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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our programmes to accelerate your start-up in the cultural and creative sectors.
- Company: EIT Culture & Creativity supports innovative ventures in Europe’s vibrant cultural landscape.
- Benefits: Compete for financial prizes, gain expert coaching, and access international markets.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fashion, gaming, and more while growing your business.
- Qualifications: Must be a legally established start-up or scale-up with at least 2 years of operations.
- Other info: Application deadlines are 23 May and 11 July 2025; don't miss out!
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
EIT Culture & Creativity launches its 2025 call for applications for two tailored business support programmes designed to accelerate the growth of promising start-ups and scale-ups in Europe’s cultural and creative sectors and industries (CCSI). With a focus on five key sectors — fashion, architecture, cultural heritage, audio-visual media, and gaming — this call offers high-potential ventures the opportunity to scale their impact, compete for financial prizes, prepare to raise funds, and expand across international markets.
To help applicants in preparing and submitting their proposals, EIT Culture & Creativity previously hosted two information sessions covering the different aspects of the call. These webinars aimed to ensure open, free, and fair access to all interested stakeholders.
- Webinar 1: Introduction to the call, focus & scope.
- Webinar 2: Application demonstration.
Application Deadlines
- Cohort 1: 23 May 2025, 17:00 CET
- Cohort 2: 11 July 2025, 17:00 CET
Programme Start
- Cohort 1: Mid-July 2025
- Cohort 2: Mid-September 2025
Programme duration: 8–10 weeks
Demo Days
- Cohort 1: October 2025
- Cohort 2: December 2025
Top-performing Participants In Each Cohort May Receive
- Shape Programme: total prize budget €330,000
- 3 prizes of €30,000
- 3 prizes of €15,000
- 4 prizes of €7,500
- Scale Programme: total prize budget €660,000
- 3 prizes of €60,000
- 3 prizes of €30,000
- 4 prizes of €15,000
Who can apply? Start-ups and scale-ups operating in one or more CCSI sectors, legally established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe-associated country (this includes the UK). Applicants must meet the SME criteria, have at least 2 years of operations, and a product or service on the market.
How To Apply
Read the full call guidelines and check eligibility. Submit your application via the EIT Culture & Creativity platform.
Scope
The call for Acceleration (Shape) and Post-Acceleration (Scale) programmes support start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs in their growth plans through group training, expert coaching, investment readiness and more. It also provides beneficiaries with the opportunity to access financial prizes of up to €60,000. Projects must tackle challenges in at least one of EIT Culture & Creativity’s priority areas: audio-visual media, fashion, architecture, gaming or cultural heritage.
The expected outcome is to provide advanced support, mentorship, and strategic guidance, ensuring that the selected companies can thrive, secure funding, and achieve significant market impact in the competitive landscape of the CCSI.
EIT Culture & Creativity Acceleration and Post-Acceleration programmes 2025 employer: Innovate UK ICURe
Contact Detail:
Innovate UK ICURe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land EIT Culture & Creativity Acceleration and Post-Acceleration programmes 2025
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific sectors mentioned in the job description, such as fashion, architecture, and gaming. Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within these industries will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your knowledge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the EIT Culture & Creativity community by attending webinars and networking events. This will not only provide you with valuable insights but also allow you to connect with like-minded individuals and potential collaborators who can support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare a clear and compelling pitch for your start-up or scale-up that highlights your unique value proposition. Be ready to articulate how your venture aligns with the goals of the EIT Culture & Creativity programmes and how it addresses challenges in the cultural and creative sectors.
✨Tip Number 4
Research previous successful applicants and their projects. Understanding what made them stand out can give you insights into best practices and help you refine your own proposal to increase your chances of success.
We think you need these skills to ace EIT Culture & Creativity Acceleration and Post-Acceleration programmes 2025
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Programmes: Familiarise yourself with the EIT Culture & Creativity's Acceleration and Post-Acceleration programmes. Make sure you understand the focus areas, eligibility criteria, and the benefits offered to participants.
Review the Call Guidelines: Thoroughly read the full call guidelines provided by EIT Culture & Creativity. This will help you ensure that your start-up or scale-up meets all the necessary requirements and understands the application process.
Craft a Compelling Proposal: When writing your application, clearly articulate how your venture aligns with the programme's objectives. Highlight your unique value proposition, market potential, and how you plan to tackle challenges in the specified sectors.
Submit via the Correct Platform: Make sure to submit your application through the EIT Culture & Creativity platform. Double-check that all required documents are included and that your submission is completed before the deadlines of 23 May 2025 or 11 July 2025.
How to prepare for a job interview at Innovate UK ICURe
✨Know Your Sectors
Familiarise yourself with the five key sectors: fashion, architecture, cultural heritage, audio-visual media, and gaming. Be prepared to discuss how your experience or ideas align with these areas and how they can contribute to the growth of the cultural and creative industries.
✨Showcase Your Impact
Be ready to articulate the impact your start-up or scale-up has made so far. Highlight any achievements, milestones, or unique selling points that demonstrate your potential for growth and success in the competitive landscape.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
Since the programme offers financial prizes, be prepared to discuss your funding strategy and how you plan to use any potential financial support. This shows that you are investment-ready and have a clear vision for scaling your business.
✨Engage with the Mentorship Aspect
Understand the importance of mentorship in the programme. Be ready to discuss what kind of guidance you seek and how you believe it will help you overcome challenges in your business journey.
