EIT Jumpstarter Pre-Acceleration Programme 2026

About

A pre-acceleration program designed for individuals and teams to transform innovative ideas into market-ready startups, offering mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to help participants develop their business concepts and prepare for incorporation.

Benefits

• 💰Prize Money
  Compete for prizes up to EUR 10,000
• 🎓Mentorship Access
  Access to mentoring and funding opportunities
• 📚Business Training
  Training on business basics and pitching practice
• 🌐Networking Opportunities
  Networking with the EIT Community
• 🧑‍🏫 Individual Coaching
  Access to individual coaching and resources

Eligibility Criteria

• Participants can be individuals or teams
• Must be researchers, Master’s/PhD students, professionals, or idea holders
• At least one team member must hold citizenship in an eligible country
• Applicants must not have had a registered startup related to the idea before January 1, 2026
• Prior EIT grant funding must not exceed EUR 60,000

Participation Commitments

• Participants do not need an established company at the time of application
• Must demonstrate a strong idea and motivation to explore its market potential
• Expected to make tangible progress towards company incorporation during the program

Target Sector

All sectors

Target Location

Europe