May is not over yet. Here are 18 opportunities that startups, SMEs and innovators from Central Europe can apply for by the end of this month: acceleration programmes, incubators, pitching competitions, conferences, contests and more.
For AgriFood Startups
EIT Food
EIT Food is a pan-European consortium that focuses on entrepreneurship and innovation in the food sector. It connects businesses, research centres, universities and consumers and its aim is to make the food system more sustainable, healthy and trusted. In the second half of May the application process for four EIT Food projects addressed to start-ups and companies at different stages of development is coming to an end.
If you are an early stage agrifood startup from Southern or Eastern Europe, you can apply for..
- Innovation Prize competition
For whom: Innovation Prize is a contest for innovative start-up that could transporm the agrifood sector. The competition is open to early stage entrepreneurs and startups from 17 countries in Southern and Eastern Europe, including Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland (only certain regions) and Slovakia. Both regustred companies and entrepreneurs and teams that haven’t yet registered their startup can apply for this competition (!).Due to coronavirus the compatition in online.
Benefits: The prizes will be awarded to most innovative companies to support the development of new products and services which can help transform our food system, making it healthier, more sustainable and more trusted.
The startups can win up to EUR 5 000 in regional finals and up to EUR 25 000 in the Grand Final. In addition to the cash prizes, participating startups will benefit from training and expert feedback. There will be 54 prizez awareded in total, so apply!
Dedaline for application is May 24th. More details can be found here. Application form is at F6S website.
If you need help with testing your agritech solution, you can apply for …
- Test farm
Test Farms is a programme that enables agritech startups to do a pilot project and validate their solution. It links startups with farmers or agricultural/pasture land in Spain, Portugal and Bulgaria.
For whom: The programme is open for registered (!) companies from 17 countries in Southern and Eastern Europe, including Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. A startup must have a developed product or service that is ready for validation in the field. Moreover the product or service need to be in one of the following themes:
- Alternative proteins
- Sustainable agriculture
- Targeted nutrition
- Digital traceability
- Circular food systems
Benefits: Shortlisted startups will be invited to join one 2-day match-making events with farmers. Additionally the participants will receive 3000 EUR budget to support the travel and testing phase. Also startups together with farmers will organise a Demo Day for local farmers.
Deadline for application is May 24th. Necessary information are available here. Information on the eligibility criteria as well as program outline and selection criteria are available here
If you are an agrifood startup affected by COVID-19, apply for…
- COVID-19 Bridge Fund
COVID-19 Bridge Fund is a funding mechanism designed for all European startups with high impact and growth potential have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
For whom: the fund is for all European agrifood start-ups, including those currently supported by EIT Food and those who previously completed programs managed by the Business Creation department of EIT Food
Benefits: The fund will provide timely financial support of between €200,000 and €500,000 to a select number of agrifood ventures addressing one of EIT Food’s key focus areas (mentioned above).
Deadline for application is May 28th . More information can be found at the EIT Food website. Terms and conditions are here
If you have an idea for a short term agrifood innovation project in context of a COVID-19 response, apply for..
- EIT Food COVID-19 Rapid Response Call
EIT Food offers grants for short term, impactful projects that address food system business and consumer needs in context of a COVID-19 response or similar future pandemics
For whom: This call is open to partners and non-partners of EIT Food (non-partners must collaborate with EIT Food partners). Projects must deliver rapid impact (product, service, start-up created must be ready for launch by the end of 2020, and be on the market by end Q2 2021 at the latest) and significant impact (the applicants must demonstrate how the initiative will deliver both economic and societal impact, specifically addressing the COVID-19 crisis or possible future similar pandemics).
Deadline for application is May 28th. More information and recorded webinar about the call can be found on the EIT Food website. Call guidelines can be found here.
SmartAgriHubs
SmartAgriHubs is a €20 M EU project under the Horizon 2020 instrument, and brings together a consortium of well over 164 partners in the European agri-food sector. The project aims to realise the digitisation of European agriculture. It serves as a catalyst for game-changing innovations in smart farming techniques. In May this pan-European network on AgriFood- and ICT systems is recruiting for two calls.
If you are a SME or start-up and have an idea for digital innovation mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the agri-food sector, you can apply for “Respond2: SAH2SMEs”. Proposed projects can be any size, but SmartAgriHubs can contribute from 30,000 to 50,000 Euro.
If you are a Digital Innovation Hub and you have an idea for a hackathon type of activities that will RESPOND to the effects of the COPVID-19 , you can apply for “RESPOND to the COVID-19 Crisis”. Applicants can request a contribution from 10,000 to 30,000 Euro.
Deadline for both calls is June 3rd. More information can be found at SmartAgriHubs’ website.
