Case Studies

The EIT Higher Education Initiative is a program promoted by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), headquartered in Budapest, Hungary, with the mission to offer young people the best opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills to be applied in the labor market, starting from higher education.

It is based on personal and professional development of young people, focusing particularly on training and nurturing entrepreneurial skills through educational programs and networking activities that also support innovative startups by providing access to financing. The initiative adopts a systemic approach that integrates education, research, and social and environmental challenges.

Launched in 2021, the project is still active and has been extended until 2027 thanks to the numerous positive results achieved. During the pilot phase of the program, 359 higher education institutions and 179 non-academic organizations benefited from a total funding of €69 million. 
Among them, the project managed to engage over 40,000 individuals, including high school students in participating schools and academic staff. It has supported over 1,000 startups and scale-ups and backed successful projects that have improved university infrastructures supporting entrepreneurship, facilitated the creation of technology transfer offices, and promoted the development of innovative training programs for both students and faculty.

Designed to offer centralized access to educational resources produced by the EIT community, the initiative continues to grow steadily in the number of partners and supported startups. It offers courses to support startups and entrepreneurial initiatives, along with mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and access to training resources. The Higher Education Initiative is characterized by strong collaboration among European partners, continuous updates to educational content, practical courses, high-quality mentorship, and both face-to-face and blended learning options through its extensive network of stakeholders. In addition to universities and higher education institutions, the network includes private sector companies, experienced entrepreneurs, and public entities. The result of this partnership network is the creation of a collaborative ecosystem that integrates education and research, preparing promising young people to face innovation challenges.

The large-scale EIT Higher Education Initiative aligns perfectly with the Start Cup Academy model, both in terms of objectives and implementation methods. The participation of various universities and the collaboration with the broad network of involved actors make it an exemplary model that, whether on a smaller or larger scale, should be offered in all educational centers.

Among the elements that could be integrated into the Start Cup Academy experience, taking inspiration from the EIT initiative, is the diversity and heterogeneity of the themes covered by the offered programs. These not only focus on the most promising sectors such as technology and sustainability but also notably include programs on urban mobility and renewable technologies, which today represent some of the most recent challenges to address and, at the same time, strategic opportunities and solutions to promote for the future.

Algebra LAB is an innovation and startup support initiative launched by Algebra University College in Zagreb, Croatia. It serves as a hybrid model combining entrepreneurship education, applied research, and structured acceleration for early-stage startups. Founded in 2016, Algebra LAB addresses the growing need for practice-based support mechanisms in Croatian higher education institutions, offering a comprehensive ecosystem for student and graduate entrepreneurs. The LAB operates within Algebra’s R&D department but is fully integrated into the university’s broader academic offering. Its mission is to empower young innovators with the skills, tools, and support necessary to transform ideas into market-viable solutions. Through its accelerator programme, Algebra LAB targets students, recent graduates, and aspiring entrepreneurs with early-stage ideas in tech and digital fields. The accelerator follows a modular format, typically lasting 8–12 weeks, and includes a curated mix of capacity-building workshops, mentorship sessions, and pitch preparation activities.

Topics covered include design thinking, Lean Startup methodology, value proposition design, business model generation, and go-to-market strategies. Each participant team is paired with experienced mentors from the startup ecosystem, many of whom are successful entrepreneurs, investors, or corporate innovation leads. An added strength of the LAB is its access to Algebra’s specialised facilities, including AI and Data Science labs, allowing tech-oriented teams to develop prototypes or test technology-driven business ideas. Teams also benefit from strong ties to the Croatian startup ecosystem, including partnerships with platforms like HUB385, Netokracija, and local VC networks. The results speak to the effectiveness of this approach: more than 150 startup teams have gone through the programme, several of which have received funding or continued their journey in regional or EU-level accelerators. Feedback from participants shows high levels of satisfaction, citing mentorship quality, practical learning, and network access as key benefits.

What makes Algebra LAB a standout model is its clear alignment between academic goals and entrepreneurial outcomes. It bridges the gap between formal education and real-world venture creation, contributing directly to the development of entrepreneurial competences in line with the EntreComp framework. Moreover, the initiative is adaptable and transferable, particularly for universities looking to integrate innovation support services without requiring complex structural changes.

The EIT Campus is an initiative promoted by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), an independent body of the European Union established to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe, with the goal of enhancing innovation capacity and developing specific skills aimed at creating economic value.

The mission of EIT is to offer the best opportunities for personal and professional development, focusing particularly on training and developing entrepreneurial skills through educational programs and networking activities that support innovative startups. It adopts a systemic approach integrating education, research, and social and environmental challenges.

The EIT Campus provides an online platform hosting over 250 free-access courses covering various thematic areas such as urban mobility, digitalization, digital and entrepreneurial skills for young people, food, manufacturing, energy, climate, health, and the sustainable use of raw materials. One of its main strengths is the extensive network of partners, including universities, public institutions, industries, and startups, creating a collaborative ecosystem that integrates education, research, and innovation.

Launched in 2014, the platform was designed to offer centralized access to educational resources produced by the EIT community, alongside a steady growth in the number of partners and supported startups. It offers courses to support startups and entrepreneurial initiatives, as well as providing mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and access to training resources.

