European Startup and Scaleup Hubs pilot

Quel est l’objet de cet appel ?

The action funds two pilot networks of European startup and scaleup hubs that work across borders to help deep tech startups grow into globally competitive companies. Hubs share infrastructure, run a selective acceleration programme and connect startups with investors.

Que finance cet appel ?

Scope

The action pilots two networks of around 10 to 18 European Startup and Scaleup Hubs (ESSHs): highly capable hubs built on the research strength of leading higher education institutions and research and technology organisations, with strong track records in venture building, scaling and investment attraction. It builds on the EU Competitiveness Compass, the EIC scaling strategy and the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy.

Activities of the hubs

• Interconnect their ecosystems so that deep tech startups gain better access to research, talent, corporates, capital, infrastructure and mentoring.
• Share infrastructure and expertise, including specialised visits and short-term mobility of researchers, innovators and hub staff.
• Run a highly selective acceleration programme for high-performing startups (a European combinator), also open to companies from non-EU countries, with mentoring, networking and Demo Days.
• Organise startup events such as meet-ups, pitch days, boot camps and hackathons.
• Direct startups, including EIC-supported ventures, to relevant EU, national and regional support services.
• Integrate less-connected hubs into the network through mentoring, shared services and capacity building.

Performance targets

• At least 100 newly supported startups at network level by the end of the project.
• At least 20% of newly supported startups raising seed or venture capital outside their local ecosystem within three years of support.
• At least 50 startups newly supported by a hub outside their local ecosystem.

Expected outcomes

Faster market expansion for European deep tech startups, stronger links between hubs, cross-border access to infrastructure, investors and talent, and more private and public investment in deep tech ventures.

Qu’attend-on des propositions ?

• Hubs should have substantial experience with startup creation, scaleup success, venture capital mobilisation and entrepreneurial education.
• Hubs should have strong capabilities in deep tech areas relevant to European strategic sectors and be able to federate their local innovation ecosystem.
• Hubs should commit to opening their infrastructure, services and investment opportunities to startups from other hubs on equal conditions.

Quelle est la date limite ?

5 janvier 2027 (61 jours)

5 January 2027.