Programme Overview

EIT Jumpstarter offers a 7-month pre-acceleration programme for early-stage innovators from over 28 countries and territories. Participants can compete for a first prize of up to €10,000 across 7 categories.

Big ideas deserve the right start, and EIT Jumpstarter 2026 is here to make it happen!
Do you have an innovative idea and want to turn it into a real start-up? The EIT Jumpstarter programme is now open for applications and ready to help you take the first step on your entrepreneurial journey.

This is a European pre-acceleration programme designed to transform early-stage ideas into viable businesses. Through hands-on training, mentoring and expert guidance, participants learn how to validate their ideas, build a business model, and prepare to launch a start-up.

💡 The programme is open to innovators with ideas in sectors such as:

▪️ Food & Agritech
▪️ Healthcare
▪️ Energy & Renewables
▪️ Advanced & Green Manufacturing
▪️ Metals, Minerals, Advanced Materials & Industrial Side Streams
▪️ Smart Cities & Urban Mobility

✨ New this year: an additional cohort dedicated to participants from Malta, powered by Xjenza Malta! 

Apply to EIT Jumpstarter 2026

📅 Don’t miss the opportunity to kick-start your entrepreneurial journey.
👉 Apply by 8 May, and learn more about the programme here: https://eitjumpstarter.eu/

Join the EIT Jumpstarter programme and develop your idea into a start-up. Apply by 8 May 2026.