While most courses are open and free, some broader programs, such as interdisciplinary master's degrees, require enrollment fees but offer the benefit of on-site attendance at specified locations and dates. Access is open to anyone wishing to develop innovative skills in technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

EIT Campus is closely integrated with universities, accelerators, and incubators, collaborating to offer tailored courses, doctoral programs, master’s degrees, and initiatives supporting the growth of emerging companies. This integration ensures a direct link between education, research, and the market, facilitating technology transfer and innovation.

Key success factors of the EIT Campus include strong collaboration among European partners, continuous updating of educational content, the provision of practical courses and high-quality mentorship, as well as face-to-face and blended learning options. The platform maintains constant attention to new social and environmental trends and challenges. Challenges such as rapid technological changes are addressed through agile and innovative approaches, ensuring its ability to evolve and remain relevant over time.

Ad oggi più di 100000 sono stati i partecipanti e beneficiary dei corsi offerti.

The Gen-E Entrepreneurship Festival is the largest European festival dedicated to supporting youth entrepreneurship in Europe. It offers high school and university students from over 40 different countries the opportunity to showcase their projects and startups, contributing to the creation of professional and entrepreneurial networks. It also facilitates access to essential resources for the development of their innovative ideas, acting as an accelerator for entrepreneurial skills.
The 2025 edition will be held in Athens, Greece, from July 1 to 3.

The program combines two annual competitions: the "JA Company Programme" and the "JA Start-up Programme", which respectively reward the most innovative projects that support sustainability and social impact (for youth aged 15 to 17), and scalable and competitive startups created by university students (aged 18 to 24).
The main objectives include supporting students in developing entrepreneurial skills through hands-on experiences and competitions.

The program aims to integrate experiential learning through activities such as workshops, masterclasses, and capacity-building sessions.
The goal is to provide young people with visibility through a platform that allows them to present their projects and create virtual stands to showcase their work to investors, business experts, and European officials.

Gen-E's strengths lie in its ability to offer a unique platform for young entrepreneurs, allowing them to present their ideas to a broad and international audience, with the chance to reach a larger pool of investors.
Thanks to the prizes awarded to the best projects, young participants are motivated to develop sustainable and innovative ideas.

Despite high participation, the project faces challenges such as the selection of participants from thousands of applications. There is a constant need to monitor results while maintaining a balance between technological innovation and accessibility, especially in relation to projects increasingly focused on tech and sustainability.

The program ensures its sustainability through an inclusive approach, welcoming young people of different ages, genders, and nationalities, thereby encouraging broad and diverse participation.

This diversity among participants stimulates a high level of entrepreneurial competitiveness. Within this framework, the role of universities, schools, the public sector, and European institutions is crucial, not only in boosting visibility but also from a financial support perspective.
The broad network of internationally relevant partners and institutions is able to provide significant funding for both individual projects and the Festival as a whole.

The Gen-E initiative has involved thousands of young talents and future entrepreneurs—1,000 participants at the most recent edition—as well as early-stage startups, supporting not only growth projects but also ventures capable of moving beyond the initial phase.

A major strength of the Festival lies in the richness of project ideas, particularly those focused on sustainability and technology. One winning project, for instance, was a CO₂ detector capable of measuring the concentration of CO₂ in small indoor spaces.
Alongside this, the scale and participation in the event generate a strong digital impact and high visibility.

The presence of over 700 virtual stands and a platform that offers visibility to young people is a concrete and intelligent feature—one that could enrich initiatives like Startup Cup. It brings benefits not only to the participants and their ideas but also contributes to building a growing, solid network of supporters and entrepreneurs interested in backing both individual projects and broader entrepreneurship initiatives.

Patch is a summer acceleration program based in Dublin, designed for young people aged 16 to 20. Developed by the startup hub Dogpatch, the program aims to motivate and inspire young individuals to explore entrepreneurial ideas by providing them with practical strategies and tools to bring their concepts to life.

Founded in 2018, Patch focuses on revitalizing all activities related to startup creation. Over the course of six weeks, participants engage in workshops, networking events with investors and young entrepreneurs, and hands-on sessions supported by experienced mentors across various sectors.

The project is gaining increasing recognition, with the goal of expanding nationwide. Today, it also operates in London. Patch brings together founders, investors, scientists, and others who are actively building impactful organizations.

The program targets a specific youth age group, allowing candidates to apply individually—even if they represent a team with a shared idea to develop, or an existing project they wish to take further. After the application process, selected participants go through a short online interview with a Patch team member. At the end of the program, participants pitch their projects to an audience of supporters, mentors, and founders.

Patch is a high-quality program, offering a valuable opportunity for young talents who excel in or show strong interest in science, technology, and entrepreneurship more broadly. Thanks to funding from internationally recognized companies, donations from partners and supporters, and public grants, the program is free of charge, and participants from outside Dublin are also offered free accommodation.

Since its launch, Patch has hosted dozens of young entrepreneurs, many of whom continue to be involved in future editions. These participants have gained substantial opportunities and now hold key roles in the workforce. Some of the projects born at Patch have evolved into active startups or continued to grow in broader contexts. Notable examples include:

Wunder Engine – personalized 3D printing for Minecraft

Cropsafe – agricultural monitoring powered by machine learning

Patch's true strength lies in the quality of opportunities it offers, made possible by the careful selection of participants and the exceptional support network surrounding them. This includes scientists, investors, industry experts, and renowned entrepreneurs who provide guidance to young talents—especially those who may not yet have the technical means to realize their ideas.

