EIT Jumpstarter
Status not published
Annual call. The 2026 edition opened 13 March 2026 with an application deadline of 17 May 2026 (extended). Applications for 2026 are now closed; expect a comparable spring window in 2027.
A 7-month pre-acceleration programme. Winners compete for EUR 2 500, EUR 5 000 or EUR 10 000 in startup funding, and all participants receive a EUR 2 000 participation budget plus EUR 1 000 travel budget. Total programme funding EUR 240 000 for 2026.
European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), delivered jointly by several EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities
ppp · supranational
Deadline: annual_call — Annual call. The 2026 edition opened 13 March 2026 with an application deadline of 17 May 2026 (extended). Applications for 2026 are now closed; expect a comparable spring window in 2027.
This funder does not publish a success rate. We rank it using the rate observed across similar programmes and label it as an estimate rather than implying we know.
Moderate — a form and supporting documents.
Who can apply
- Sectors: health, agri, manufacturing, climate, any
- Stage: idea, pre_seed
'The programme is open to individuals and teams from Central, Eastern and Southern Europe' with early-stage ideas. No registered company is required at application - this is a pre-acceleration/idea-stage programme aimed at company creation. Applicants must hold citizenship of an EU Member State, EU outermost region, or a Horizon Europe Associated Country (Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, Türkiye).
How to apply
- Check the eligible countries and thematic categories in the Terms and Conditions. — link
- Apply online with your early-stage idea by the annual deadline. — link
- Complete the 7-month training and mentorship programme and pitch at the final for the prizes; teams are expected to be ready for company creation by the end. — link
What you will need
- Online application form describing the idea and team
- Proof of citizenship/residence in an eligible country
Source. https://eitjumpstarter.eu/ — checked 2026-08-14
"EIT Jumpstarter is back with €240,000. Join the 2026 EIT Jumpstarter programme. ... A 7-month pre-acceleration programme for early-stage innovators from over 22 countries."