Innovative startups bringing manufacturing into the future are being called on to join EIT Manufacturing’s annual BoostUp! Competition. Selected applicants will have the chance to meet industry leaders, connect with investors and battle it out for cash prizes during an exciting pitch competition. Applications are now open with the Grand Final to be held this October in Athens, Greece.
EIT Manufacturing is a manufacturing-focused Knowledge and Innovation Community within the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). Its goal is to bring European stakeholders focused on manufacturing together in innovation ecosystems that add unique value to European products, processes and services and inspire the creation of globally competitive and sustainable manufacturing.
Wanting to support sustainable, circular and digital manufacturing solutions, the group is now inviting startups to apply for its annual pan-European BoostUp! 2022 competition.
BoostUp!
The competition, which has some amazing benefits up for grabs, is open to startups that have shown the usefulness of their solution through cooperation with a large manufacturing corporation, either by means of a pilot or a proof-of-concept project to demonstrate the validity of their idea. The competition specifically targets startups with solutions that fall within one of EIT Manufacturing’s flagships.
This includes:
- Flexible production systems for competitive manufacturing
- Low environmental footprint systems & circular economy for green manufacturing
- Digital & collaborative solutions for innovative manufacturing ecosystems
- Human-machine co-working for socially sustainable manufacturing
It’s about finding those startups that are pushing manufacturing into the future – making the sector sustainable, circular and tech-empowered.
Who are they looking for?
Specifically looking for startups with solutions that fall within one of EIT Manufacturing’s flagships, the focus this year is all about future-proof solutions that make the world a better place and are thinking long-term.
In addition, EIT Manufacturing has outlined some key criteria that applying startups need to meet:
- The startup needs to be actively looking to grow
- Have a solution with Technology Readiness Level 7 or higher
- Have finished a pilot or proof of concept between 31 July 2021 and 31 July 2022 with a manufacturing corporate (that has 2021 global revenues of over €50 million
- Have a dedicated full-time team of at least two people
- Headquarters incorporated in any EU or Horizon Europe-associated country
- Have established their legal entity no sooner than 2017
- Have cumulative revenues of €5 million or less since the de date of legal establishment
Sound like you?
Startups meeting the criteria and innovating in one of the four flagships are invited to apply now for this exciting competition.
After reviewing the applications, 20 finalists will be invited to the BoostUp!2022 Grand Final on 7 October 2022 to showcase their pilot or proof-of-concept and compete for cash prizes and support services.
Up to 8 startups will be awarded a €20k cash prize alongside a package of services to support them in fundraising and accessing new markets. There will also be €5k cash prizes for the top-ranked startup from a Regional Innovation Scheme country and the top-ranked female-led startup.
The Grand Final will take place in Athens, Greece on 7 October and will also bring the amazing opportunity to participate in an exclusive networking and matchmaking soiree where startup finalists will be able to meet international experts, corporate manufacturing executives and investors.
This is the fifth edition of the BoostUp! series, with previous editions resulting in many startups being supported directly by EIT Manufacturing with client introductions, fundraising assistance and, in some cases, direct financial investment.
Sounds like something right up your street? Find out more and apply here now – you have until July 31!
