Shape Acceleration & Scale Post-Acceleration
EIT Culture & Creativity invites startups and scaleups in the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI) that are looking to accelerate growth, attract investment, and expand internationally to apply for financial support under the Shape Acceleration Programme and Scale Post-Acceleration Programme.
This call combines financial support of up to €500 000 with tailored venture development services designed to strengthen commercial execution, investment readiness, fundraising, and international market expansion. It is open to legally established for-profit entities in EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries developing tech-enabled, market-driven, and IP-leveraged solutions.
Who can apply
This call is open to legal entities established in EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. It supports ventures at different stages of maturity:
Shape Acceleration Programme: startups that have validated a market need through early traction, such as pilot customers or initial revenues, may receive up to €100 000, plus up to an additional €100 000 for top-ranked ventures following the Demo Day. Shape is designed for ventures that are ready to strengthen product-market fit, refine their business model, and prepare for future investment.
Scale Post-Acceleration Programme: Startups and scaleups that have demonstrated product-market fit, recurring revenues, and international scaling potential may receive up to €200 000, or up to €500 000 if headquartered in an EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) country. Scale is designed for ventures that are actively raising capital or have secured at least €200 000 investment in the last 18 months and are ready to accelerate international expansion.
KPI requirements
The activities delivered under this Call are expected to contribute to the achievement of EIT Culture & Creativity’s Business Creation KPIs, notably:
EITHE03.1 – Number of startups and scaleups supported by the KIC for at least two months in the reporting year
EITHE04.1 – Number of startups established in the reporting year
EITHE04.4 – Startups created having a financial transaction of at least €10 000 for a service/product (result of the KIC KAVA) sold to customers
EITHE06.1 – Total euro amount of private and public capital attracted within year N by supported startups and scale-up
Formal KPI ownership, consolidation and reporting to the EIT remain the responsibility of EIT Culture & Creativity. EIT Culture & Creativity reserves the right to request evidence and documentation to selected applicants for reporting purposes.
Scope and topics of the call
The call aims to accelerate the growth, scaling, and investment readiness of high-potential ventures in the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI). The call provides fixed-amount financial support under the Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) mechanism to enable companies to grow their operations, expand internationally, and advance fundraising activities.
Topics to be addressed
- 2027 Cohort (start January 2027): Fashion, Architecture, Audio Visual Media.
- Additional cohorts covering additional topics will be announced later.
The call supports tech-enabled, market-driven, and IP-leveraged solutions capable of scaling commercially, generating economic/societal value, and strengthening Europe’s creative economy. Activities may include business development, investor outreach, team expansion, marketing, legal/IP advisory, and participation in ecosystem events. All selected ventures must actively engage in their respective programme’s structured support (kick-off, coaching, online workshops, and Demo Days).
Information sessions
Information sessions will focus on the call content, topics, and requirements, and on general procedures, such as the submission and evaluation process. Interested applicants are invited to attend online information sessions related to this call on:
- 27 August 2026 11.00 CEST (Berlin time)
- 22 September 2026 15.00 CEST (Berlin time)
The information sessions will be recorded and made available on the EIT Culture & Creativity website.
Registration is required. The Teams meeting link will be shared with registered participants after registration. Register here.
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