Preparing for Success: Apply to the EIT Culture & Creativity Accelerator!
Are you an SME or a scale-up in the creative industries?
EIT Culture & Creativity is excited to announce the launch of its first accelerator programme for 2024-2025. This unique online/hybrid training program will provide your business with the tools, expertise, services and connections needed to scale in international and global markets.
Delivered in collaboration with EIT CC’s regional Co-Location Centres and industry professionals, and with a value of €20 000, this programme is designed specifically for businesses from Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries across Europe. Participation in the programme is free of charge!
The acceleration programme is also a route to joining the EIT CC partnership and to participate at a later stage in the shareholding activities of EIT Culture & Creativity.
We offer a long-term partnership with purpose.
Who Should Apply?
We’re looking for creative SMEs or scale-ups (minimum 3 years old) in industries such as:
– Fashion
– Architecture
– Cultural Heritage
– Audiovisual Media and Gaming
– Innovative businesses combining elements from these sectors, or leveraging the latest digital or circular technologies.
Key Requirements
– An innovative business idea with potential for global impact
– A strong drive to succeed combined with an openness to adopting new business models
– Demonstrable growth and turnover (with a minimum annual average of 5% sustained over the past 2 years
What’s in it for your company?
Your company will benefit from an 8-week acceleration programme led by top European speakers, trainers, and mentors, valued at €20,000. This intensive programme will provide you with expert guidance, hands-on workshops, and invaluable connections within the industry.
You’ll also build a strong network of peers and professionals while enhancing your business model. And you’ll also have the chance to be featured on our prestigious “100 to Watch” list!
The programme is structured as follows:
Strategic building blocks: An 8-week training program with weekly lectures, workshops, and group mentoring for 30 selected companies, culminating in an online Demo Day.
Post-acceleration programme: An additional 12-week programme addressed exclusively to 6-10 of the most successful participants of the acceleration programme (“Strategic building blocks”) may be launched separately to further support advanced growth , private funding and shareholding opportunities.
Programme timeline:
- Call opening: 6th September 2024.
- Call closure: 6th October 2024 at 17.00 CET.
- Eligibility and admissibility check: 7th-8th October 2024.
- External evaluation of proposals: October 2024.
- Portfolio selection: End October 2024.
- Expected communication of results: 31 October 2024.
- Anticipated start of the projects: 1st November 2024.
How to Apply
To submit your application, carefully review the Guidelines for Applicants to understand the key requirements and prepare your project proposal.
Follow the detailed instructions in the Applicant Submission Manual to submit your proposal via the application platform. Ensure that all required documents and annexes outlined in the call guidelines are included to maximize your chances of success.
You will have an opportunity to ask questions during our Info Day on 17 September, when we will host two information sessions:
- 10:00–11:00 CET: Introduction to the call, strategic focus, scope, requirements, and evaluation process.
- 14:30–15:30 CET: Hands-on demonstration of the proposal preparation and submission process, including registration, proposal creation, budget setup, and submission.
Additional Info Session
Thursday, 26th September at 11:00 AM CET via teams, this info session is open to all, click here to connect !
The selected projects
Projects selected for the EIT Culture & Creativity accelerator in 2024
We are delighted to share the outcomes of the EIT Culture & Creativity Accelerator Programme for 2024-2025. The nine SMEs and scale-ups listed below were selected to participate in our first accelerator programme, showcasing their innovative projects and their strong potential to make a global impact in the cultural and creative sectors.
Below are the entities that participated in the programme and their innovative projects:
Eventwood Acceleration, with the acronym Event-pulse lead by Eventpulse located in Norway. Eventwood Acceleration has been selected with the following project: A location intelligence platform for events, experiences, and places, enabling the forecasting of visitor trends, CO2 impact, and revenue-generating activities.
BAH Studios, with the acronym BAH Studios lead by BAH Studios Media located in Spain. BAH Studios has been selected with the following project: AI-integrated audiovisual campaigns using Trendia to enhance creative decision-making and deliver innovative marketing strategies.
Sustainable Textiles, with the acronym STA lead by Adirelounge SAS located in France. Sustainable Textiles has been selected with the following project: Transforming agricultural waste like banana stems into sustainable textiles and dyes through ethical production methods, supporting rural farmers and underserved artisans.
Make Waves: Empowering Self Released Artists, with the acronym Make Waves lead by The Music Lab located in The Netherlands. Make Waves: Empowering Self Released Artists has been selected with the following project: A platform empowering artists to independently publish their music on major streaming platforms such as Spotify, fostering creative autonomy.
Reality Telling, with the acronym Reality Telling lead by Reality Telling located in Spain. Reality Telling has been selected with the following project: An innovative immersive experience platform leveraging VR/360° environments to enhance physical and cognitive rehabilitation.
Digitextile, with the acronym DGT lead by Web Easy Guard located in Portugal. Digitextile has been selected with the following project: AI-powered platform revolutionizing fashion design by automating the conversion of hand-drawn sketches into production-ready digital patterns, eliminating manual processes.
Mycelia Tech, with the acronym Mycelia Tech lead by ShufliaCrafts located in Ukraine. Mycelia Tech has been selected with the following project: Developing sustainable mushroom-based alternatives for packaging and leather, pioneering innovation in eco-friendly materials.
Riimu Talent Agency, with the acronym RTA lead by Riimu Creative located in Finland. Riimu Talent Agency has been selected with the following project: A platform connecting writers and directors across the EU with talent agencies and producers to accelerate co-productions and boost European film and TV project sales globally.
EKA Creative Studio, with the acronym EKA lead by EKA Creative Studios located in Turkey. EKA Creative Studio has been selected with the following project: A digital design studio fostering early career development for young creative professionals by connecting them with clients and opportunities.
Programme Highlights
During the 8-week acceleration programme, participants benefited from weekly lectures, workshops, and group mentoring sessions led by top European speakers and industry experts. These activities provided participants with the tools, strategies, and connections needed to drive innovation and scale their businesses in the creative industries
