EIT Culture and Creativity Acceleration Programme is an initiative designed to support start-ups, scale-ups, and SMEs within the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI). The programme aims to foster innovation and creativity by offering tailored support through its Shape (Acceleration) and Scale (Post-Acceleration) segments. Participants will receive mentorship, access to an innovation network, and the opportunity to compete for financial prizes.
Type of projects to be funded: Projects should focus on refining business models, enhancing market strategies, and securing investment. The programme targets innovative solutions that address sector-specific challenges within the CCSI.
Sectors / domain: The programme is open to ventures in Fashion, Architecture, Cultural Heritage, Audio-Visual Media, and Gaming.
Individual or consortium: Applications must be submitted by a single legal entity, which can be a start-up, scale-up, or SME.
Specific eligibility requirements: Eligible applicants must be legally established in an EU Member State or a third country associated with Horizon Europe. They should have a tested business model or product that is at least two years old.
Specific topics or challenges: The programme supports innovations aligned with The New European Bauhaus (NEB), focusing on sustainable, inclusive, and beautiful solutions.
Projects duration: The duration for the subgranted actions is 8-10 weeks.
Budget, funding rates and payment conditions:
Up to 20 prizes per cohort for the Shape Programme and Scale Programme, with total prize budgets of €165,000 and €330,000 per cohort respectively.
Financial Prizes
Top-performing participants in each cohort may receive:
Shape Programme:
- 3 prizes of €30,000
- 3 prizes of €15,000
- 4 prizes of €7,500
The total prize budget is €330,000.
Scale Programme:
- 3 prizes of €60,000
- 3 prizes of €30,000
- 4 prizes of €15,000
The total prize budget is €660,000.
Key dates: – Application deadline for Cohort 2 is 11 July 2025. –
Programme starts in mid-July and mid-September 2025.
This structured support seeks to empower creative entrepreneurs, helping them scale operations and expand into new markets while establishing long-term partnerships.
ALL details available HERE
