business are also eligible, provided that they submit the necessary documentation to prove their establishment within the deadline indicated in the notice of admission to the facilities.
What it provides
Eligible are initiatives, feasible throughout the country, promoted in the following sectors:
– production of goods in the sectors of industry, handicrafts and processing of agricultural products,
– provision of services to businesses and individuals including those pertaining to social innovation,
– trade in goods and services,
– tourism including tourism-cultural activities aimed at the enhancement and enjoyment of cultural, environmental and landscape heritage, as well as activities aimed at improving services for accommodation and hospitality.
The investment programs proposed by enterprises established for not more than 36 months may provide for eligible expenses not exceeding 1,500,000 euros, within the above ceiling may also include an amount to cover the needs of working capital (to be justified in the business plan and usable for the purpose of payment of raw materials, services necessary for the conduct of business activities and enjoyment of third party assets), limited to 20% of investment expenses. For enterprises established for more than 36 months and not more than 60 months, the amount of eligible expenses may not exceed 3,000,000 euros. Programs must be implemented within twenty-four months from the date of signing the financing contract.
https://www.incentivi.gov.it/it/catalogo/oltre-nuove-imprese-tasso-zero
To submit the application
https://www.invitalia.it/cosa-facciamo/creiamo-nuove-aziende/nuove-imprese-a-tasso-zero/presenta-la-domanda
initiative is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Czech Republic explore alternatives to traditional bank loans, specifically by accessing public and private capital markets. This initiative includes a new online portal, kapitalovypruvodce.cz, which provides practical tools and guidance to help businesses navigate the various financing options available.
The platform offers a range of resources including success stories of other SMEs that have successfully used these financing options, as well as tools to assess business development needs. The aim is to encourage SMEs to consider a wider array of financial instruments, such as equity financing, bonds, and crowd-funding, to fuel their growth and innovation.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Czech government and financial institutions to strengthen the capital market in the country, making it more accessible and attractive to smaller businesses that may have traditionally relied solely on bank loans. By diversifying their financing sources, Czech SMEs can achieve more sustainable growth and reduce their reliance on traditional credit.
For more detailed information, you can visit the kapitalovypruvodce.cz website.
Another opportunity for startups and SMEs in the Czech Republic is through the Operational Programme Enterprise and Innovation for Competitiveness (OP EIC), which is part of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF). This program aims to boost the competitiveness of businesses in the Czech Republic, particularly in the areas of innovation, energy efficiency, and the digital economy.
Key features of the OP EIC include:
Innovation Support: The program offers grants for research, development, and innovation projects that help companies develop new products, services, and processes. This is particularly valuable for startups and SMEs looking to bring innovative solutions to market.
Energy Efficiency: The program also provides funding for projects that improve energy efficiency in business operations, which can lead to significant cost savings and environmental benefits.
Digital Economy: There is support available for companies that are looking to digitize their operations, including the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies, digital marketing, and e-commerce platforms.
Investment in Technology and Infrastructure: The program helps businesses invest in new technology and infrastructure that can increase their production capabilities and competitiveness.
The OP EIC is managed by the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade, and businesses can apply for funding through various calls for proposals that are regularly announced.
For more information, you can visit the official Ministry of Industry and Trade website and navigate to the section on the Operational Programme Enterprise and Innovation for Competitiveness.
Another opportunity for Czech startups and SMEs is through the (TA CR), which offers a variety of funding programs aimed at supporting research, development, and innovation across different sectors. One of the key programs under TA CR is the EPSILON Program, which focuses on applied research and experimental development.
Key features of the EPSILON Program include:
Funding for Applied Research: The program provides substantial grants for projects that focus on applied research, which directly contributes to the creation of new products, technologies, and services. This is particularly beneficial for companies that are involved in developing innovative solutions with commercial potential.
Collaborative Projects: The EPSILON Program encourages collaboration between businesses, research institutions, and universities. This allows companies to leverage the expertise of academic partners and research organizations to enhance their innovation capabilities.
Support for Various Sectors: The program supports projects across a wide range of sectors, including ICT, engineering, energy, healthcare, and environmental technologies. This broad focus makes it accessible to a variety of industries within the Czech Republic.
Focus on Commercialization: One of the main goals of the EPSILON Program is to support projects that have a clear path to commercialization. This ensures that the research and development efforts lead to tangible products and services that can be brought to market.
The Technology Agency of the Czech Republic regularly announces calls for proposals under the EPSILON Program, and interested companies can apply for funding to support their research and development projects.
For more details, you can visit the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR) website.
