EIT Digital Champions is a pan-European competition dedicated to discovering and accelerating the growth of Europe's leading deeptech companies, guiding them toward international success. It seeks to boost visibility, provide expert support, and foster connections with international investors, thereby strengthening the European innovation ecosystem. Now, EIT Digital launches the application process for the 12th edition of its Champions program, which is underway.
About the 12th edition of EIT Digital Champions
The 12th edition of the EIT Digital Champions is designed to prepare scaleups for their funding journey by connecting them with investors and providing targeted resources to help secure their next funding round.
Within the competition, 50 finalists will be selected to pitch their solutions to a jury of international investors. Recent editions welcomed investors such as 468 Capital, Capricorn Partners, IQ Capital, Orange Ventures, Karma.vc, Moonstone, and many others.
The winners, or “Champions,” selected by the jury will receive tailored support through the EIT Digital Growth Services Program, which is designed to assist their international expansion.
Additionally, startups will gain support from this edition's corporate partners: GEA Digital, and STMicroelectronics.
- GEA Digital, a leading Italian digital transformation and innovation consultancy, will provide European scaleups with opportunities for collaboration on AI-driven defence applications.
- STMicroelectronics is a French-Italian multinational electronics and semiconductors manufacturer. Its participation in the 2025 edition highlights digital solutions for the automotive sector, offering scaleups the chance to collaborate on safer, greener, and more connected driving.
Who can apply
Applications are open to fast-growing European scaleups that:
- Have international growth aspirations
- Incorporated in one of the 27 member states of the European Union or one of the associated countries of Horizon Europe after January 1, 2015
- Have annual revenues of at least €500,000 (2023) or have secured a minimum of €2 million in total funding
Eligible companies can apply in five thematic areas: Digital Tech, Digital Industry, Digital Cities, Digital Wellbeing, and Digital Finance. The evaluation criteria include market potential, international scalability, team quality, and alignment with the thematic focus areas.
How to apply
The deadline for applications is December 2, 2024. Eligible startups in the growth stage can submit their applications HERE.