For Mobility Startups
The Next Mobility & Energy Summit
The Next Mobility & Energy Summit is an online conference. It will run over 3 mornings on June 15-17th with keynotes, interviews and demonstrations from the best experts globally. The organisers are willing to select 20 startups to pitch during the summit in front of top investors and journalists.
For whom: start-ups (from idea stage up to Series A) in the field of mobility, energy and IT (for example MaaS, EV, Autonomous Driving, Connected Car, New Energy, Blockchain, AI)
Benefits: media coverage, perks from partners and access to investment opportunities
Deadline is May 31st. More information and application form can be found here
Moove lab
Moove lab is 6 months acceleration programme for startups focused on mobility.
For whom: Startups and teams with already developed product or service regarding terrestrial mobility ( inclusive Mobility, solutions for the enterprises to facilitate their customers relations, energy mix, innovations in the traffic safety)
Benefits:
- professional and personalized support (for example: weekly coaching session, thematic workshops, a team of experts on call and others)
- experimental environment (for example: direct connection with the right contacts within the major accounts of the French National Council of Automotive Professions, getting in touch with partners for the development of the start-up such as manufacturers, insurers, transport operators, mobility actors)
- possibility of raising funds
Deadline is May 31st. More information can be found here
Mobility 4
This is acceleration programme run by Sante, a US-based accelerator and VC company.
For whom: For early-stage companies in the following domains: Connected Transportation (V2X & 5G), Freight & Last Mile, Fleet Optimization, Predictive Maintenance, In-Cabin Tech, Mobility Services.
Benefits: Hands-on training and mentorship. The top 5 startups will be selected to join the full version of the program. This includes $50,000 worth of program services and benefits, an intense business development experience in several US mobility and logistic hub destinations, collaborating with potential customer, partners and investors along the way and another 10 months of hands-on support.
Deadline is May 29th. More information can be found here
For Industrial Startups
WeldGalaxy
WeldGalaxy is a knowledge-based B2B online platform that will bring together global buyers and EU sellers of welding equipment and consumables, along with accessories and services. Now WeldGalaxy is looking for 25 Open Innovation Pilots, that will participate as beta testers of the WeldGalaxy platform to help in creating the market proof to test the ‘online welding equipment and consumables platform’.
For whom: single SME/MidCap or consortium consisting of two or more SME/MidCap and/ or Research/non-industrial legal entities. The proposed project should relate to efficient and cost-effective arc welding methods to weld different materials with different geometries and thicknesses. The innovation should be shown in terms of equipment, consumables and/or welding processes.
Benefits: 6 months WeldGalaxy Training Program which includes:
- Technical support from industry experts from TWI
- Business Mentoring from Fundingbox
- Up to €100k funding per pilot
- WeldGalaxy platform account
- Demonstration facilities
- Media exposure
- Access to private and public funding
Deadline is May 29th. Detail information and application for can be found here
Automation Alley Industry4.0 Accelerator
Automation Alley is six month US-based programme designed to help grow and scale Industry 4.0 business through investment, events, mentorships, coaching, services and the intensive support.
For whom: For startups operating in one of the following areas: Additive Manufacturing, Advanced Materials, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Robotics, Industrial IoT
Benefits:
- Up to $110,000 investment in cash and services
- Potential additional funding support for pilot demonstration projects and product development partnerships
Potential additional funding support for general business and technical milestones - One-on-one customized support to help businesses
Direct connections to customers and strategic partnerships in Michigan focused on integrating Industry 4.0 innovations into their operations as well as direct connections to hundreds of Michigan reps, manufacturers and suppliers. Academic engagements including proof of concept projects
Funding strategy and connection to investors - Options to participate in Automation Alley, Centrepolis LTU and Lean Rocket Lab events, workshops, pitch competitions, classes, and conferences and more
Dealine is June 1st. More information can be found at the programme’s website. Apply via f6S
For HealthTech Startups
HITLAB Breakthrough Alliance
HITLAB Breakthrough Alliance is an US -based organization that offers digital health research, teaching, and advisory services to improve health delivery around the world.
For whom: Innovators with ideas for smartphone-based solutions for supporting the diagnosis and/or treatment of COVID-19 or broad/long-term digital solutions to address gaps in healthcare brought to light by COVID-19. Innovations at all stages of development are welcome to apply.
Deadline is May 31st. More information and application form can be found here
H+ Innovation Programme
H+ Innovation Programme is a new cross-industry accelerator run by InsurTech Hub Munich and dmac/Digital Health Hub Nuremberg/Erlangen. The programme will support digital health startups in developing their business as well as getting access to the digital health market in Germany.
For whom: For early stage HealthTech startups. Though the organiser invites also more mature entrepreneurs to apply as they might offer them access to their network, even without formally participating in the accelerator programme.
Benefits: mentoring, investors meet-ups, need-based programme, validation of business model in Germany, reimbursement strategies, frameworks and industrial know-how, access to German healthcare and insurance ecosystem.
