EIT Regional Innovation Booster
Backing Bold Start-ups. Building Stronger Regions
The EIT Regional Innovation Booster is a new flagship initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) – offering targeted support to start-ups and scale-ups in emerging and moderate innovator countries [1], helping them grow towards commercial success, access international markets, and attract further investment.
With a view to launching a broader pilot in at least four countries from 2026, followed by full roll-out from 2029, Poland will host the pilot phase of the EIT Regional Innovation Booster in 2025.
The programme, developed together with national authorities, will simplify and connect Europe’s innovation support landscape. It will create country-specific support ecosystems by connecting existing funding and initiatives, offering the most promising start-ups a seamless path to commercial success and internationalisation. The EIT plans to invest at least €30 million in piloting the EIT Regional Innovation Booster until 2028.
[1] Based on the classification of innovation performance in the European Innovation Scoreboard 2024.
Pilot Edition 2025
The first-ever EIT Regional Innovation Booster is being piloted in Poland — a dedicated effort to boost the growth of Polish start-ups and scale-ups. Backed by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and delivered in partnership with Poland’s Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, the 2025 edition offers tailored, long-term support to high-potential ventures, helping them grow nationally and scale across three markets – Germany, Spain and the Nordic countries.
The pilot phase will focus on ecosystem mapping, start-up selection and mentoring, internationalisation support, and strategic alignment with Poland’s smart specialisation priorities.
Learn more about the Pilot Edition 2025 and it eligibility criteria.
Application Deadline: Apply before 31 August 2025 at 16:00 (CET)
Pilot Edition: exclusively in Poland
Please read the Terms & Conditions carefully before applying.
It’s Not yet Another Acceleration
The EIT Regional Innovation Booster aims to reduce fragmentation in Europe’s innovation landscape by aligning local, national, and EU-level initiatives into a seamless entrepreneurial support pathway — particularly in countries with untapped innovation potential.
Strategic, Country-by-Country Investment
We identify the most promising, market-ready ventures country-by-country and give them the push they need to go further.
Tailored Support, No Templates
EIT Regional Innovation Booster offers custom-built, venture-specific support packages: technical de-risking, go-to-market planning, regulatory readiness, and commercial partnerships— co-designed with local stakeholders and aligned with existing EU and national schemes.
Plug-In to Europe’s Innovation Power Grid
EIT Regional Innovation Booster ensures that scale-ready ventures are connected to the EU’s top-tier innovation networks.
Committed, Long-Term Partnership
We work in direct partnership with national authorities, aligning support with regional priorities and industrial strategies. That means your venture gets traction not just from capital and mentoring, but from ecosystem alignment and visibility.
Together with the EIT Community and national authorities we partner—with long-term engagement of at least three years. Expect active support through to market entry and beyond.
You’ve built the technology. We help you take it to international markets
This is your chance to be part of the first EIT Regional Innovation Booster pilot — exclusively in Poland.
Eligibility Criteria
- A for-profit SME (small or medium-sized enterprise) as defined by the EU.
- A registered legal entity in Poland, operating before the call opens.
- Not a sole trader (sole entrepreneurs can’t apply).
- Applying individually – not part of a consortium.
- Your solution should have a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7 or higher, meaning it’s close to market launch.
- It must have real potential to scale and succeed commercially.
- You must own or have full rights to the intellectual property (IP) of the solution.
- Your company should have at least 2 full-time employees when you apply.
- Your CEO must be engaged full-time in the company.
- A maximum of two team members can join the EIT Regional Innovation Booster programme (more may be allowed in special cases).
Your company must operate in one of these sectors:
EIT Climate-KIC: Accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon economy
EIT Digital: Drive Europe's digital transformation
EIT Water: Contribute to a circular and sustainable water economy
EIT Culture & Creativity: Unite Europe's creatives
EIT InnoEnergy: Achieve a sustainable energy future for Europe
EIT Urban Mobility: Smart, green and integrated transport
EIT Health: Give EU citizens greater opportunities for a healthy life
EIT RawMaterials: Develop raw materials into a major strength for Europe
EIT Manufacturing: Strengthen and increase the competitiveness of Europe's manufacturing industry
EIT Food: Lead a global revolution in food innovation and production
Note: Your innovation can also be at the intersection of one of the aforementioned topics.
We support companies that:
- Are creating innovative solutions, services, products, or business models that address real societal challenges.
- Want to grow their business – expand their team, increase revenue, and enter new markets.
- Are ready to scale to Germany, Spain and the Nordic countries.
- Focus on deep tech – advanced technologies solving big problems like climate change, health, or energy.
Deep Tech refers to businesses using advanced science or engineering to solve major challenges. These companies often need more time and funding to develop but have high societal impact and strong long-term potential.
- Solutions that can be used for both civilian and non-offensive defence purposes are allowed.
- Purely military technologies are not eligible.
You should be able to show at least one of the following:
- Interest from customers in Poland – ideally Letters of Intent or similar agreements.
- Funding already raised from public or private sources for your solution.
No connections to Russia or Belarus are allowed (this includes founders, shareholders, or partners).
- Your team should reflect gender balance, especially in leadership roles.
- This is part of the evaluation process, in line with Horizon Europe and EIT’s commitment to inclusive innovation.
- All applications must be submitted in English.
- All documents must be clear and easy to read.
- If you submit attachments in another EU language, we may ask for a translation into English.
Want to learn more about EIT Regional Innovation Booster pilot? Download the Presentation below.
Partners
For Support or More Information
Please contact Joanna Broy at joanna.broy@eithealth.eu.