This call combines financial support of up to EUR500,000 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 developing tech-enabled, market-driven, and IP-leveraged solutions.

This call supports ventures at different stages of maturity:

• 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, or up to EUR 500,000 if headquartered in an EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) country. 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.

Total estimated funding:

• Total financial support: 8,600,000 EUR
• Shape Acceleration Programme: 3,400,000 EUR
• Scale Post-Acceleration Programme: 5,200,000 EUR

Application deadline is 12 October 2026. Projects will start in January 2026.