Open Opportunities

This page lists current calls, job vacancies and open opportunities that may be of interest to the innovation community. Scroll down for opportunities for startups, SMEs and R&I actors.

For startups and SMEs

Empowering the Next Gen of Angels: ESIL is dedicated to boosting Europe’s innovative ecosystems through the creation of a thriving, connected and diverse angel investment community across all the countries of Europe, whilst strengthening those markets where angel investment may still be lagging behind. ESIL is funded by the European Union through the European Innovation Council and SME Executive Agency (EISMEA). The program will be delivered by a consortium of seasoned ecosystem players, including META Group, BAE, and Bpifrance, all of whom are deeply embedded in Europe's investment and innovation landscapes. Read more

Touristech Startup Fest: The Touristech Startup Fest is a competition of startups with the latest solutions for the travel and tourism industry. This initiative brings together the most innovative entrepreneurs with projects that can transform the tourism sector through technology and sustainability. The Call for Innovation plans to convene more than 400 startups that will present their innovative project to be one of 40 who will be able to make a pitch in front of investors, Venture capital and leading companies on Friday October 25th 2024 at Tourism Innovation Summit. After the pitch, a jury will select the best projects to be the winners of the Touristech Startup Fest 2024.Apply

Deadline: September 20th

Erstfeld Innovation Accelerator: The Erstfeld Innovation Accelerator is a 30 day online coaching and workshop opportunity that inspires enhanced innovation strategies for businesses and professionals. The workshops are offered monthly, with the November intake applications open now. This accelerator prioritizes team-oriented work with groups of 5-15 people to enhance synergy and bring out the best in a group. More info.

EU-LAC Digital Accelertator: The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator works as a multi-sided platform that connects business opportunities from large corporations to startups and innovative SMEs, supporting these joint ventures up until an investment-ready stage and providing specific benefits for each of them. They offer in-kind services up to 30,000€ to expand new businesses in Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. More information and submission

Eurostars: Eurostars is the largest international funding programme for SMEs wishing to collaborate on R&D projects that create innovative products, processes or services for commercialisation. Your consortium must spotlight an innovative SME as the main project participant. Applicants can choose project partners from SMEs, universities and research centres from any of the programme’s 37 participating countries. Organisations in non-participating countries can still join a Eurostars consortium. More info

Deadline: Ongoing

EIC Accelerator:The EIC Work Programme opens funding opportunities worth €1.13 billion. The EIC Accelerator supports individual small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in particular startups and spinout companies to develop and scaleup game-changing innovations. More info

Deadline: Ongoing

European Cluster Collaboration Platform: The European online hub for industry clusters is a European Union initiative to strengthen the European economy through collaboration. It is a wide information hub for clusters, offering access to the latest news, open call programmes, events, collaboration networks, and international cooperation opportunities. More info

Deadline: Ongoing

Intel Ignite Startup Accelerator: Helping startups develop strategies that cater to market needs, Intel provides insight, funding, and networking opportunities with this accelerator programme. The 12 week accelerator offers Intels prime mentorship and resources for visionary startup leaders to help their businesses shine. Apply here.

Deadline: September 20th.

EU Startups Summit: The startup event connects founders, corporates, and startup enthusiasts alike to investors, VCs, and media of the region. Displaying Europe’s budding businesses shining with the most potential in a pitch competition with their on-stage programme. The two-day event starting on the 24th of April, 2025 will take place in prime Valletta, Malta where attendees have the chance to connect with over 1000 companies. More info.

Super Early-bird deadline: September 21st

Funding and projects

Oxford Strategic Innovation Programme: Catered to professionals of any industry, this online 6-week programme provides skills ensuring innovation-focused strategies for business leaders to expertly tackle the future of their organisations. More info.

MIN Platform: The MIN Platform is a product of the INNO-MOB project, showcasing the opportunities that initiatives and networks provide to innovative and dynamic businesses within an inclusive mobility innovation European ecosystem. It serves as a comprehensive business support framework. Register here!

European Innovation Council Accelerator: Companies meeting the EIC criteria for excellence, impact and risk-level are invited to prepare full applications for grants of up to €2.5 million. This financial support also comes with a range of Business Acceleration Services, providing access to leading expertise, corporates, investors and ecosystem actors. More info

Deadline: Ongoing

EIT-EIC CollabPilot: Two funding opportunities are available for companies in the science/health fields. Ready for Investment will provide ventures with expert advice and support with a market value of €10,000 tailored to each business’ needs. Gold Track offers startups the chance to attend workshops with top science advisors, as well as present to hand-picked investors and industry partners. More info

Deadline: Various

IFC Projects: Any company or entreprenuer seeking funding can do so by approaching IFC directly. There is no standard project, application form or model that is expected, but the project must be aimed at the developing world whilst being environmentally and socially sound. More in fo

Deadline: Ongoing

The INGENIOUS project is an extensive programme design for the European industry to gain sovereignty, to drive competitive sustainability, to be the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050, and to shape Europe’s digital future. The INGENIOUS project serves as a lever for the companies to implement highly innovative solutions, to penetrate key markets, to attract critical mass of partners via three financial instruments: Innovation Grant, Training Grant, and Internationalization Grant. More info

Deadline: Ongoing

Researcher Project for Experienced Scientists (FRIPRO): Funding is intended to support scientific renewal and development in research that can help to advance the research front. This call targets researchers who have demonstrated the ability to conduct research of high scientific quality and applies to all disciplines and research areas. More info

Deadline: Open-ended

Global Innovation Fund: The GIF, is social impact-first investment vehicle that works with mission-aligned development agencies, philanthropy, and other funders to find and fund evidence-based innovations. GIF applications working in any sector in any developing country. Any type of organisation may apply. This includes social enterprises, for-profit companies, non-profit organisations, government agencies, international organisations, and research institutions in any country. It is recommended that individual innovators, entrepreneurs, or researchers apply through an affiliated organisation. More info

Deadline: Ongoing

Other

PTE Marketplace: DISRUPTIVE's international marketplace shows collaboration alerts related to the field of disruptive digital technologies. Companies and entities from anywhere in the world can participate in this marketplace by simply filling in a quick questionnaire where they explain what their alert consists of, whilst those seeking opportunities can find multiple chances for collaboration. More info

Deadline: Various

Melchor Ceneto Vallenilla Innovation Award: The Science, Technology and Innovation Commission of the National Academy of Engineering and Environment (ANIH) is organising the 2023 edition of the 'Melchor Centeno Vallenilla' Innovation Award, inviting Venezuelan innovators to submit their innovations or inventions. Applications can be submitted by the person or group that developed the innovation or invention, by filling out the appropriate form and sending by email. More info.

Deadline: October 1st, 2024