The Patch model is closely aligned with that of Start Cup, particularly in how it supports youth through a broad range of activities. It demonstrates how such programs can not only stimulate young minds but also provide practical resources and real engagement with the entrepreneurial world.

An inspiring element that could be replicated in Start Cup’s operational model is the idea of allowing group-based project ideas as a participation option rather than a selection criterion (given the different operating contexts). This could increase competitiveness and engagement in the competition and allow more young people to participate—especially those who might not have felt ready to apply on their own.

 The Commercialisation Reactor is a highly specialised deep tech acceleration program in Latvia designed to transform science-based innovations into investment-ready startups. It is a collaborative initiative principally led by the Commercialisation Reactor Fund in partnership with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) and academia, including Rīgas Ekonomikas augstskola (Stockholm School of Economics in Riga). The program is underpinned by EU funding frameworks to promote technological entrepreneurship and innovation commercialisation.

This 6-month acceleration program targets early-stage, science-driven startups at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3-4, which are typically pre-revenue or just beginning sales. The program is split into two main phases: Entry Level and Advanced Level.

•    Entry Level focuses on customer and market development, leveraging interactive workshops, group mentoring, and tailored coaching addressing the specific challenges of deep tech commercialization.
•    Advanced Level provides more intensive one-on-one mentoring and support to fine-tune business models, facilitate industry partnerships, and prepare startups for seed investment readiness.

Throughout, participants receive up to €50,000 in pre-seed investment, with the potential for follow-on seed funding up to €250,000 contingent on progression and success. Startups benefit from a carefully curated ecosystem of industrial partners, investors, and expert mentors, gaining exposure to the right networks for technological piloting and scaling.

Key components include:

•    Market application identification and validation tailored to complex science-based innovations.
•    Establishment of industrial and customer partnerships to pilot technologies in real-world environments.
•    Business case development with a focus on sustainable commercial models.
•    Pitch training and investment readiness development for accessing further funding rounds.
•    Community integration with access to a network of alumni, partners, and sector specialists.

The Commercialization Reactor program integrates scientific expertise from universities and research institutions in Latvia, facilitating smooth tech transfer and knowledge exchange. Collaborations with academic partners enrich the program delivery with research validation and innovation insights, while the involvement of institutions like the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga adds entrepreneurship training and business acumen to participants.
 
The program addresses common barriers in deep tech startups, including limited entrepreneurial and commercialization skills among scientists, difficulty navigating industrial partnerships, and challenges in securing early-stage funding. By providing structured mentoring, practical business training, and direct investment, it equips founders with the skills necessary to translate technical innovations into viable commercial products.
Selected outcomes and impact:

•    Over 300 applications reviewed and 45 startups accelerated to date.
•    Approximately €1.5 million invested through the fund across alumni startups.
•    Notable alumni such as “Artusystem,” which developed a dual-fuel technology for vehicles, successfully advancing to pilot customer tests and investor engagement.
•    Startups span multiple sectors including intelligent technologies, AI, nanomaterials, biomedicine, and IoT, showcasing broad applicability and innovation depth.
•    Graduates consistently gain seed investment readiness and access to industrial pilot opportunities.

Commercialisation Reactor exemplifies a leading model of science-driven startup acceleration by combining financial support, mentorship, ecosystem integration, and academic collaboration to solve the "valley of death" in deep technology commercialization. Its two-stage approach nurtures startups from early market validation through to investment readiness, addressing a critical phase often underserved by traditional accelerators. The program's rigorous selection, targeted support, and strong network connections make it a cornerstone of Latvia’s innovation and deep tech startup ecosystem.

The Digital Innovation Incubator is an ongoing, fully online programme launched by the Innovation Institute Zagreb, supported by Hrvatski Telekom as a strategic partner. It is designed to inspire and empower young people across Croatia — primarily university students — to develop entrepreneurial mindsets, strengthen creative problem-solving abilities, and work on real-world business challenges presented by leading companies from various industries. What makes this initiative stand out is its focus on applied creativity rather than traditional business development. It serves as a pre-incubation model, aiming to equip young individuals with skills and confidence to tackle real problems and form entrepreneurial habits. Delivered entirely online, the programme ensures national accessibility regardless of a participant's location or institutional affiliation. The programme operates continuously through annual or semi-annual cohorts, typically structured into three key stages: 

•    Training Phase – Participants engage in curated online content that introduces principles of innovation, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.
•    Industry Challenge Phase – Participants, either as individuals or in teams, choose an industry (e.g. finance, ICT, retail, health) and work on real-life business problems defined by partnering companies.
•    Final Conference & Recognition – The most innovative solutions are showcased in a high-profile closing event, with media visibility, expert feedback, and potential career opportunities.

Unlike traditional incubators that focus on startup creation, the Digital Innovation Incubator provides a competence-first approach aimed at unlocking entrepreneurial potential, fostering ideation, and linking participants with real business ecosystems. It promotes cross-sectoral thinking, digital literacy, and teamwork — all of which align closely with the EntreComp framework. The initiative has involved hundreds of students from across Croatia, many of whom report increased confidence in approaching innovation and entrepreneurship after participating. Several alumni have transitioned from idea development in the incubator to pursuing startup pathways, competitions, or further education in innovation-related fields.
The Digital Innovation Incubator is highly transferable as a best practice for HEIs and public institutions that seek to introduce lightweight, scalable, and inclusive models for stimulating entrepreneurship. Its online delivery model, strong industry partnerships, and focus on real-world challenges make it adaptable to diverse regional and institutional settings.
 

