28DIGITAL has announced the launch of its Co-Creation Accelerator program, designed to bring together startups and industrial partners to jointly develop solutions that address concrete challenges. 28DIGITAL was founded at the initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). Following the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation, the EIT and 28DIGITAL are collaborating to further foster innovation in digital transformation in Europe and beyond.

This call is aimed at micro or small businesses established and operating in an EU member state or associated country and presenting solutions with a TRL of 4-5 or higher. Furthermore, applicants must have been established within the last 5 years and must: have at least a working prototype or proof of concept that has been validated in an experimental context.

The attention of the call is focused precisely on:

• Validation of basic technology (TRL 4-5 and above)
• Strengthening the coherence between problem and solution
• Reducing technical and market uncertainty
• Defining a clear path to scalability

The candidate projects must focus on advanced digital solutions related to three defined strategic macro-areas:

• Deep tech, with a focus on initiatives developing new materials, next-generation computing systems, artificial intelligence-based systems, robotics, sensors, advanced simulation, and enabling technologies supported by solid research and development foundations and significant scalability potential;
• Strategic Tech, with a particular focus on cybersecurity, protected digital identity and dual-use technologies (civil-military dual-use);
• Green & Social Tech for innovations to support the dual ecological and digital transition, aimed at decarbonisation, energy efficiency, the circular economy and the modernisation of public services (GovTech).

The program offers two application methods:

• Open Challenge Course: by submitting an application jointly with a corporate partner with which to define the specific challenge.
• Industrial Challenge Track: responding to the predefined challenges developed with corporate partnersThese challenges reflect real industry needs and use cases.

Selected projects will receive financial support up to €250.000, as well as fundraising assistance and intensive training from experts in 28DIGITAL Speed ​​​​Master and MentorMe.

In consideration of the support provided, a share allocation model is applied, according to which 28DIGITAL will be assigned equity stakes in the company. The selected startups will grant 28DIGITAL an equity stake of between 3,5% and 7%.

The first cut-off deadline is set for on September 8, 2026, while the second cut-off is early for the 30 April 2027.

For more information: info@iniziativa.cc