We believe, only by considering the special needs and requirements of each applicant individually, a real impact can be created.
Arise Europe, a catchy name for an ambitious project, is a programme is the first of its kind initiated by EIT Digital Germany, recently in the spotlight for its involvement in the European startup scene and for launching Idea Challenge. The initiative seeks to support regional growth in EU countries where EIT Digital is present with neither a node nor a satellite.
“During our activities in countries such as Poland, Austria and Slovakia, we saw high potential research being done at universities, promising startups and met highly committed people driving with passion their local innovation communities. Based on these experiences, we believe it is now time to increase our level of engagement in the defined regions,”said Oliver Bey, Innovation and Research specialist at EIT Digital.
What’s the deal?
Oliver Bey working with startups in a business modeling workshop in Poznan in end of 2014
Gulyás explains that the idea is to help boosting regional growth while preserving the local startup spirit, as potential cooperation partners have better knowledge and understanding of their own ecosystems.
“At the same time Arise Europe allows us to act fast and with a lean approach. Establishing a full node, would take significantly more time, but we want to start creating impact for these ecosystems as soon as possible,” he said.
By teaming up with Arise Europe, local communities would maximise their potential through co-branded activities designed for ecosystem stimulation and joint support to boost technology projects and startups at the European level. According to Gulyás, benefits of joining the program include:
- getting linked to an EU-wide digital innovation network of 130 partners and reach further out to other markets,
- receiving advice from EIT Digital experts and mentors,
- gaining higher visibility in other European Innovation Hubs,
- getting the chance to accelerate growth of startups through their Business Development Accelerator, Access to Finance, andBusiness Communities programmes
- being fully empowered thanks to a strong co-funding mechanism
In addition to incubators, accelerators and tech clusters, the program is open to universities and tech institutions as well.
The countries Arise Europe is targeting; Photo credit: EIT ICT Labs
“A lot of good ideas are the result of research activities. EIT Digital brings together business, research, and academia in order to create a fast track from research to business,” Bey elaborated.
Who can apply?
The programme targets innovative centres in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Ireland, Malta, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia. You spotted your country there? Then go apply online here. Applications are open until 25 June.
“All promising applicants will get shortlisted and invited to start negotiating with us the cooperation agreement within the given framework in July 2015. We believe, only by considering the special needs and requirements of each applicant individually, a real impact can be created,” Oliver Bey said.
This story is brought to you in partnership with EIT ICT Labs.
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