European Startup and Scaleup Hubs pilot
European Startup and Scaleup Hubs pilot supports networks of European innovation hubs, funding cross-border access and acceleration to help deep tech startups and scaleups become globally competitive.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: January 5, 2027, at 17:00 Brussels local time (Proposal deadline)
Funding Amounts: €40 million total; around €20 million per project for an indicative two years; 50% funding rate
Summary: Supports cross-border networks of European innovation hubs to help deep tech startups and scaleups become globally competitive companies.
Key Information: Consortia need at least ten hubs across ten EU Member States or Associated Countries, including two hubs in widening countries.
Description
The European Commission’s European Startup and Scaleup Hubs pilot is a Horizon Europe Programme Co-fund Action under European Innovation Ecosystems. It aims to establish two networks of around 10–18 leading and emerging hubs, connecting research and higher education institutions, research and technology organisations, corporates, entrepreneurs and investors. The goal is to turn scientific excellence into commercial success, strengthen regional innovation cohesion and increase public and private investment in deep tech ventures.
Supported activities include shared access to laboratories, facilities, expertise and mentoring, specialised visits, short-term mobility and entrepreneurial events. Networks should establish a highly selective acceleration programme offering structured support, mentoring and investor-facing Demo Days. Particular attention goes to cross-border access for deep tech ventures, women-led companies, EIC-supported ventures and the integration of less-connected hubs.
