On the lookout for Europe’s most promising and exciting startups and entrepreneurs, the EIT Digital Challenge has launched its 2022 edition – and they want to hear from you. The challenge aims to support Europe’s top up-and-coming innovators within the deeptech ecosystem. This year there will be more winners and even more access to support up for grabs. Apply today to fast-track your journey to success!
The EIT Digital Challenge is the leading pan-European competition for digital deeptech startups, supporting innovators and entrepreneurs to become the next European success story. This year marks the 9th edition of the programme and the top 20 applicants will be invited to an exclusive event to pitch in front of a panel of experts and investors as well as participate in matchmaking sessions with invited corporates and investors. This year there will also be five winning places awarded! Applications are now open – closing on September 19th!
What’s it all about?
The EIT Digital Challenge aims to support Europe’s most promising and exciting deeptech startups – giving them the tools, network and support they need to scale internationally and make a real impact on society.
Fast-growing startups are invited to apply in of the following thematic areas:
- Digital Tech
- Digital Cities
- Digital Industry
- Digital Wellbeing
- Digital Finance
Once the applications are submitted, the top 20 will be invited to a pitching stage before 5 winning scaleups are selected. The hand-picked scaleups will then get coached for investor readiness before being introduced to top investors from a network of over 1000 VCs from across Europe.
Diva Tommei, Head of the EIT Digital Accelerator: “The EIT Digital Challenge aims to identify the best European deep tech entrepreneurs and help them scale up their businesses internationally, supporting the European deep tech ecosystem. We will select the top 20 companies and invite them to an exclusive closed-door event at the end of October where they will have the opportunity to pitch to a jury of high-profile corporates and investors.”
Winners will also benefit from market readiness coaching, strategic go-to-market support, access to the wider EIT Digital innovation network and access to the 12-month EIT Digital Accelerator Program worth €50k.
Who’s eligible?
EIT Digital is on the hunt for deeptech startups ready to accelerate. In particular, they’re looking for those with a differentiated product offering that leverages sophisticated, hard-to-reproduce digital technologies.
They are also particularly interested in innovators coming from EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) countries as well as startups that have ensured gender-balanced leadership.
Before applying, double check you meet the following criteria:
- Scalable B2B or B2B2C product
- Company incorporated after 01/01/2012
- €300k annual revenue or €2 million+ funds raised
- Headquarters in the EU, the UK or in one of the Horizon Europe associated countries
- Looking to raise €5 million – €25 million in funding in 2023
How to apply?
The EIT Digital Challenge has supported some of Europe’s most prominent deeptech startups since 2014, and this year, the support package up for grabs is bigger than ever before in a new shift to the programme.
So – we know you really want to apply. Interested startups (that meet the criteria) should apply here before September 19th!
It’s the chance to join an established network and alumni that includes the likes of KONUX, Medicus.AI, SidekickHealth and Connecting Food – so don’t miss out!
Maxine Roper, CEO of Connecting Food: “When we took part in the Challenge, last year, we were really impressed by the level of the companies that we saw pitching. That made us even prouder of being selected as winners. Afterwards, the support of the EIT Digital Accelerator helped us promote and scaleup our technology at the international level, introducing us to other top European players.”
Editor’s Note: This post has been created in collaboration and with financial support from EIT Digital. If you’re also interested in partnering with us, just reach out.