Call for application for start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs to participate in the EIT Culture & Creativity Acceleration and Post-Acceleration Programmes 2025

Description

EIT CULTURE & CREATIVITY’S ACCELERATION AND POST-ACCELERATION PROGRAMMES 2025 Building on its mission to transform the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI), EIT Culture & Creativity is launching two tailored programmes to support start-ups and scale-ups in their growth journey. These initiatives align with the strategic priorities outlined in EIT CC’s Strategic Agenda 2024–2027, fostering circularity, sustainability, and competitiveness across Fashion, Architecture, Cultural Heritage, Audiovisual Media, and Gaming: Segment 1: Shape Programme (Acceleration) – Designed to support up to 40 start-ups and SMEs in CCSI that have been in the market for at least two years and have ambitions for future growth including raising funds from public and/or private investors within the next two years. This programme provides tailored support, mentorship, and strategic guidance to help companies refine business models, enhance market strategies, and achieve growth milestones. Segment 2: Scale Programme (Post-Acceleration) – Designated to support up to 50 scale-ups and SMEs with at least three years of commercial success, presence in at least two EU member states or Horizon-associated countries and with plans to raise capital imminently or in the near future. The programme offers advanced mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to industry networks to strengthen market position, scale operations, and expand into new international markets. Through these programmes, EIT Culture & Creativity is actively empowering creative entrepreneurs, helping them refine business strategies, expand into new markets, and establish long-term partnerships with the EIT CC ecosystem. The call was originally launched on 9 April 2025. It is now being published on the Funding & Tenders Portal for full visibility and traceability.

Beneficiary & submission

Evaluation and Selection Process Applications undergo an admissibility and eligibility check, followed by an external evaluation based on three criteria: Excellence, Impact, and Quality & Efficiency of Implementation (max. 25 points; threshold: 13 points). Each application is evaluated by two external experts and one internal expert. Scores are averaged to produce a final score per application. Four separate ranking lists are created (one per programme and cohort). Applications are selected based on score until the cohort limit is reached: Shape: Up to 20 ventures per cohort Scale: Up to 25 ventures per cohort In case of tie, scores on specific subcriteria are used to determine ranking. Applications are classified as: Selected Reserve List (eligible but not selected) Rejected (below threshold) No portfolio selection or additional filtering is applied. The process is based strictly on score and cohort availability.

Further information

https://eit-culture-creativity.eu/open-call-acceleration-and-post-acceleration-programmes/