Representing Croatia in the EIT Post-Jumpstarter NYC Cohort
In September 2024, Manuela Panić and her startup, NADES Design, proudly represented Croatia in the prestigious EIT Post-Jumpstarter NYC Cohort in New York. Supported by leading organizations such as EIT Jumpstarter, EIT Health, EIT Food, EIT Global Outreach, and WEVE Acceleration, NADES Design stood alongside innovative companies from Serbia, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Latvia. This opportunity marked a significant step in their journey toward global expansion and market readiness.
Building Foundations with EIT Programs
The success of NADES Design is deeply rooted in its participation in EIT Food programs. In 2022, the team joined the EIT Jumpstarter program, where they developed their first business plan and pitch deck, advancing to the program’s second phase. That same year, through the EWA program run by Smion, Manuela and her team secured 1° place, gaining critical momentum for project development. These achievements not only validated their innovative approach but also opened doors to additional national funding opportunities.
Securing €200K in Funding for Growth
NADES Design’s commitment to innovation was further recognized when they applied for a Croatian call targeting startup and spin-off companies led by young researchers. Their project was selected among 29 funded initiatives, securing €200,000 in funding through the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism. This program, designed to support young researchers in commercializing R&D activities, provided NADES Design with the resources needed to scale their operations and bring their vision to life.
A Vision for the Future
From developing their first business plan to securing significant funding and representing Croatia in New York, NADES Design’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation, perseverance, and strategic support from EIT programs. Their story continues to inspire young researchers and entrepreneurs aiming to turn bold ideas into impactful realities.
Key Highlights
- Represented Croatia in the EIT Post-Jumpstarter NYC Cohort (2024).
- Secured €200,000 in funding through a national startup/spin-off call.
- Advanced to the second phase of the EIT Jumpstarter program (2022).
- Won first place in the EWA program run by Smion (2022).