ZICER – Zagrebački inovacijski centar is the largest and most comprehensive startup support institution in Croatia. Founded by the City of Zagreb, ZICER plays a central role in nurturing early-stage entrepreneurship, offering incubation, acceleration, mentoring, and R&D infrastructure to a wide range of innovators, including university students and recent graduates. Although ZICER is not a higher education institution itself, it represents a best practice in bridging the gap between academia and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It has developed strong ties with multiple Croatian universities, especially through joint events, co-hosted competitions (such as Startup Factory), and mentorship programmes involving student teams. Universities like the University of Zagreb, Algebra, and RIT Croatia regularly refer student entrepreneurs to ZICER’s programmes for further development beyond what HEIs alone can offer. ZICER’s core offerings include:

•    Startup Factory Zagreb – a pre-acceleration programme targeting early-stage teams with innovative business ideas, including student-led startups.
•    Mentorship and expert guidance from over 80 professionals covering legal, financial, marketing, and technological domains.
•    Access to modern infrastructure, including co-working spaces, conference halls, and prototyping labs (IoT, electronics, 3D printing).
•    Direct links to investors, corporates, and public funding schemes, especially through EU-funded projects.

ZICER frequently collaborates with faculties and student organisations on ideation workshops, innovation bootcamps, and demo days. Through these collaborations, student teams gain access to a real-world innovation environment where they can validate their ideas, build networks, and receive early-stage funding and visibility. One of ZICER’s strengths is its strategic focus on inclusivity and early-stage support, which aligns closely with the objectives of the Start-Cup Academy project. Many of the student teams entering ZICER programmes do so after participating in faculty-level incubators or entrepreneurship courses, positioning ZICER as the next logical step in the startup journey. With over 150 resident startups and hundreds more supported through its programmes since inception, ZICER stands out as a hub that enables continuity between educational entrepreneurship and professional startup development. Its model is highly replicable across Europe, particularly in regions where HEIs lack internal incubation capacity but can connect with ecosystem actors to provide holistic support for aspiring student entrepreneurs.
 

The RISEBA Creative Business Incubator is a dedicated initiative by RISEBA University of Applied Sciences aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among its students and alumni, especially in creative industries, social entrepreneurship, and innovation. Established to bridge academic knowledge with practical business development, the incubator supports startups and early-stage ventures by providing tailored mentoring, expert coaching, and infrastructure resources.

Central to the incubator’s mission is empowering participants to transform their business ideas into viable enterprises. It offers comprehensive support including guidance on business model development, business planning, project management, accounting, legal matters, and networking opportunities. The incubator organizes motivational mentoring sessions, business coaching, guest lectures, and seminars featuring industry experts to equip founders with both theoretical frameworks and practical skills.

Over its existence, the incubator has supported numerous entrepreneurs—helping develop dozens of business ideas and startup teams. Notable projects include ventures in fields such as natural cosmetics, animation studios, sustainable fitness solutions, food innovation, and industry-specific applications like architectural compliance tools.

RISEBA leverages its interdisciplinary academic environment and the university’s diverse study programs such as E-Business, Audiovisual Media Arts, and Architecture to foster cross-sector innovation. The incubator also acts as a community hub, facilitating connections between students, alumni, industry professionals, and investors through events like networking meetups and "speed dating" sessions with mentors.

By combining university expertise with hands-on business acceleration, the Creative Business Incubator addresses the common challenges faced by early-stage startups, especially skill gaps in entrepreneurship, financial and legal literacy, and market readiness. It aims to create a self-sustaining entrepreneurial culture within the university while contributing to Latvia’s broader startup ecosystem.

Case study/ Best practice description
The Venture Catalysts programme stands as a leading example of how Latvia’s innovation ecosystem transforms research excellence into entrepreneurial success. Coordinated by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), and delivered in partnership with UniLab (Riga Technical University), RISEBA, Riga Business School (RBS), and the Commercialization Reactor, the programme targets academic researchers, PhD students, and innovation teams from multiple universities.

Venture Catalysts excels through strong and practical collaboration between universities, start-up accelerators, and the public sector. The initiative specifically addresses a common challenge in Latvia’s ecosystem: transforming high-potential research ideas into investment-ready start-ups. University partners are instrumental, not only identifying and motivating talent, but also actively leading lectures, workshops, and practical sessions throughout the curriculum. This ensures that both theory and practical skills are covered, fostering real-world competencies essential for business model development, proposal writing, and successful pitching.

The programme is delivered online, making participation accessible to a wider pool of innovators across Latvia. It is designed for multiple runs, with each round engaging a new cohort of academic founders and early-stage teams. As of July 2025, the programme has launched its third round, attracting 76 participants and supporting the development of 20 new business ideas from the outset. This scalability directly enhances the programme’s reach and impact, continually building Latvia’s deep tech entrepreneurship pipeline.

Venture Catalysts is tailored to remedy well-documented skills gaps among Latvian researchers and founders—particularly in commercialization, financial planning, business proposal development, and pitching to investors. By integrating university experts to deliver targeted lectures and interactive workshops, the programme provides hands-on learning and direct feedback. Expert mentors from Commercialization Reactor and the start-up community further polish participants’ business concepts, preparing them for real investment conversations and market entry.

