EIT Jumpstarter 2026 | European Pre-Acceleration Programme

EIT Jumpstarter is a flagship program of the EIT Communities, an initiative funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). EIT Jumpstarter is led by EIT Food, while each cohort is coordinated by a different EIT Knowledge and Innovation Community.

The EIT Jumpstarter program is an award-winning pre-acceleration program funded by the European Union.

OBJECTIVE:

The program is designed to help scientists, researchers, innovators, Master's or PhD students, citizens, or individuals with ideas to validate their innovative ideas and develop entrepreneurial skills to create and manage their startups.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Researchers or research groups, Master's or PhD students, professionals, idea creators, or idea owners who have an idea or solution that fits one of the EIT Jumpstarter categories and who wish to create a company.

REQUIREMENTS:

Only individuals (individuals or teams) who have not registered a startup based on the submitted ideas before January 1, 2026, are eligible to apply for the grant.

Only applicants whose total funding from the EIT does not exceed €60,000 will be eligible for this funding.

PRIZES:

The top three winners in each category will be selected by the jury during the Demonstration Days and will receive cash prizes:

- First prize: €10,000

- Second prize: €5,000

- Third prize: €3,000

Additional winners will be selected and awarded special cash prizes to the best team (regardless of category):

- From the Western Balkans: €2,500

- From the EU Outermost Regions: €2,500

- With a solution supporting the Rebuild Ukraine efforts: €2,500

- With a solution implementing the principles of the New European Bauhaus: €2,500

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Deadline for submitting business ideas is May 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (CEST).

More information at EIT Jumpstarter