The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has established EIT Culture & Creativity as its ninth Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) to catalyze transformative growth within the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI) across Europe.

As part of its efforts, EIT Culture & Creativity has launched the Acceleration and Post-Acceleration 2025 program, a comprehensive initiative designed to propel the growth of promising startups and scaleups. This program offers two distinct tracks, “Shape” for acceleration and “Scale” for post-acceleration, tailored to the specific needs of ventures at different stages of development. Participants in both tracks stand to benefit from a range of resources, including specialized training, expert mentoring, valuable networking opportunities, and the chance to compete for substantial financial prizes.

The program specifically targets five key sectors within the CCSI: fashion, architecture, cultural heritage, audio-visual media, and gaming. Ultimately, the Acceleration and Post-Acceleration 2025 program aims to provide focused support that enables both early-stage startups and more mature scaleups within the European CCSI to achieve significant market impact and international expansion.

The Acceleration and Post-Acceleration 2025 Program

The Acceleration and Post-Acceleration 2025 program represents a cornerstone initiative by EIT Culture & Creativity, specifically designed to foster the growth and internationalization of startups and scaleups operating within the European CCSI. The program’s objectives are to equip high-potential ventures with the necessary tools and support to significantly scale their impact, effectively compete for financial rewards, strategically prepare for future fundraising endeavors, and successfully expand their operations into international markets.

Recognizing the diverse needs of ventures at different stages of maturity, the program places a strong emphasis on addressing critical innovation gaps, promoting sustainability, and capitalizing on existing market opportunities within the CCSI landscape. This comprehensive set of objectives underscores the program’s commitment to providing holistic support that caters to the multifaceted challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in the cultural and creative domains.

To effectively address the varying needs of ventures, the program is structured into two distinct yet complementary tracks:

• Shape (Acceleration) Program: This track is specifically tailored for startups that have already achieved a foundational level of development. Ideal candidates are those with at least two years of operational history, a product or business model that has been tested and validated in the market, and clearly defined plans for future investment rounds. The primary focus of the Shape program is to assist these early-stage ventures in further refining their core business models, developing robust market strategies, and enhancing their readiness to attract and secure essential investment. The requirement of at least two years in operation suggests a strategic focus on supporting ventures that have progressed beyond the initial conceptualization phase and possess some demonstrable market traction, indicating their readiness for an intensive acceleration phase.
• Scale (Post-Acceleration) Program: This track is designed for more mature ventures, specifically scaleups that have already demonstrated significant commercial success and established a presence in at least two eligible countries. Participants in this track are actively seeking opportunities for further investment and ambitious international expansion. The Scale program concentrates on providing these more established companies with the support needed to effectively expand their business operations into new territories, successfully raise additional capital to fuel their growth, and solidify a strong and sustainable presence in international markets. The prerequisite of having a presence in at least two countries signals that this program targets ventures that have already achieved a degree of international validation and are poised for more substantial global scaling.

Key Benefits and Offerings

Participating companies in the Acceleration and Post-Acceleration 2025 program gain access to a comprehensive suite of benefits and resources designed to foster their growth and success:

• Training and Mentoring: The program offers a blend of face-to-face and online training sessions that are carefully tailored to the specific maturity stage of each participating company. This hybrid approach provides flexibility and accessibility while ensuring opportunities for direct interaction and networking. Participants also benefit from personalized mentoring and strategic business coaching provided by experienced industry experts and professionals from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Furthermore, the program incorporates group training sessions specifically designed to support the development and execution of participants’ growth plans. This multifaceted training and mentoring component aims to equip ventures with the knowledge, skills, and guidance necessary to navigate the complexities of scaling their businesses.
• Access to Industry Events and Networking: A key aspect of the program is the provision of access to various industry events, including the culminating Demo Day. These events serve as invaluable platforms for participants to connect with potential investors, established industry leaders, and other promising ventures within the CCSI ecosystem. Beyond formal events, the program actively fosters the development of a strong network of peers and professionals, creating a supportive and collaborative environment for shared learning and potential partnerships. The emphasis on networking highlights the program’s role in building crucial connections within the CCSI community, which can be instrumental for long-term growth and sustainability.
• Visibility and Long-Term Support via the “100 to Watch” List: Selected ventures participating in the program gain the prestigious benefit of potential inclusion in EIT Culture & Creativity’s “100 to Watch” list. This curated list serves as a mark of distinction, providing enhanced visibility and signaling long-term support from EIT Culture & Creativity. Inclusion on this list can significantly elevate a venture’s profile within the industry, increasing its recognition and credibility among potential investors, partners, and customers.
• Investment Readiness Support: Recognizing the critical role of funding in the growth trajectory of startups and scaleups, the program places a strong emphasis on providing comprehensive investment readiness support. This includes targeted guidance and preparation to help ventures effectively raise capital from both public and private funding sources. Furthermore, the program facilitates direct opportunities for participants to connect with potential investors who are actively seeking promising ventures within the CCSI. By focusing on this crucial aspect, the program aims to significantly enhance the investment prospects of participating companies.

