28DIGITAL Venture Incubation Program

28DIGITAL, formerly EIT Digital, runs the Venture Incubation Program as its flagship startup competition for early-stage deep-tech ventures. The organization is a European Institute of Innovation and Technology knowledge and innovation community, and this program sits inside its startup and scaleup activity. The 2026 cycle offers a €5,000 Growth Package and up to €25,000 in a second-stage prize, with a 5 percent SAFE equity stake required from selected ventures. Teams must be multidisciplinary with at least two members, incorporated in 2025 or later, and based in the EU member states or Horizon Europe associated countries. The program operates annually, expects a prototype, proof of concept, or near-MVP, and focuses on 28DIGITAL's digital industry, cities, wellbeing, tech, and finance domains. The best fit is a very early venture with a technical team, a credible product direction, and the discipline to move through a structured competition rather than a standard grant call. Gender-balanced teams and Regional Innovation Scheme countries are encouraged, and the separate rules document governs the application flow and judging details.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.