Open Call for Acceleration & Post-Acceleration Programmes

Fueling the Future of Creative Innovation

At EIT Culture & Creativity, the belief is clear: Europe’s Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSIs) are not only guardians of our shared past — they are also architects of our sustainable, digital, and inclusive future.

That’s why EIT Culture & Creativity has launched a new Open Call for Acceleration and Post-Acceleration Programmes, inviting visionary start-ups and scale-ups — especially those working at the crossroads of technology, heritage, and creativity — to take their ventures to the next level.

What’s on offer?

Selected participants will receive:

  • Intensive mentorship and strategic support
  • Guidance to scale impact, attract investors, and reach new markets
  • Access to a network of creative innovators across Europe
  • A chance to compete for financial prizes:
    • Up to €30,000 (Acceleration Programme)
    • Up to €60,000 (Post-Acceleration Programme)
  • €990,000 in total EIT funding is available for prizes in this call

Who should apply?

The call targets start-ups and scale-ups working in or across these five key sectors:

  • Cultural Heritage
  • Fashion
  • Architecture
  • Audio-Visual Media
  • Gaming

Info Sessions

Get all your questions answered and learn more about the process during our online info sessions on:

22 April 2025
15:00–16:30 CET — Call focus & scope overview
16:30–17:30 CET — Application demo & guidance

Important Dates
Cohort 1 deadline: 23 May 2025 at 17:00 CET
Cohort 2 deadline: 11 July 2025 at 17:00 CET

For more information visit the Open Call on the EIT website.