Financial Prizes and Funding Information

The Acceleration and Post-Acceleration 2025 program offers significant financial incentives to top-performing participants in both the Shape and Scale tracks:

• Shape Program Prizes: The Shape (Acceleration) program features a total prize budget of EUR 330,000, distributed among the top ventures as follows :
  • Three first-place prizes of EUR 30,000 each.
  • Three second-place prizes of EUR 15,000 each.
  • Four third-place prizes of EUR 7,500 each.
• Scale Program Prizes: The Scale (Post-Acceleration) program offers an even larger total prize budget of EUR 660,000, allocated to the leading scaleups as follows :
  • Three first-place prizes of EUR 60,000 each.
  • Three second-place prizes of EUR 30,000 each.
  • Four third-place prizes of EUR 15,000 each.

The total EIT funding allocated for prizes across both programs in this call amounts to a maximum of EUR 990,000. Each cohort within both the Shape and Scale programs will award up to ten prizes to its most outstanding participants. These substantial financial prizes serve as a significant motivator for participating ventures, providing crucial capital that can be strategically deployed to fuel their growth initiatives. The tiered structure of the prizes ensures that multiple high-achieving participants are recognized and rewarded for their dedication and progress throughout the program.

Focus Areas within CCSI

The Acceleration and Post-Acceleration 2025 program maintains a focused approach by prioritizing support for ventures operating within five key sectors of the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI):

• Fashion: This sector encompasses a wide range of activities, including design, manufacturing, and retail of clothing and accessories. The program encourages innovation in sustainable and ethical fashion practices.
• Architecture: Focusing on the design and construction of buildings and urban spaces, the program is particularly interested in initiatives promoting sustainable building practices and climate-resilient architectural solutions.
• Cultural Heritage: This area includes the preservation, promotion, and accessibility of cultural artifacts, sites, and traditions. The program supports projects leveraging immersive technologies like AR/VR and digital transformation to enhance engagement with cultural heritage.
• Audio-Visual Media: This sector covers film, television, radio, and digital media production and distribution. The program seeks to support the development of innovative IP management tools and new funding models for content creation.
• Gaming: This rapidly evolving sector includes the creation, development, and distribution of video games across various platforms. The program encourages the adoption of disruptive trends such as artificial intelligence and a focus on digital ethics within the gaming industry.

To be eligible for the program, participating projects must directly address challenges or opportunities within at least one of these five prioritized sectors. This focused approach enables the program to provide more tailored support, connect ventures with relevant industry-specific expertise, and facilitate access to resources that are most pertinent to their specific needs and the unique dynamics of their respective sectors.

Application Process and Timeline

The application process for the EIT Acceleration and Post-Acceleration 2025 program involves a structured series of steps:

1. Prospective applicants are required to thoroughly review the complete call guidelines to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria.
2. Eligible ventures must then submit their application through the designated EIT Culture & Creativity platform. The specific link to this platform is provided in the research material.
3. If a venture is selected to participate in the program, it is expected to fully engage in all program activities and meet the specified performance criteria to be eligible for the financial prize competition.

The program operates on a cohort-based system, with two distinct cohorts scheduled for 2025. The key dates for each cohort are as follows:

The duration of the program for both Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 is approximately 8 to 10 weeks.

To assist potential applicants in preparing and submitting their proposals, EIT Culture & Creativity will host two informative webinars:

• Webinar 1: Introduction to the call, focus & scope. This session will take place on 22 April 2025, from 15:00 to 16:30 CET. Registration can be completed via the link provided in the research material.
• Webinar 2: Application demonstration. This webinar will be held on 22 April 2025, from 16:30 to 17:30 CET. Interested individuals can register through the link provided in the research material.