Deadline is May 31st. More information can be found here, apply via f6S
South Summit Competition
Special call for HealtTech & Wellbeing Startups (in the list below)
For other start-ups
South Summit Competition
South Summit is an innovation platform which connects disruptive startups with worldwide investors and corporations. The next South summit will be held in Madrit (Spain). Part of the summit is a competition for startups.
For whom: Innovative startups regardless their industry, development stage and country. However this year there is Special call for Health & Wellbeing Startups. The organisers are looking for the most disruptive startups in Health & Wellbeing. Projects from Digital Health, AI & Data Driven Healthcare, Robotics & Smart Materials, Wearable Tech, BioTech and Medicine, Food & Nutrition, Human-Centricity, Emotional, Physical, and Social Wellbeing.
Benefits:
- Pitch on stage,
- Mentoring Programme,
- Access to 1 to 1 meetings with corporates and investors,
- Bootcamp
- Free tickets for 2 team members.
Deadline is May 29th. More information and application form can be found here.
Copernicus Incubation Programme
Copernicus is the European system for monitoring the Earth. It consists of a complex set of systems which collect data from multiple sources: Earth observation satellites and local sensors on the continent, in the air and at sea. The Copernicus Incubation Programme supports the most innovative and commercially promising business applications based on Copernicus data and services. The programme awards 50,000 EUR to 20 European start-ups every year. The investment goes toward their incubation or acceleration in a programme or organisation of their choice.
For whom: an European start-up or teams of entrepreneurs that have a product or service using that make use of Copernicus data and services. Both early stage start-up as well as later incubation stage or scale-up are accepted.
Important! This programme only accepts joint applications: the start-up is required to apply together with a support programme that agrees to incubate the start-up if it receives the funding.
Benefits:
- up to 50,000 EUR and up to 85% of the total costs described in their application to the programme.
- the funding covers costs up to 1 year
- selected start-ups receive 50% of the total grant as pre-financing
Deadline is May 29th. More information can be found at the programme’s website
Kaspersky “Gaming” Global Startup Call
Kaspersky is a leading global cybersecurity company. Now the company is looking for most advanced project projects working at the edge of cybersecurity and gaming. Through this program the company aims to test your product/service, validate its technical and business potential and develop the business jointly.
For whom: both for startup teams and individual projects that have a project relating cybersecurity in gaming, for example: protection tool, anti-cheat, matchmaking services, Chat, voice communications, and community tools, Gaming after-match video search and analysis tools, Voice assistant and VR/AR-control tools, Game mode and settings for HW and SW environment, Secure mobile broadcast and streaming tools, Digital rights management and others.
Benefits:
- Product/service validation through joint proof of concept;
- Invitation to pitch in front of our Kaspersky global team (due to coronavirus, it will be online streaming);
- Pilot project with Kaspersky focused on co-sales and revenue sharing in one of the Kaspersky regions of presence;
- Support for product development, marketing through multiple media channels and events;
- Access to channel partners (including distributors and re-sellers);
- Access to own clients and prospects via Kaspersky sales and presales force;
- Opportunity to scale globally and be promoted globally in every region where Kaspersky has a presence
Deadline for application is May 31st. More information can be found at Kaspersky’s website. Apply via f6s
Nextgrid Artificial Intelligence Seed Program
This is a 3 months seed programme for startups building products based on Deep Learning and Reinforcement Learning.
For whom: For AI startups building solutions solving real problems using reinforcement learning & deep learning
Benefits:
- Access to up to 100.000 USD worth of cloud computing credits;
- Weekly business and technical mentoring from industry experts tailored to the startups’ individual needs;
- Access to business and tech expertise from Nextgrid’s technology partners;
- Connections to Nextgrid’s network of Silicon Valley and AI investors.
Deadline is May 24th. More information and application form can be found here
NGI-POINTER
NGI-POINTER aims to find ambitious “NGI architects” to change the underlying fabric of the internet and the web, by supporting promising bottom up projects that are able to build on top of state-of-the-art research, scalable protocols and tools to assist in the practical transition or migration to new or updated technologies, whilst keeping European values at the core
For whom: Individuals (researchers, developers, hackers, internet activists)or established entities (SMEs, startups) with proven experience in internet architecture. Proposals should be focused on the Open InternetArchitecture Renovation and address specific technology challenges related with one or more of the following application domains:
Privacy-by-design; Internet at the Edge; Network optimization; Virtualization and isolation;Limitations in the TCP/IP protocol suite;Autonomous Network operations and control; Energy Efficiency; Industrial Internet Security; Trust for New Internet/Web Users; Open Disruption of the Internet Architecture
Benefits: Up to 200.000 € equity-free funding per-project, business and technical support during a 12-month Support Programme
Deadline is June 1st. More information and application form can be found at the project’s website