EIT Culture & Creativity is inviting applications from startups and scaleups within the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI) for its Shape Acceleration Programme and Scale Post-Acceleration Programme. These initiatives, organized under Horizon Europe, are designed for ventures seeking to accelerate growth, attract investment, and expand their international presence. The call combines financial support with tailored venture development services to enhance commercial execution, investment readiness, fundraising capabilities, and global market entry.
Application and Program Details
• Registration Period: Opens 10/08/2026, Closes 12/10/2026 at 16:00.
• Opportunity Type: Funding, Other.
• Location: East Midlands, East of England, London and the South East, North East (England), North West (England), Northern Ireland, Scotland, South West (England), Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire and The Humber.
• Organisation: Horizon Europe.
• Sector: Creative Industries, Digital, Global.
Funding and Support Structure
• General Award: UK SMEs are eligible for financial support of up to €200,000, complemented by tailored venture development services.
• Shape Acceleration Programme: This program is for start-ups that have validated a market need through early traction, such as pilot customers or initial revenues. Participants may receive up to €100,000, with an additional €100,000 available for top-ranked ventures following the Demo Day. The program focuses on strengthening product-market fit, refining business models, and preparing for future investment.
• Scale Post-Acceleration Programme: Aimed at start-ups and scale-ups with demonstrated product-market fit, recurring revenues, and international scaling potential. This program offers up to €200,000 for ventures that are actively raising capital or have secured at least €200,000 in investment within the last 18 months and are prepared to accelerate international expansion.
Eligibility and Scope
• Eligible Applicants: The call is open to legally established for-profit entities in EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries, including the UK. Applicants must be developing tech-enabled, market-driven, and IP-leveraged solutions.
• Applicant Requirements: The application must be submitted by a single for-profit legal entity that is registered in the EU Funding & tender opportunities portal and possesses a nine-digit Participant Identification Code (PIC number).
• Ineligible Applicants: Individuals, informal teams, and ventures not legally incorporated by the call deadline are not eligible to apply.
• Program Scope: The initiative aims to accelerate the growth, scaling, and investment readiness of high-potential ventures in the CCSI. It provides fixed-amount financial support to help companies grow operations, expand internationally, and advance fundraising.
• Supported Activities: 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, including kick-off events, coaching, online workshops, and Demo Days.
Focus Areas and Cohorts
• 2027 Cohort (start January 2027): The initial cohort will focus on Fashion, Architecture, and Audio Visual Media.
• Future Cohorts: Additional cohorts with different topics will be announced at a later date.
Briefings and Support
• Online Information Sessions: EIT will host sessions to cover the call's content, topics, requirements, and general procedures, including submission and evaluation processes.
• Session 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)
• Access: Registration is required to attend a session. The sessions will be recorded and made available on the EIT Culture & Creativity website. Applicants are encouraged to check the call webpage regularly for updates.
This initiative presents a significant opportunity for ventures in the cultural and creative sectors to secure funding and expert guidance. Interested parties are advised to review the eligibility criteria and program details thoroughly to determine their suitability for either the Shape Acceleration or Scale Post-Acceleration programmes.