Participants emerge with practical, market-oriented skills, strengthened entrepreneurial mindsets, and vital ecosystem connections. Many form new start-up teams and commercialize research-based projects, helping anchor innovation-driven growth in Latvia. The repeatable, broad-access format ensures a sustainable pathway for talent and ideas to flow from universities into the start-up ecosystem.

Established in 1997, JA Bulgaria is a leading organization with established reputation in supplying innovative and modern education from an early age up to university. Our portfolio of educational products and services includes programs in three fields: entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work skills. JA uses a progressive educational model, i.e. building upon previous levels, one that we call ‘from ABC to PhD.’ It builds sustainably the key skills of enterprise and initiative. JA’s educational philosophy is based on learning by doing and blended learning, using digitized interactive content. The JA business model is marked by a close cooperation with businesses and practitioners. They participate in the creation and delivery of educational content, training and services, as well as the development of policies in the field of entrepreneurial education.

JA Bulgaria is a member of JA Worldwide and JA Europe, and reaches over 30,000 students annually in the country, and it offers original or adapted educational materials in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work skills. Licensed textbooks on the subject of Technology and Entrepreneurship, developed jointly with Klett publishing. Academic programs training for developing the qualifications of pedagogical professionals. Methodology support for the partner schools network. Contests, tournaments, and training for students.

The young people who participate in JA programs demonstrate deeper understanding of the terms and basic principles of economics and business, as well as practical skills for their application in life. They find much easier realization on the labor market, start much more successful businesses, and receive higher pay compared to their peers who don’t receive this education.

The Youth Business Forum and competition "Rising Stars". "Rising Stars" - the goal of the competitions under the "Learning Company" program is for students to demonstrate what they have learned and to distinguish the achievements of the best, as well as to give visibility to the network of Junior Achievement schools at national and international level. The final competition of the program this year - the commercial presentation of the youth startups "Rising Stars"  of Junior Achievement Bulgaria, is traditionally held in early June in Burgas.

Last year (2024) the event brought together the best 22 training companies from all over the country, the jury and visitors saw and heard their ideas, and the award ceremony distinguished the student businesses in the categories "Green Entrepreneurship and Circular Economy", "Social Entrepreneurship", "High-Tech Entrepreneurship", "Media Star", "Training Company I, II and III Place", Special Awards (UniCredit, Burgas Municipality, EIT Food). The winner of this year's competition is the training company GreenFilters, CHEG "Ivan Apostolov" with the innovative idea of reducing cigarette waste by turning cigarette filters into activated carbon, which can then be used to clean the air and water. "Rising Stars" with the best student teams that have participated this school year in the "Training Company" program, recognized by the European Commission for the best practice in entrepreneurship education. In the final event, the winners were announced as the best training company in Bulgaria represent the country at European competition #Gen_E in early July 2024 in Italy.

This year and after months of hard work, trainings and competitions at the regional level, it became clear which student startups will present their ideas at the national final of  the Rising Stars Business Forum 2025. The event will take place on May 31 in Burgas and will bring together the most innovative young entrepreneurs from all over the country. Learning Company is a leading curriculum of JA Bulgaria, which develops entrepreneurial thinking, business skills and leadership qualities in students through the creation and management of a real student company/start-up within the school year.

EU Sparks for Climate: Citizens Hackathon Championship is an initiative supported by the European Commission and implemented by Barrabés.biz in collaboration with Energy Cities, Eurada, ECSA and Eurocrowd. Aligned with the European knowledge valorisation policy and the European Missions, particularly the Mission on Climate Neutral and Smart Cities and the Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, its goal is to facilitate a competition to  valorise knowledge and the collaborative creation of technologically and socially innovative solutions by teams of citizens and researchers to address climate challenges.

BARRABÉS.BIZ is dedicated, among other activities, to providing strategic consulting services, innovation, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies, both nationally and internationally, and is the Leader of the Consortium formalized between European Crowdfunding Network AISBL (EUROCROWD), Energy Cities/Energie-Cites Association, Verein der Europäischen Bürgerwissenschaften e.V. (ECSA), Association Europeenne des Agences de Developpement (EURADA) and Barrabés.biz in the framework of the project called “European Citizens’ Hackathon Championship”. The LOCAL ORGANISER is dedicated to host for the project’s hackathon EU Sparks for Climate in Burgas, Bulgaria is the Burgas Free University.

BFU as a local organise is actively supporting in the coordination and management of the hackathon, ensuring efficient execution of the event, ie experienced facilitators who will actively participate throughout the entire duration of the hackathon, offering valuable guidance and assistance to participants. Acting as an ambassador of the initiative and disseminate information about the hackathon. Engaging with local authorities to secure their support and involvement in the hackathon, fostering partnerships and garnering official backing for the initiative. Supporting in recruiting participants, researchers, and experts, actively contributing to the diverse and skilled pool of individuals involved in the hackathon. Collaborating in the definition of the challenges, providing local insights and expertise to ensure the relevance and impact of the hackathon in the community.

