EIT Culture & Creativity invites startups and scaleups in the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI) that are looking to accelerate growth, attract investment, and expand internationally to apply for financial support under the Shape Acceleration Programme and Scale Post-Acceleration Programme.
This call combines financial support with tailored venture development services designed to strengthen commercial execution, investment readiness, fundraising, and international market expansion. It is open to legally established for-profit entities in EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries (including the UK) developing tech-enabled, market-driven, and IP-leveraged solutions.
UK applicants can receive funding as follows:
- Shape Acceleration Programme: start-ups that have validated a market need through early traction, such as pilot customers or initial revenues, may receive up to EUR 100,000, plus up to an additional EUR 100,000 for top-ranked ventures following the Demo Day. Shape is designed for ventures that are ready to strengthen product-market fit, refine their business model, and prepare for future investment.
- Scale Post-Acceleration Programme: Start-ups and scale-ups that have demonstrated product-market fit, recurring revenues, and international scaling potential may receive up to EUR 200,000. Scale is designed for ventures that are actively raising capital or have secured at least EUR 200,000 investment in the last 18 months and are ready to accelerate international expansion.
Topics to be addressed
- 2027 Cohort (start January 2027): Fashion, Architecture, Audio Visual Media.
- Additional cohorts covering additional topics will be announced later.
Online information sessions
These will be held on:
- 27 Aug, 11:00 – 12:30 CEST (10:00 – 11:30 UK time)
- 22 Sept, 15:00 – 16:30 CEST (14:00 – 15:30 UK time)
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This call is open to legally established for-profit entities in EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries (including the UK) developing tech-enabled, market-driven, and IP-leveraged solutions. The application must be submitted by a single for-profit legal entity that meets all mandatory applicant requirements. Individuals, informal teams, and ventures that are not legally incorporated by the call deadline are not eligible.
The applicant must be registered in the EU Funding & tender opportunities portal and have a nine-digit Participant Identification Code (PIC number).
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The call aims to accelerate the growth, scaling, and investment readiness of high-potential ventures in the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI). Call provides fixed-amount financial support under the Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) mechanism to enable companies to grow their operations, expand internationally, and advance fundraising activities.
Topics to be addressed
- 2027 Cohort (start January 2027): Fashion, Architecture, Audio Visual Media.
- Additional cohorts covering additional topics will be announced later.
The call supports tech-enabled, market-driven, and IP-leveraged solutions capable of scaling commercially, generating economic/societal value, and strengthening Europe’s creative economy. Activities may include business development, investor outreach, team expansion, marketing, legal/IP advisory, and participation in ecosystem events. All selected ventures must actively engage in their respective programme’s structured support (kick-off, coaching, online workshops, and Demo Days).
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EIT will hold an information session focussed on the open call under the Shape Acceleration Programme and Scale Post-Acceleration Programme. The session will cover content, topics, requirements and general procedures, such as the submission and evaluation process.
Dates:
- 27 Aug, 11:00 – 12:30 CEST (10:00 – 11:30 UK time)
- 22 Sept, 15:00 – 16:30 CEST (14:00 – 15:30 UK time)
Register here to attend a session. The session will be recorded and made available on the EIT Culture & Creativity website. Applicants are encouraged to check the call webpage regularly for updates.