Incubation Programme 2025
This programme aims to support the creation of new ventures in the architecture and cultural heritage sectors.
EIT Culture & Creativity launches its 2025 call for applications for the Spark – Incubation Programme, designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage innovators in the architecture and cultural heritage sectors.
The programme offers individuals and teams the opportunity to develop their business ideas, validate their market potential, build a minimum viable product (MVP), and compete for financial prizes at the Demo Day.
Focus areas include:
- Architecture: Sustainable building practices, climate-resilient urban planning, and digital transformation in construction.
- Cultural Heritage: Immersive AR/VR experiences, digital transformation projects, and innovative business models for cultural heritage valorisation.
What does the call offer?
Selected participants receive training, mentorship, market validation support, and access to industry networks.
They also receive:
- An all-expenses-paid, in-person kick-off bootcamp in Europe
- Weekly online entrepreneurial training sessions.
- Personalised mentoring and strategic coaching.
- Participation in the Demo Day.
- Networking with mentors, experts, and potential partners.
- The opportunity to compete for financial prizes of up to €10,000.
- Free membership in the EIT Culture & Creativity Community during the programme.
Who can apply?
Individuals (students, recent graduates, researchers, professionals) or teams (up to 3 people) based in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe associated country. No company registration is required at application stage, but a legal entity must be established before the Demo Day to be eligible for financial prizes. Ideas must target Architecture or Cultural Heritage, with a strong innovation potential.
Information sessions
To assist applicants, EIT Culture & Creativity will host two online webinars:
- 20 May 2025, 15:00–16:30 CET: Overview of the Spark Programme and how to apply
- 20 May 2025, 16:30–17:00 CET: Practical demonstration of the application platform
Register for the webinars here
Financial Prizes
Top-performing participants will receive prizes awarded at the Demo Day:
- 1st Prize (x2): €10,000
- 2nd Prize (x3): €7,500
- 3rd Prize (x3): €5,000
The maximum EIT funding for prizes in this call is €57,500.
Timeline
- Call opening: 6 May 2025
- Application deadline: 11 July 2025, at 17:00 CET
- Communication of results to applicants: Mid-August 2025
- Programme start: Mid-September 2025
- Programme duration: 8–10 weeks
- Demo Day: at the end of the programme (December 2025), in an EU country to be decided
Share this page