The Championship unfolds in three stages: virtual local hackathons hosted by 22 EU locations, followed by training modules and coaching activities for the winning teams of these local hackathons, culminating in an EU final where teams can vie for prizes in three categories: Best Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Solution, Best Adaptation to Climate Change Solution and Best Cross-Cutting Solution.
Guided by facilitators, mentors, teachers and jury members, multidisciplinary teams will navigate through a set of workshops to co-design and prototype their solutions tailored to specific challenges proposed by citizens. An Advisory Board will oversee the alignment and progression of the hackathons with the EU initiatives underpinning this programme.

Among the 6 finalists at the EU level (out of 22 local hackathons) was also the team led by BFU, incorporating prof. Milen Baltov as adviser, and BFU Erasmus students from Mara Tehcnology University in Malaysia. They include Burgas Hackathon, with members: Nabilatul Husna Zulkifli, Nurul Nabilah, Milen Baltov and Muhammad Ilham Nazmi Bin Azahar. Their challenge was named: Improving air quality and increasing job opportunities in Bulgaria. The YouTube idea might be followed at https://youtu.be/KlaQKZ1kFnE 

The “Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria” is the only one of its kind in the country and the largest national youth competition that brings together young entrepreneurs, academics, science and investment circles in a common ecosystem. More than 50 partner organizations – funding institutions, funds, sector associations, accelerators, universities, scientific organizations and others will help you turn your idea into reality.
Experts from these organisations will become your mentors and trainers, spot the potential of your idea and support it with valuable advice, resources and financial rewards.

It is mainly supported by the The Fund of Funds ("Fund Manager of Financial Instruments in Bulgaria" JSC)  distributes  public funds from European programmes and national co-financing through specialised support mechanisms (financial instruments). FMFIB ensures efficient and sustainable use of EU funds and builds capacity and expertise for managing financial instruments at national level. The Fund of Funds is to help innovative ideas become successful businesses and stimulate the attraction of foreign investment. We improve the urban environment and develop rural areas. We promote social entrepreneurship and create new jobs. We connect and bring together businesses, we create success stories. It nurtured advantageous, sustainable business environment and a strong network of partners, intermediating the cooperation among business, academia, institutions and the technologies of the future.

The “Best Youth Startup of Bulgaria” provides access to tools and contacts to make startup a success. It starts with a 3-month free training and mentoring program. The challenge after is to compete with the best youth startups and win great prizes and investment opportunities. The applicants have to be aged 18 to 29; with an idea or an existing small business, tech start-up or sustainability project; willing to develop your entrepreneurial skills; looking for funding or mentoring for your project.

The programme provides leading experts and organisations, supporting the development of the idea, mentoring from successful entrepreneurs, contacts with investors and business angels, like-minded and ambitious young people with ideas, entrepreneurship and SDG games.
For the latest edition, the stimulus comes with flexible participation, provision of knowledge, tools and people to take you from idea to successful business; no fees required; and multiple rewards for the best developed ideas. 

Premios AJE Andalucía is an annual competition hosted by the Association of Young Entrepreneurs of Andalucía (AJE Andalucía). The initiative aims to recognize and promote outstanding young entrepreneurs in two categories: Business Trajectory and Entrepreneurial Initiative. The competition has a strong regional presence and has evolved into an important platform for fostering innovation and business growth.

The program offers awardees increased visibility, mentorship, and access to an expansive network of entrepreneurs and investors. It also provides business development support, helping startups gain credibility and attract investment. Participants are evaluated based on innovation, business feasibility, and potential for expansion. The competition collaborates closely with universities, incubators, and startup accelerators, ensuring that young entrepreneurs receive holistic support.

One of the program’s greatest strengths is its ability to connect early-stage entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders, fostering mentorship and knowledge exchange. However, like many startup competitions, it faces the challenge of ensuring long-term funding for its winners. The program relies on public-private partnerships, with financial backing from regional institutions and corporate sponsors. The competition has seen hundreds of startups participate, many of which have successfully scaled their businesses across Spain and beyond.

Premios AJE Andalucía plays a key role in shaping Andalusia’s young entrepreneurship ecosystem. It has helped participants overcome challenges related to funding and market access by providing exposure and mentorship. The initiative aligns well with the Start Cup Academy by demonstrating how structured recognition and business support can significantly impact startup success. The program's ability to combine visibility, mentorship, and funding offers a valuable model for developing similar entrepreneurship initiatives. 

Premios Andalucía Emprende is a startup competition based in Andalusia, Spain, designed to recognize and support entrepreneurs who demonstrate economic, social, or environmental impact. The initiative is organized by Andalucía Emprende, a regional foundation committed to fostering innovation and business development. Since its inception, the awards have focused on a wide range of industries, encouraging entrepreneurship in fields such as technology, sustainability, and social impact.

The program provides various resources to participating startups, including training sessions, mentorship from industry professionals, networking opportunities, and significant regional exposure. Selection is based on innovation, sustainability, and business potential, with strong connections to local universities and incubators. The competition benefits from government support, corporate sponsorship, and expert mentorship, which have been key success factors in ensuring its long-term impact. However, challenges remain in maintaining financial sustainability and guaranteeing that awarded startups can continue their growth after the initial funding phase.

Premios Andalucía Emprende has seen over 500 startups participate, with many achieving long-term success, particularly in the biotech and AI sectors. The initiative has played a crucial role in strengthening Andalusia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, generating new jobs and attracting investment. The competition fosters partnerships with universities, incubators, and corporate sponsors, ensuring that winners receive ongoing support. Alumni often return as mentors, reinforcing a sustainable cycle of entrepreneurship.

