Thanks for your interest in EIT Digital Champions. The call for applications is now closed.
In this 12th edition, we will select 50 finalists to pitch their companies to our jury of international investors. The winners, the Champions, will receive one year of tailored fundraising support from our Growth Services team.
We can’t wait to see which deep tech Champions will arise!
champion
cham·pē·ən
noun: one who has surpassed all rivals
The EIT Digital Champions aims to identify the best European deep tech entrepreneurs and help them scale up internationally, supporting the European innovation ecosystem.
We’re looking for fast-growing European companies with a differentiated product offering that leverages highly innovative digital technologies.
Read full entry requirements here.
champion
cham·pē·ən
verb: vigorously support or defend the cause of
EIT Digital vigorously supports the scaleups in our Growth Services programme. Next March our Champions will gain free admission to the programme and begin their journey to fundraising success. Our team will PREPARE them to pitch their company, CONNECT them with international investors, and help them RAISE their next round. Will you be a Champion?
Journey of a Champion
STEP 1
WSense competed in the EIT Digital Champions, pitching their amazing company and their Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT) technology. After impressing the jury, they were declared one of our Champions.
STEP 2
Over the next twelve months, WSense worked with EIT Digital’s growth services team to Prepare, Connect, & Raise. Together they prepared a compelling message, connected with key investors and arranged numerous investor calls.
STEP 3
Just one year later, WSense raised €9M from investors in three different EU countries! This is how EIT Digital supports European scaleups. Will you join us on this journey? Apply to the EIT Digital Champions today!
Raise your next Series A or B round with support from an experienced Access to Finance team
Our Growth Services success stories
Timeline
| September 25, 2024 | December 2, 2024 23:59 CET | January 14-15, 2025 | February 28, 2025 | Q2, 2025 |
| Applications Open | Submission Deadline | Online Pitch Competition with VC Investors | Proclamation of Champions | Champions attend VIP Investor Dinner |
Our corporate sponsors
This year we have two corporate sponsors backing our competition. GEA Digital and ST Microelectronics have generously agreed to support our Champions with the opportunity to enter fruitful collaborations that will unite the tremendous resources of our corporate partners and the unrivalled innovation of our Champions. In the online application you will have the opportunity to indicate your interest in these collaborations.
In the realm of digital transformation, GEA Digital navigates a dynamic landscape empowered by cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and immersive experiences such as virtual (VR), mixed (XR), and augmented reality (AR). At the heart of this innovation lies their vibrant ecosystem, strategically curated with agile partners and solution providers. This dynamic network ensures that GEA Digital stays ahead in a fast-evolving tech environment, continually adapting to the pulsating rhythm of progress.
With over 30 years’ experience in automotive electronics, STMicroelectronics is a solid, innovative, and reliable partner with whom to build the future of transportation. ST's Smart Driving products and automotive solutions are making driving safer, greener and more connected through the combination of several of their technologies. ST supports a wide range of automotive applications, from Powertrain for ICE, Chassis and Safety, Body and Convenience to Telematics & Infotainment, paving the way to the new era of car electrification, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), car connectivity and security.
These top tier investors attended recent editions of the Champions
Criteria
Fast-growing technology company with international ambitions
Company max. ten years old*
Company incorporated in EU27 or Horizon Europe Associated Countries**
Growth stage: min €500,000 in revenue (2024), OR at least €2,000,000 in total funding to date
*Company incorporated after 01/01/2015
**See the full list of countries here.
Startups in growth stage (scaleups) can apply in five thematic areas: Digital Tech, Digital Industry, Digital Cities, Digital Wellbeing, and Digital Finance. Learn more about them here.
We will examine the market and internationalization potential of your product or service as well as the quality of your core team. We will also consider the fit of your product or service to our thematic areas and the impact our support could have on your business.
In addition, you must be prepared to pitch in public. Pitch and application must be done in English. Make sure to read our contest conditions and check the FAQ page. If you have any further questions don't hesitate to contact us at champions@eitdigital.eu.
Let's keep in touch
Contact us at champions@eitdigital.eu.
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