EIC-EIT_Digital · Project

Fast-Track Access to EU Investment and Accelerator Support for Digital Startups

digitalPilotedTRL 7Thin data (2/5)

Imagine two of Europe's biggest startup support programs — the European Innovation Council (EIC) and EIT Digital — finally decided to share their rolodexes. Before this, a deep-tech startup funded by one program had no easy way to tap into the other's network of investors and corporate partners. This pilot created a direct pipeline so promising digital companies could move seamlessly between both programs, getting accelerator coaching, co-investment, and market access without starting from scratch each time.

By the numbers

EUR 1,000,000

EU contribution for the pilot program

50k

Base fee for EIT Digital Accelerator (100% discounted for selected EIC scaleups)

Consortium partners

Countries involved (BE, UK)

Total project deliverables

The business problem

What needed solving

European digital startups and scaleups face a fragmented support landscape — getting funded by one EU program doesn't automatically open doors to another's network of investors and corporate partners. Promising deep-tech ventures waste time navigating bureaucracy instead of growing. The lack of systematic integration between Europe's major innovation support programs means companies miss co-investment opportunities and market access they've already earned through merit.

The solution

What was built

The project built and tested a structured pipeline connecting EIC Accelerator and EIT Digital Accelerator programs, including discounted accelerator access (50k base fee waived), co-investment channeling mechanisms, and pathways from EIC Pathfinder to EIT Digital Innovation Factory. Across 14 deliverables, the pilot documented processes for systematic startup flow between both programs.

Audience

Who needs this

Digital deep-tech startups seeking EU funding and accelerator supportCorporate venture units scouting for pre-vetted European deep-tech dealsVenture capital firms looking for co-investment alongside EU programsNational innovation agencies wanting to connect their startups to EU-level supportTechnology transfer offices at universities spinning out digital ventures

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Deep-Tech Startups & Scaleups

SME

Target: Digital deep-tech startup or scaleup seeking EU-backed growth support

If you are a digital deep-tech startup struggling to find the right mix of public funding and private investment — this pilot created a direct channel between EIC Accelerator funding and EIT Digital's corporate network. Selected EIC scaleups received 100% discount on the 50k base fee for EIT Digital Accelerator access. The pilot ran across 3 partners in 2 countries, connecting startups to co-investors and market expertise.

Corporate Innovation & Venturing

enterprise

Target: Large corporation with open innovation or corporate venturing unit

If you are a corporate innovation team looking for vetted European deep-tech ventures to partner with or invest in — this project built a curated pipeline of startups that passed through both EIC and EIT Digital screening. That dual vetting means higher quality deal flow than scanning the market alone. The EUR 1,000,000 pilot tested systematic integration between Europe's two largest digital innovation support programs.

Venture Capital & Investment

any

Target: VC firm or co-investment fund focused on European deep-tech

If you are an investor looking for co-investment opportunities in European digital ventures — this pilot established mechanisms for complementary investors to co-invest alongside EIC in scaleups coached by EIT Digital Accelerator. The project specifically aimed to build a portfolio of high-growth European ventures, giving co-investors access to deal flow pre-screened by both programs across 14 deliverables of structured methodology.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What does this cost to access?

The pilot offered EIC Accelerator-funded scaleups 100% discount on the 50k base fee for EIT Digital Accelerator services. Since the project is now closed (ended June 2023), current access terms to EIT Digital Accelerator may differ. Contact EIT Digital directly for current pricing.

Can this scale to support many startups at once?

The pilot was designed as a systematic channel between EIC and EIT Digital, not a one-off. It tested structured mechanisms for ongoing pipeline flow between both programs. Based on available project data, the 3-partner consortium across 2 countries built processes intended to be repeatable at scale.

Is there any IP or licensing involved?

This was a Coordination and Support Action (CSA), not a technology development project. No patents or licensable IP were created. The value lies in the institutional pathways and operational processes for connecting innovators to funding and market support.

Is this still active or was it just a one-time pilot?

The project ran from January 2022 to June 2023 and is now closed. However, the collaboration was built on a formal MoU between EIT and EIC, suggesting the institutional relationship persists beyond the pilot. Check the project website at eitdigital.eu/eic-pilot for current status.

How does this integrate with existing accelerator programs?

The pilot was specifically designed to plug into existing EIC Accelerator and EIT Digital Accelerator and Innovation Factory programs. It did not replace them but created bridges — EIC-funded companies got access to EIT Digital's corporate network, and EIT Digital ventures got channeled to EIC funding.

What kind of support do startups actually get?

Two main tracks: the EIT Digital Accelerator provides market access through a network of corporates and investors, while the EIT Digital Innovation Factory helps create and validate business plans and build ventures. EIC Pathfinder innovators could also be channeled to the Innovation Factory to bring solutions to market.

Consortium

Who built it

The consortium is small and specialized: 3 partners across Belgium and the UK, all classified as "Other" organizations rather than industry or academic partners. The coordinator, 28DIGITAL, is a Belgian SME. The compact size reflects the coordination nature of this project — it was not building technology but creating institutional bridges. The absence of traditional industry or research partners is expected since the actual beneficiaries (startups and scaleups) participate through the EIC and EIT Digital programs, not as consortium members. With EUR 1,000,000 spread across just 3 partners, each had significant resources to execute the pilot.

28DIGITALCoordinator · BE

How to reach the team

28DIGITAL (Belgium) — contact via EIT Digital's EIC pilot page or search for the coordination team at 28DIGITAL

Order a report on this consortium See 28DIGITAL profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to understand how EU-funded accelerator pathways can benefit your startup or investment portfolio? SciTransfer can map the right EU support programs to your growth stage and connect you with the right people.

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