This initiative aligns closely with the objectives of the Start Cup Academy by demonstrating how competitions can be used to nurture entrepreneurial talent. The combination of training, mentorship, and financial support serves as a model for structuring similar startup competitions. Lessons from this program highlight the importance of combining government funding with private sector collaboration to create a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Premio Emprendimiento, launched by the Caja de Ingenieros Foundation, is a national-level startup competition in Spain that focuses on sustainable development, social impact, and technology-driven entrepreneurship. The competition provides a €25,000 prize along with an extensive mentorship program designed to enhance business projects and ensure their long-term viability.

The initiative is structured to support startups that demonstrate a high level of social responsibility and innovation. The selection process prioritizes sustainability, impact potential, and technological advancement. Startups participating in the competition receive not only financial support but also access to a strong investor network, increasing their chances of long-term success. The competition is closely linked with university incubators, allowing early-stage entrepreneurs to leverage research-driven business models.

A key strength of Premio Emprendimiento is its structured approach to mentorship and training. Startups that win the competition benefit from expert guidance, helping them refine their business strategies and attract investment. One of the challenges the initiative faces is ensuring that winners can maintain momentum beyond the competition phase. The program is primarily funded by Caja de Ingenieros, with additional support from private investors and corporate partners.

Since its launch, Premio Emprendimiento has supported dozens of startups, particularly in renewable energy, social innovation, and digital technology. Many of these startups have grown into successful businesses with a measurable social and economic impact. The competition’s emphasis on ethical entrepreneurship and sustainability aligns well with the Start Cup Academy’s goals. It provides a strong case for integrating financial support and mentorship into a structured entrepreneurship education program, ensuring that promising startups receive the guidance and resources they need to thrive.

Premios Spin-Off, organized by the University of Málaga, is a startup competition designed to support innovative business initiatives emerging from the university community. The initiative focuses on helping university researchers and students transform academic discoveries into viable commercial ventures. By promoting the creation of spin-off companies, the program fosters knowledge transfer between academia and industry.

The competition provides winners with incubation opportunities, business development training, and financial grants. Participants are selected based on the potential for innovation and commercialization, with a strong emphasis on research-driven startups. The initiative works in close collaboration with Málaga TechPark and other incubators to ensure that startups have access to infrastructure and investment networks.

A defining feature of Premios Spin-Off is its ability to bridge the gap between university research and business development. This focus on commercialization is a major strength, as many research projects struggle to transition into market-ready products. However, the program faces challenges in securing long-term funding for spin-offs, as university-based startups often require significant investment to scale. The initiative is primarily funded through university grants and partnerships with private sector organizations.

Over the years, Premios Spin-Off has contributed to the growth of several knowledge-intensive startups, particularly in biotechnology, engineering, and information technology. Many of these startups have gone on to secure venture capital funding and establish themselves as leaders in their respective industries. The competition has also strengthened the role of the University of Málaga as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The program’s alignment with the Start Cup Academy lies in its structured approach to integrating research and entrepreneurship. It highlights the importance of university support in fostering innovation-driven startups. By incorporating elements of this initiative, the Start Cup Academy could develop targeted training programs that help students and researchers transition from academic research to business creation, ensuring that innovative ideas reach the market.

Municipal Program to Support Startups 
Is an annual program that the Municipality of Burgas is launching  to collect project proposals aimed at supporting startup entrepreneurs. The program targets:

•    Natural and legal persons registered under the Commercial Act up to 3 years prior to the application date, who qualify as micro or small businesses.
•    Teams of at least 2 individuals.
•    Students from Burgas aged 16 and above.

Applications are submitted entirely online by completing an electronic form on the website of the “Business Incubator – Burgas” Projects must be implemented for the first time within the municipality and should offer sustainable and practical solutions addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges in the city.
The initiative is aimed at individuals and legal entities registered under the Commercial Act up to 3 years before the application date, who meet the conditions for micro- or small business, teams of at least 2 individuals, as well as students from Burgas, over the age of 16.

Support includes:

•    One-time targeted funding covering up to 50% of the project cost, with a maximum of BGN 5,000.
•    A three-month start up service package for business plan development.
•    Funding of up to BGN 5,000 for student teams, with no requirement for co-financing.

The idea of the project is to create a regional network for accelerating blue growth – based on an ecosystem that supports existing and emerging businesses and initiatives in the blue economy sectors, building on their potential for innovation, circular and bio-based solutions, as well as their ability to contribute to the performance indicators of local/regional sustainable development.
Overall objective:
The project aims to create a regional digital network for the acceleration of blue sectors and innovation for the Black Sea region, which will first be implemented between the partner cities of Burgas, Batumi and Odessa. DBAN should become a platform of actions that will include blue economy activities from the regions of the partner countries, focusing and implementing actions to promote and accelerate innovative business ideas for blue growth and innovation through a combined environmental, social and economic approach.
They will encourage the implementation of innovative business ideas in the field of blue economy, accelerate the transfer of knowledge to companies, promote new productive and technological ideas, strengthen cooperation between research and educational institutions and local industry, improve skills and knowledge in the blue economy, create new sustainable jobs and improve the capacity and continuous development of the local entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem through the establishment and functioning of a digital network for blue acceleration.
The creation of regional digital blue acceleration networks will also encourage local and regional competition for smart solutions for launching blue and green infrastructure to develop innovative pilot projects, one in each project partner region, that will implement sustainable actions or business ideas in blue economy sectors through a range of environmental, ICT, economic and social responsibility initiatives.
 

