Applications are open until 2 April, offering participants the chance to test the business potential of their ideas, develop entrepreneurial skills, and compete for a €10,000 prize.

EIT Jumpstarter 2025 is an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) designed to support early-stage, science- and technology-driven innovation, helping transform ideas into successful startups.

The program offers participants the chance to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, assess the commercial potential of their ideas, and receive expert training and mentorship from industry leaders. With guidance from top mentors, participants will refine their ideas and build the most viable business models.

At the program’s conclusion, they will pitch their ideas to investors and potential partners, gaining valuable networking opportunities that open doors to European markets and innovation hubs.

Last year, Latvia’s NEAMO was among the main winners.

Applicants can submit early-stage product and service ideas addressing challenges in one of the following categories: health, food and agriculture, raw materials, energy and renewable energy, smart cities and mobility, and manufacturing.

Additionally, solutions aligned with the New European Bauhaus initiative—which integrates design, sustainability, accessibility, and investment in support of the European Green Deal—are also welcome.

To support Ukrainian innovators, the program includes a “Rebuild Ukraine” category, inviting Ukrainian citizens to develop startup ideas focused on the country’s reconstruction. In each category, participants will compete for the winner’s title and a cash prize of up to €10,000.

The EIT Jumpstarter 2025 pre-acceleration program kicks off in May, selecting 190 teams through an online training process. In June, participants will present their business ideas, and the top 80 teams will advance to the next phase, where they will continue training in a hybrid format. The competition culminates in November when the final 48 teams will compete for cash prizes and gain exposure to Europe’s largest innovation network—EIT.

Since its launch in 2017, EIT Jumpstarter has trained over 1,300 young talents and helped establish 124 start-ups. Latvian teams have consistently achieved strong results, with several reaching the finals among Europe’s best innovators. In 2024, the first prize in the EIT Food category, along with a €10,000 award, was won by RTU student and graduate team «Neamo», who developed an integrated sensor system for autonomous vessels to automatically monitor fish farms.

More details and applications here. 

 

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