Open Call: Spark - Incubation Programme 2025
This programme aims to support the creation of new ventures in the architecture and cultural heritage sectors.
EIT Culture & Creativity launches its 2025 call for applications for the Spark – Incubation Programme, designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage innovators in the architecture and cultural heritage sectors.
The programme offers individuals and teams the opportunity to develop their business ideas, validate their market potential, build a minimum viable product (MVP), and compete for financial prizes at the Demo Day.
Learn more through our upcoming information session on 20 May. Register here.
Timeline
- Call opening: 6 May 2025
- Application deadline: 11 July 2025, at 17:00 CET
- Communication of results to applicants: Mid-August 2025
- Programme start: Mid-September 2025
- Programme duration: 8–10 weeks
- Demo Day: at the end of the programme (December 2025), in an EU country to be decided
Total estimated EIT funding allocated to this call
Financial Prizes
Top-performing participants will receive prizes awarded at the Demo Day:
- 1st Prize (x2): €10,000
- 2nd Prize (x3): €7,500
- 3rd Prize (x3): €5,000
The maximum EIT funding for prizes in this call is €57,500.
Who can apply?
Individuals (students, recent graduates, researchers, professionals) or teams (up to 3 people) based in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe-associated country. No company registration is required at application stage, but a legal entity must be established before the Demo Day to be eligible for financial prizes.
Ideas must target Architecture or Cultural Heritage, with a strong innovation potential.
How to apply
- Read the full Call Guidelines and check eligibility (documents provided below).
- Complete and submit your application via the EIT Culture & Creativity application platform.
- If selected, register a legal entity and fully participate in the programme to qualify for the Demo Day and prize competition.
Scope and topics of the call
The Spark (Incubation) Programme helps aspiring entrepreneurs transform ideas into viable businesses. Focus areas include:
- Architecture: Sustainable building practices, climate-resilient urban planning, digital transformation in construction.
- Cultural Heritage: Immersive AR/VR experiences, digital transformation projects, innovative business models for cultural heritage valorisation.
What does the call offer?
Selected participants receive training, mentorship, market validation support, and access to industry networks.
They also receive:
- An all-expenses-paid, in-person kick-off bootcamp in Europe
- Weekly online entrepreneurial training sessions.
- Personalised mentoring and strategic coaching.
- Participation in the Demo Day.
- Networking with mentors, experts, and potential partners.
- The opportunity to compete for financial prizes of up to €10,000.
- Free membership in the EIT Culture & Creativity Community during the programme.
KPIs & Requirements
Mandatory KPIs
- EITHE04.1 – Start-ups Created (Minimum target: 1 start-up created per participant).
Additional KPIs, positively assessed:
- EITHE06.1 – Investment Attracted
- EITHE01.1 – Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
- EITHE02.4 – Innovations Launched on the Market (€10K Revenue)
Participants may be subject to ex-post impact assessments up to five years after programme completion.
Admissibility, eligibility, evaluation and portfolio selection criteria
For the admissibility, eligibility, evaluation and portfolio selection criteria please see the call guidelines.
Please note that the following documents need to be submitted:
- Application form, available on Monday platform: https://wkf.ms/3FVYSet .
- Link to video demonstration.
Key documents for your application
Information sessions
To assist applicants, EIT Culture & Creativity will host two online webinars:
- 20 May 2025, 15:00–16:30 CET: Overview of the Spark Programme and how to apply.
- 20 May 2025, 16:30–17:00 CET: Practical demonstration of the application platform.
Contact details
In addition to the information sessions, applicants may submit their inquiries via the official EIT Culture & Creativity Contact Form.
This form should be used for all questions related to call content, technical aspects, thematic focus, administrative, financial, or procedural matters. The relevant team will review and respond accordingly to provide clear and aligned guidance throughout the application process