HEIPowered Startup Pitch Competition - Second Edition

EIT Urban Mobility invites startups created or supported by projects funded by the EIT Higher Education Initiative to submit their applications to participate in the second edition of the HEIPowered Startup Pitch Competition.

The main objective of this competition is to further accelerate the growth of HEI-supported startups, strengthen their market readiness, scalability, and long-term sustainability, and contribute to a stronger entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in Europe. 

This is a unique opportunity for early-stage startups to showcase their ventures and compete for funding, mentorship, and increased visibility. 

The competition will consist of two stages: 

• Stage 1 – Online Proposal Submission 
• Stage 2 – In-person Startup Pitch Competition

Stage 1: Online Proposal  

During the first stage, startups will submit an online application, including a Pitch Deck presentation. Based on the evaluation of these applications, the top five-ranked startups will be selected and invited to the in-person Startup Pitch Competition (second stage), scheduled to take place in Q4 2026 in a European city. 

Stage 2: In-person Startup Pitch Competition and Selection 

In the second stage, the five shortlisted startups will present their ventures through live pitches at the in-person event. Following the presentations, three winners will be selected to receive:   

• Cash fund:  
  • 1st place: €15 000  
  • 2nd place: €10 000 
  • 3rd place: €5 000  
• Mentorship:  
  • The three winning startups will each receive eight hours of individualized mentoring from a pool of expert mentors. 
  • Additionally, the two remaining finalists will each receive three hours of individualized mentoring. 

Who can apply? 

Startups that were created or supported through a project funded by the EIT Higher Education Initiative and have been officially reported by their project (Cohorts 1–3 and Cohort 4, Phase 1) are eligible to apply. Please refer to Annex 1 – List of Projects Funded by the EIT Higher Education Initiative in the Call Manual.  

Eligible startups must be registered legal entities in a Member State of the European Union and/or a third country associated with Horizon Europe. They must have a proof of concept, prototype, or minimum viable product (MVP), and must not have been among the top three winners of the first edition of the HEI Powered Startup Pitch Competition. 

How can you apply? 

Ensure at least one representative of the startup is registered with the EIT Higher Education Initiative Community and submit your online application through the EIT Urban Mobility Programmes Portal (NetSuite).

Apply now