New European opportunity:
European Startup and Scaleup Hubs pilot

This topic aims to deploy a large-scale European programme supporting startups and scaleups, through the creation and implementation of a network of high-performing innovation hubs (“Champions League” hubs) interconnected at European level.

An ambitious instrument: Programme COFUND

Unlike traditional coordination actions, this topic is structured as a Programme COFUND, featuring:

• an indicative European Commission contribution of up to €20 million, and
• a 50% co-funding requirement, to be provided by national, regional and/or private sources and clearly demonstrated in the proposal.

Only one project is expected to be funded, with strong implementation capacity and pan-European reach.

What type of initiatives is the call targeting?

The action is addressed to consortia capable of deploying a fully operational programme, focused on:

• direct support to startups and scaleups in their scaling-up processes, access to investment and internationalisation,
• structured cooperation between innovation hubs from at least 10 countries, including Widening countries,
• and the use of financial support to third parties (FSTP) to channel direct financial support to innovative companies.

An opportunity for ecosystem leaders

This topic is particularly relevant for organisations with proven experience in integrating innovation ecosystems, public–private cooperation and the design of pan-European programmes, such as innovation hubs, EITs, regional agencies, clusters and entities with strong programme management capabilities.

Due to its design, this call is expected to have low competition, but high strategic, financial and governance requirements, making it a highly attractive opportunity for well-established actors in the European innovation and entrepreneurship landscape.