For the First time ever, alumni of previous editions of the EIT Jumpstarter applied to the dedicated add-on module, which aims to speed their growth in the EIT Community and beyond.
Since 2017, the EIT Jumpstarter has supported the creation of 124 start-ups and the professional growth of 1180 scientists, researchers and students from Central, Eastern and Southern Europe. This year, the programme alumni had a chance to apply for additional business development modules at Post-Jumpstarter. With only seven seats in the programme, the organisers aim to provide a tailor-made curation and improve access to the EIT Community accelerators, corporate and VC world and other Horizon Europe acceleration schemes.
120M EUR obtained in external investments
EIT Jumpstarter alumni have already received 120M EUR in external funding after graduation. It’s time to move on to the next step. During the Post-Jumpstarter, selected start-ups will develop business development plans and apply for programmes of the EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities. They will also work with Venture Capitals and corporates on market planning and sales growth. The best five teams will be invited to the USA mission this autumn.
Selected Teams
The seven selected teams hail from Croatia, Poland, Serbia, Czechia, Latvia, Ukraine, and Spain. Their technological readiness levels (TRLs) varied, with the most common stages being TRL 7 (System prototype demonstration in an operational environment) and TRL 6 (Technology demonstrated in a relevant environment), along with some at TRL 4 (Technology validated in the lab).
The selected teams in alphabetical order:
- Bio Ice Cream Dots, EIT Food category, representing Poland
- Lightly, EIT Health category, representing Czechia
- NADES Design, EIT Food category, representing Croatia
- Neo Pill, EIT Health category, representing Serbia
- PrintyMed, EIT Health category, representing Latvia
- RECHARGE, EIT Urban Mobility category, representing Spain
- Solar Optic, Rebuild Ukraine category, representing Ukraine
Throughout the year, the three best teams will approach the Grand Final, which this year will take place in Budapest on 28.11.2024.
About the Programme
The EIT Post-Jumpstarter is an acceleration module specifically designed for scientists, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who have previously participated in the EIT Jumpstarter programme. Funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology and powered by the EIT Community, the programme aims to enhance the business skills of the alumni and support the commercialisation of their validated ideas further.
The programme provides essential training and mentorship, facilitates networking opportunities, and exposes participants to international markets, significantly boosting their growth prospects. The programme targets alumni from 2017 to 2023 and focuses on start-ups from countries with moderate or modest innovation rates (the Regional Innovation Scheme, RIS). Importantly, participation in the Post-Jumpstarter is free of charge and does not require equity shares, making it an accessible opportunity for burgeoning entrepreneurs.