For any additional inquiries or clarifications regarding the call content, technical aspects, thematic focus, or administrative and procedural matters, applicants are encouraged to submit their questions via the official EIT Culture & Creativity Contact Form.

The clearly defined timeline and the provision of comprehensive information sessions underscore the program’s commitment to a transparent and well-organized application process. This approach ensures that potential applicants have ample opportunity to understand the program requirements and prepare high-quality submissions.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The Acceleration and Post-Acceleration 2025 program is structured into two distinct segments, catering to the different stages of development of participating ventures: Shape (Acceleration) and Scale (Post-Acceleration).

The Shape (Acceleration) curriculum is designed to provide early-stage startups with the foundational support needed for growth. This includes a combination of group training sessions covering essential business principles, expert coaching tailored to specific challenges, and dedicated support to enhance investment readiness.

The curriculum incorporates both face-to-face and online training modules, offering flexibility while maximizing engagement. Participants benefit from personalized mentoring and strategic business coaching delivered by experienced professionals.

The Scale (Post-Acceleration) curriculum builds upon the principles of the Shape program but is specifically adapted to the needs of more mature scaleups that are focused on international expansion and securing further investment. While sharing similar components such as group training, expert coaching, and investment readiness support, the content and focus are tailored to address the complexities of scaling operations across multiple countries and navigating larger investment rounds.

Drawing from the structure of the 2024-2025 Accelerator Program, which is likely to have similarities with the 2025 call, the program incorporates Strategic Building Blocks. This intensive 8-week training program features weekly lectures, interactive workshops, and group mentoring sessions.

These sessions are led by prominent European speakers and seasoned industry experts, aiming to equip participating ventures with the essential tools, specialized expertise, relevant services, and crucial connections required for successful scaling in international and global markets. The Strategic Building Blocks phase culminates in an online Demo Day, providing a platform for ventures to showcase their progress.

Furthermore, the 2024-2025 program includes a Post-Acceleration Program, an additional 12-week initiative exclusively offered to the 6 to 10 most successful participants from the Strategic Building Blocks phase. This advanced program provides further in-depth support for achieving advanced growth targets, securing private funding opportunities, and potentially participating in shareholding activities within EIT Culture & Creativity. This structured curriculum, with its blend of foundational training and advanced support, demonstrates a comprehensive and phased approach to fostering business acceleration within the CCSI.

Demo Day and Prize Selection

The Demo Day serves as a pivotal event at the culmination of each cohort for both the Shape and Scale programs. Its primary purpose is to provide a dynamic platform for participating ventures to showcase the significant progress they have made and to highlight their future growth potential to a diverse audience comprising industry experts, prospective investors, potential customers, and strategic partners. This event also offers a valuable opportunity for startups and scaleups to directly compete for the substantial financial prizes offered by the program.

During the Demo Day, each participating venture is given the opportunity to deliver a concise and compelling pitch that effectively presents their core business model, articulates their potential within the target market, and outlines their strategic growth plans. Following each pitch presentation, a dedicated question-and-answer session takes place, allowing the jury of experts to delve deeper into the venture’s specifics and conduct a thorough evaluation.

To be eligible for the prize competition and participation in the Demo Day, ventures must demonstrate full engagement with the program by meeting specific criteria. These criteria typically include active attendance at program kick-off events, a minimum attendance rate at weekly online sessions and full attendance at group mentoring sessions, timely completion and approval of all mandatory program deliverables, and adherence to any other specific requirements outlined by EIT Culture & Creativity.

The selection of prize recipients is overseen by a dedicated Prize Jury, which for both the Shape and Scale programs consists of a panel of three members: one internal expert from EIT Culture & Creativity and two external experts with relevant industry experience. EIT CC may also invite up to two additional external observers who do not have voting rights.

The prize selection process involves a structured evaluation of each venture’s pitch and their performance during the Q&A session. Jury members utilize a standardized scorecard to assess various aspects of the presentations. Based on the scores awarded, the ventures are then ranked accordingly. The top-ranked ventures in each program are subsequently awarded the financial prizes. In the event that two or more ventures receive the same final score, a defined tie-breaking process is implemented. This process may involve a re-evaluation of the tied ventures by the jury, with a focus on the criteria where their initial scores were closest. If the tie persists, an additional criterion, such as the venture’s contribution to EIT CC’s Impact Metrics, may be considered. As a final measure, the jury will conduct a deliberation and make a decision through a majority vote to establish the final ranking and determine the prize winners.

