EIT Digital Becomes 28DIGITAL: A New Chapter in Europe’s Digital Innovation
EIT Digital, one of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology’s (EIT) earliest Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), has unveiled its new identity as 28DIGITAL, marking its transition to independence and the beginning of a new chapter in its evolution.
Initiated by the EIT in 2010 as one of its KICs, and now becoming independent but continuing to collaborate with the EIT under a Memorandum of Collaboration, 28DIGITAL builds on a 15-year journey that made it Europe’s largest open innovation ecosystem. Built on the pillars of ‘Talent. Tech. Trust.’, the new identity represents a renewed commitment to driving Europe’s digital leadership through education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
A Legacy of Impact
Speaking at the rebranding event, EIT Governing Board Member Vicky Kefalas highlighted EIT Digital’s pivotal role in advancing Europe’s deep-tech innovation landscape since its launch in 2010.
Over the past 15 years as an EIT KIC, and with strategic guidance and more than €650 million in investment from the EIT, EIT Digital has built one of Europe’s most vibrant digital ecosystems…The innovation, business creation and acceleration programmes of EIT Digital have created or supported 968 start-ups since 2011. Entrepreneurs and ventures backed by EIT Digital have brought a total of 631 innovations to market. Additionally, 2503 students have graduated from its EIT-labelled degree programmes and 10 944 learners have participated in its courses…Today’s event is not just about a new name...It is about building on 15 years of success and looking boldly at the next 15.
Vicky Kefalas, EIT Governing Board Member
Continued Collaboration
Following the completion of its EIT grant phase, 28DIGITAL continues its activities as an independent foundation. This milestone follows similar transitions by Climate KIC (formerly EIT Climate-KIC) and InnoEnergy (formerly EIT InnoEnergy), underlining the success of the EIT model in building long-term, self-sustaining innovation ecosystems.
We are proud of EIT Digital’s remarkable journey – from one of the first EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities to an innovation ecosystem that continues to deliver digital innovation and skills without depending on EIT funding. They remain an integral part of the EIT Community, continuing to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. Every partnership they build and every innovator they support is equal to a step forward for Europe’s digital transformation. We look forward to this new phase of cooperation to build a more innovative and resilient Europe together.
Martin Kern, EIT Director
The Story Behind the Name
The name 28DIGITAL draws inspiration from this idea of a ‘28th regime’ – a truly European framework where digital innovation, talent and entrepreneurship can thrive across the Single Market. The number 28 also symbolises perfection in mathematics, as it is equal to the sum of its divisors (1 + 2 + 4 + 7 + 14 = 28) – a concept rooted in number theory, the foundation of cryptography, quantum algorithms, and supercomputing benchmarks.
Our mission has always been twofold: to accelerate the growth of Europe’s deep-tech ventures and to educate the next generation of entrepreneurial digital leaders – anchored in a strong, collaborative innovation ecosystem. Our name change is also a declaration of intent. It reflects a new European ambition – the ‘28th regime’ – a borderless European framework aligned with Europe’s Startup and Scaleup Strategy. We are committed to forging a digital future that is competitive, human-centric and rooted in European values.
Federico Menna, CEO of 28DIGITAL
This milestone opens a new chapter for 28DIGITAL as a key force in Europe’s digital innovation landscape.
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