This article was written in collaboration with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)
The cultural and creative sectors play a central role in shaping Europe’s economy, identity, and global competitiveness. Through EIT Culture & Creativity, the EIT supports and encourages innovation within creative industries such as fashion, architecture, gaming, audiovisual media, and cultural heritage. The EIT has now launched three new programmes to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.
SPARK (Incubation):
SPARK is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs at the very beginning of their journey (students, researchers, professionals, or recent graduates with a promising idea in architecture or cultural heritage). The programme offers:
- Kick-off in an EU city (3 days*)
- Join the online programme to validate your idea, develop an MVP, and explore market potential
- Pitch at the Demo Day in an EU city*
- Compete for prizes as a top-performing participant:
• 🥇 1st Prize (x2): €10,000
• 🥈 2nd Prize (x3): €7,500
• 🥉 3rd Prize (x3): €5,000
- Deadline: 11 July 2025, 17:00 CET
* all expenses paid
SHAPE (Acceleration):
For legally registered start-ups operating in fashion, architecture, cultural heritage, audiovisual media, or gaming, the SHAPE programme provides a tailored acceleration path.
- Kick-off in Amsterdam (Cohort 1) & Bologna (Cohort 2) (3 days*)
- Join the online programme to refine your business model and get market strategy support
- Get mentoring from sector experts
- Connect with investors and industry leaders
- Pitch at the Demo Day in an EU city*
- Compete for prizes as a top-performing participant:
- 🥇 1st Prize (x3): €30,000
- 🥈 2nd Prize (x3): €15,000
- 🥉 3rd Prize (x4): €7,500
- Deadline
There are 2 open calls.- Cohort 1: 23 May 2025, 17:00 CET
- Cohort 2: 11 July 2025, 17:00 CET
* all expenses paid
SCALE (Post-Acceleration):
SCALE targets established ventures ready to expand internationally. Eligible scale-ups, operating for at least two years with validated products or business models, receive high-level support including:
- Kick-off in Amsterdam (3 days*)
- Join the online programme to get international market expansion support and Investment and business planning strategy
- Get mentoring from sector experts
- Connect with investors and industry leaders
- Pitch at the Demo Day in an EU city*
- Compete for prizes as a top-performing participant:
- 🥇 1st Prize (x2): €60,000
- 🥈 2nd Prize (x3): €40,000
- 🥉 3rd Prize (x4): €25,000
- Deadline
There are 2 open calls.- Cohort 1: 23 May 2025, 17:00 CET
- Cohort 2: 11 July 2025, 17:00 CET
* all expenses paid
We encourage creatives, founders, and innovators across Europe to seize this opportunity and take a step toward shaping Europe’s cultural and creative future.