Long-Term Support and Recognition

EIT Culture & Creativity’s commitment to fostering growth within the CCSI extends beyond the immediate timeframe of the acceleration program, offering various avenues for long-term support and recognition for participating ventures and the broader ecosystem:

A significant form of recognition is the “100 to Watch” List, which features top-performing startups identified through EIT Culture & Creativity’s programs. Notably, all participants in the Scale (Post-Acceleration) program are automatically included in this prestigious list. Inclusion on the “100 to Watch” list provides numerous benefits, including enhanced visibility within the industry, improved access to potential markets and funding opportunities, facilitated connections with talent resources, and the conferral of the EIT Culture & Creativity Seal of Excellence.

Furthermore, participation in the acceleration program can serve as a pathway for ventures to potentially join the broader EIT CC Partnership. This offers the possibility of deeper engagement with the EIT Culture & Creativity community and even participation in shareholding activities at a later stage, fostering a long-term collaborative relationship.

EIT Culture & Creativity also demonstrates its long-term commitment through the co-financing of economically sustainable initiatives in key areas such as education, innovation, business creation, and cultural development. This ongoing support aims to build a robust and enduring innovation ecosystem for the CCSI across Europe , fostering collaboration and driving sustained growth within the sector. This long-term perspective underscores EIT Culture & Creativity’s dedication to creating a lasting impact and providing continuous opportunities for successful ventures within the cultural and creative landscape.

Success Stories and Testimonials

While specific success stories directly attributable to the EIT Acceleration and Post-Acceleration 2025 program may be limited at this early stage, the broader EIT ecosystem and previous cohorts of similar programs offer compelling examples of the potential for significant impact and growth:

The EIT maintains a dedicated platform showcasing success stories from across its diverse range of initiatives. Although specific examples from the 2025 program are yet to emerge, this platform provides valuable insights into the transformative potential of EIT-backed programs. The mention of a strong alumni network and success stories from the EIT Digital Accelerator suggests a similar trajectory of success can be anticipated for ventures participating in EIT Culture & Creativity programs.

Examples from the 2024-2025 Accelerator Program cohort offer a glimpse into the types of innovative projects that EIT Culture & Creativity supports. These include ventures like Eventwood Acceleration, developing a location intelligence platform for events; BAH Studios, utilizing AI for enhanced audiovisual campaigns; Sustainable Textiles, creating sustainable textiles from agricultural waste; Make Waves, an empowering platform for independent music artists; Reality Telling, offering VR/360° rehabilitation experiences; Digitextile, revolutionizing fashion design with AI; Mycelia Tech, developing mushroom-based packaging alternatives; Riimu Talent Agency, connecting film and TV professionals; and EKA Creative Studio, fostering early career development for young creatives. These examples illustrate the breadth of innovation within the CCSI that the program aims to nurture.

The success of the Una Europa Summer School , a pilot educational initiative by EIT Culture & Creativity, further highlights the program’s positive impact on skill development and fostering collaboration within the sector. Testimonials from participants in the Creative Catalyst Programme, a UK-based initiative with similar objectives, provide additional evidence of the transformative effects of well-structured acceleration programs on creative businesses. These examples collectively demonstrate the potential for ventures participating in the EIT Acceleration and Post-Acceleration 2025 program to achieve significant milestones and contribute to the vibrant landscape of the European CCSI.

Conclusion

The EIT Acceleration and Post-Acceleration 2025 program presents a remarkable opportunity for startups and scaleups operating within the dynamic Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries across Europe. By offering a comprehensive suite of support mechanisms, including tailored training, expert mentorship, invaluable networking opportunities, and the potential for significant financial prizes, the program is strategically designed to fuel substantial growth and facilitate international expansion.

Its focused approach on key sectors driving innovation and sustainability within the creative economy ensures that participating ventures receive targeted and relevant guidance. Given the extensive resources and the strategic backing of the European Union through EIT Culture & Creativity, eligible ventures are strongly encouraged to seize this unique opportunity to elevate their businesses, expand their reach, and contribute to the flourishing future of the European CCSI.