CFAs: Acceleration and Post-Acceleration Programmes 2025 (Cohort 1)

About

The CFAs: Acceleration and Post-Acceleration Programmes 2025, organized by EIT Culture & Creativity, offer a unique opportunity for start-ups, scale-ups, and SMEs in the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI) to refine their business models, enhance market strategies, and secure investment through expert mentorship, tailored support, and access to funding opportunities, all while competing for significant financial prizes totaling €495,000, making it an essential platform for innovation and growth in the creative economy.

Benefits

• Expert mentorship and coaching from industry experts
• Hands-on support for market readiness and business development
• Opportunities to connect with potential investors and partners
• Recognition through inclusion in the EIT CC “100 To Watch” List
• Participation in key programme events like Kick-off and Demo Day
• Financial prizes based on performance criteria, with a total prize budget of €495,000 across both programmes

Eligibility Criteria

• Start-ups, scale-ups, and SMEs in pre-seed and seed stage within the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI)
• Must be legally established in an EU Member State or a third country associated with Horizon Europe
• Must have a minimum of two years of operational activity and a proven product-market fit
• Focus on priority areas: fashion, architecture, cultural heritage, audiovisual media, and gaming
• Single legal entity must apply