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EIT Digital Challenge - Scale up your deep tech business

Apply to the 9th edition of the EIT Digital Challenge, the leading pan-European competition for digital deep tech scale-ups and become the next European success story!

The top 20 companies will be invited to an exclusive event to pitch in front of a panel of experts and investors as well as participate in the matchmaking sessions with invited corporates and investors.

The winners will receive waived entry into the 12-month Accelerator Program worth EUR 50 000. They will get dedicated services in international Access to Finance and Business Development by the EIT Digital Accelerator team.

We’re looking for fast-growing European ‘deep tech’ companies with a differentiating product offering that leverages sophisticated, hard-to-reproduce digital technologies.

The EIT Digital Challenge aims to identify the best European deep tech entrepreneurs and help them scale up internationally, supporting the European deep tech ecosystem.

Since its launch in 2014, the competition has attracted thousands of applications from more than 33 European countries. Many of the winning scale-ups have moved on to become internationally successful companies. Now it’s your turn to shine!

Submit your application by September 19, 2022.

APPLY NOW

Prize package

The best five companies will receive a full year of tailored international growth support by the EIT Digital Accelerator worth EUR 50 000 to scale up their business.

  • Raise your next Series A or B round from international investors with the support of an experienced Access to Finance team;
  • Get coached on your market readiness and go-to-market strategy to support your international goal ambitions;
  • Leverage EIT Digital’s 350+ Pan-European network of top European corporations, investors, SMEs, universities and research institutions;
  • Gain international visibility through EIT Digital communication channels.

FUNDRAISING SUPPORT

Benefit from the Access to Finance and Business Development support provided by a dedicated team of experienced business developers and financing specialists operating from 17 major European cities and a hub in Silicon Valley. They will support you in growing your business internationally and raising international capital.

PAN-EUROPEAN INNOVATION NETWORK

Get access to our network of 350+ renowned partners across Europe consisting of corporations, SMEs, start-ups, universities and research institutes.

 

GROWTH SUPPORT

A full year of tailored international growth support by the EIT Digital Accelerator worth EUR 50 000 to scale up their business.

INTERNATIONAL VISIBILITY

We will communicate your success and share your story through our powerful on- and offline channels and leading European media outlets, generating valuable international exposure for your business.

 

Criteria

  • Fast-growing technology company with international ambitions
  • Company max. ten years old*
  • Company incorporated in EU27 or Horizon Europe Associated Countries**
  • Growth stage: min. EUR 300 000 in revenue*** or EUR 2 000 000 in funding

*Company incorporated after 01/01/2012
**See the full list of countries here.
***EUR 300 000 revenue in full year 2021, or until the 30 June 2022

Start-ups in growth stage (scale-ups) can apply in five thematic areas: Digital Tech, Digital Industry, Digital Cities, Digital Wellbeing, and Digital Finance. Learn more about them here.

We will examine the market and internationalization potential of your product or service as well as the quality of your core team. We will also consider the fit of your product or service to our thematic areas and the impact our support could have on your business.

In addition, you must be prepared to pitch in public. Pitch and application must be done in English. Make sure to read our contest conditions and check the FAQ page. If you have any further questions don't hesitate to contact us at challenge@eitdigital.eu.

Timeline

June 30 September 19 September-October October October 27

Applications open

Submission deadline

Calls with shortlisted applicants¹ Announcement of finalists² Final event³

¹ All shortlisted applicants will be invited to individual calls to allow EIT Digital evaluators to clearly understand companies’ needs and growth potential. Based on these calls, the finalists will be selected.
² We will announce the finalists of the EIT Digital Challenge and invite them to the final event.
³ The final event gives the finalists the opportunity to present their companies in front of high-level investors, corporate executives, journalists and representatives from EIT Digital. The best 5 companies will be selected and awarded the prizes.

Winners 2021

Connecting food Cubbit NECT

WINNERS OF PREVIOUS EDITIONS