Unlock Your Start-up’s Full Potential with EIT Jumpstarter Next

Are you an early-stage founder lacking a good business development strategy? Are you looking for industry experts and sales advisors?

EIT Jumpstarter Next might be the perfect next step!

Now accepting applications, this hands-on training programme is tailored for EIT Community alumni from Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe under the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS) who are ready to scale their ventures and take them further.

What Makes EIT Jumpstarter Next Stand Out?

Designed for entrepreneurs with a proven track record within the EIT Community, it offers practical support to help you more easily enter the accelerator programmes of the EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) and continue your journey with us. The know-how we’ll equip you with will help you secure external investment, kickstart your sales, and grow sustainably. 

The programme was pre-piloted in 2024 (formerly known as EIT Post-Jumpstarter). Out of seven start-ups accepted to the first edition, two alumni have already started to work on their proof of concepts, securing agreements with industry (testing a sustainable-energy innovation in warehouses in Western Europe) and national institutions (testing the solution with the policy units in one of the CEE countries). Most participants raised approximately 150K EUR during the programme, in the form of external investment and additional grants. In addition, two of them have already graduated from other EIT KICs accelerators. One alumnus has launched a new series of innovative food products. 

Monika Štěpánová, CEO and Co-founder of Lightly Technologies, a Czech start-up, which focuses on counterfeit drug detection, benefited immensely from the programme. She shared, “The programme helped us sharpen our value proposition, improve communication with stakeholders, and develop a clear go-to-market strategy. The networking opportunities were invaluable and pushed us to think critically about scalability, global impact, and sustainability.” Her company now stands as a prime example of how EIT Jumpstarter Next accelerates start-ups towards sustainable traction and business development strategy.

How to Apply and What Can You Gain?

To apply, simply complete the form available at eitjumpstarter.eu/next.

By joining the programme, you’ll gain access to a range of benefits designed to help your start-up flourish.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Business Upscaling: Whether you’re seeking your first client or funding, this programme provides the tools and support to help you scale your start-up effectively.
• International Expert Network: Connect with a global network of professionals and experts who will guide you in expanding your start-up internationally.
• Mentorship &  Wokrshops: Receive tailored mentorship from experienced professionals who will help you overcome challenges and capitalise on new opportunities.
• Local Ecosystems: Participate in practical workshops and gain a deeper understanding of local start-up ecosystems, giving you the insight you need to expand sustainably in different markets. 

By applying to EIT Jumpstarter Next, you’ll be positioning your start-up for growth with the expertise and support necessary to succeed.

Who Can Apply?

EIT Jumpstarter Next is open to start-ups that meet the following criteria:

1. Location: If your start-up incorporated in one of the following regions, you’re eligible:
   • EU Member States: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia
   • Horizon Europe Associated Countries: Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine
   • Outermost Regions: Including the Canary Islands, Madeira, Guadeloupe, and others.
   • Additional Regions: Moldova, Albania, and Kosovo.
     
2. EIT Community Programmes Alumni: You must be an alumnus of one of the following EIT Community programmes:
   • EIT Jumpstarter (2017–2024)
   • EIT Digital: Venture Incubation Programme
   • EIT Food: TeamUp, Test Farms, Sales Booster, EWA
   • EIT Health: InnoStars Connect
   • EIT InnoEnergy: Hello CleanTech
   • EIT Climate-KIC: ClimateLaunchPad
   • EIT Manufacturing: EVO-R and Leaders programmes, Inno2Market
   • EIT Raw Materials: Lab2Market, Open Innovation Challenge
   • EIT Urban Mobility: Corporate Venture Builder, Investment Readiness Programme, Student Entrepreneur Grant Scheme, Start for Future

Key Dates

The programme runs for five months, offers two application batches, and culminates in the EIT Jumpstarter Grand Final in November.

Here is the timeline for the first batch of EIT Jumpstarter Next 2025:

• Application Period: 11th February – 11th April 2025
  Start-ups can submit their applications via the application form.
• Online Trainings (April – June):
  Selected teams will participate in online modules, peer-to-peer learning, and group meetings with valuable feedback from venture capital experts (VCs).
• Business Development Strategy Evaluation (July):
  Participants will submit their pitch decks and business plans for expert evaluation.
• In-Person Workshop with VCs (September – October):
  Shortlisted teams will receive a €1,700 travel grant to attend in-person workshops and networking events with VCs, including a road trip to an EIT RIS country to explore local ecosystems.
• Business Development & Visibility Criteria (October):
  Participants will submit proof of sales or proof of concept (POC), and Incorporation (INC) Visibility in Business or PR materials.
• Grand Final (November):
  The top three teams will receive a €1,000 travel grant to attend the Grand Final in Europe, where they will pitch their ventures and compete for funding opportunities.
• Final Reporting (December):
  All participants will submit their final reports summarising their progress and outcomes.

Why Apply?

By joining EIT Jumpstarter Next, you’ll gain more than just business development support. You’ll be part of a dynamic network of innovators and experts committed to building sustainable, scalable businesses. Whether you’re refining your go-to-market strategy or seeking advice on navigating regulations, this is the programme designed to elevate your start-up.

Ready to scale? The next step is just a click away—apply now to start your journey with EIT Jumpstarter Next and unlock your start-up’s full potential!