- Providing training seminars, forums, workshops and the like, intended for start-ups;
- Providing mentoring in the development of a realistic business plan;
- Providing mentoring in the development and implementation of an effective marketing strategy;
- Assistance in registering the company;
- Establishing contact with industry organizations and associations of start-ups;
- Consultations for establishing business contacts in the country and abroad;
- Providing information and researching good practices from other cities;
- Selection and consulting on the development of projects, implementation of business ideas and innovative approaches;
- Free use of shared office space for a period of up to 3 months in the Burgas Business Incubator (subject to the current availability of office space).

STUDENT PACKAGE
- total funding amount - up to 5000 leva
- production of advertising and information materials up to 5% of the provided amount
- administrative expenses up to 5% of the provided amount
- office and equipment rental
- other costs inherent to the implementation of the project
- costs for purchasing materials and acquiring long-term tangible and intangible assets
- costs for registering new products/services, patents, licenses
- costs for salaries of the project team are ineligible

The mission of “Education 5.0” is the development of education, science and culture through new technologies. The organization aims to build entrepreneurial, digital and technological competencies in young people and develop their skills in teamwork, critical and creative thinking, problem solving, etc.

The foundation’s activities are aimed at the entire education system – kindergartens, schools and universities. “Education 5.0” works to promote the approach of blended learning, in which traditional forms of learning are combined and enriched with various information and communication technologies.
Education 5.0” initiates various competitions, contests and offers activities based on interests for students and their teacher leaders. The foundation organizes, together with partners from the corporate and civil sectors, the national competition and summer academy for students Growing Talents under the Smart Classroom project.
Consultations and methodological support – the experts of “Education 5.0” provide free consultations and methodological support on entrepreneurship education, as well as on the implementation of blended learning in school education. A particularly great success in the promotion of the latest technologies in the educational process for the organization is obtaining the status of an innovative school, for the creation and use of educational content with augmented reality.
Research activities – the team members conducted research and are authors of scientific publications in Bulgarian and foreign publications on topics related to pedagogy, blended learning, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, finance, accounting, management, etc.

Education 5.0. and its regional partner Burgas Free University conducted start-up initiative for students. 

Sartup Week Berlin is an annual event that, since 2010, has brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts to celebrate and promote innovation within the national startup ecosystem. Hosted by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the event lasts a full week and features workshops, pitch competitions, networking sessions, and exhibitions.

Its aim is to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and provide a unique opportunity for idea exchange, project promotion, and hands-on engagement through practical activities.

The added value of this Berlin-based initiative lies in the opportunity for participants to meet and collaborate with experts from various sectors, entrepreneurs, chambers of commerce, mentors willing to share their expertise, and members of the academic network.

A distinctive feature of the event is the presence of past participants, who can offer experiential insights and share tangible outcomes related to the opportunities and effective support tools that Startup Week Berlin provides.

Although Startup Week Berlin operates within a national framework, it attracts participants and speakers from around the world through its collaboration with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), which spans over 190 countries globally.

The impact of Startup Week Germany has always been positive and significant in terms of job creation through collaborations and investments, recognizing the crucial role startups play in innovation and the country's economic growth. All activities are designed to inspire and encourage young entrepreneurs and talents to develop their potential and resilience in the job market.

Special attention is also given to the role of women in entrepreneurship, supported through dedicated networking events and initiatives aimed at encouraging and assisting women in the business world. The Startup Week Berlin model equally prioritizes the inclusion of founders with migrant backgrounds, offering training services, consulting, and specific events tailored to their needs.

This initiative aligns closely with the goals of the Start Cup Academy model—not only in spirit, with its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship—but particularly in its broad range of practical activities, meetings, and training sessions aimed at developing key skills within the competitive startup landscape.

An additional element of inspiration could be its inclusive approach toward specific groups—such as women—within its activities. A stronger presence of Start Cup initiatives in academia could represent a great opportunity to involve more young women in entrepreneurial programs and initiatives, thus enriching participation.

Startup Wise Guys is a global startup accelerator focused on supporting founders working on B2B startups. The company was founded in 2012 in Estonia by entrepreneurs who began implementing vertical programs focused on specific sectors, contributing to the development of the European entrepreneurial ecosystem. Today, the company operates in over 60 countries across five continents, aiming to make a positive impact on global entrepreneurship.

Startup Wise Guys offers customized acceleration programs tailored to the B2B startups it works with, as well as essential contacts for founders and a variety of workshops organized by theme. The focus is primarily on technology sectors, specifically fintech, SaaS, cybersecurity, and XR. To support global success, the accelerator provides initial funding of €100,000, offering capital to help startups navigate the early, often most critical, phases.

Thanks to its international presence, strong success rate, extensive resources, and network of mentors, private companies, academic institutions, and incubators, Startup Wise Guys stands out as a model organization. Through its programs, the accelerator fosters an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship on a global scale.

Looking at the quantitative data, portfolio startups have created over 4,000 jobs, and the continuation rate of supported startups is 48%. Notably, in 2024 alone, more than 130 portfolio companies actively raised funds.

Social inclusion is a core value for the company, whose management team is composed primarily of women (90%), including five female founding partners. Furthermore, in 2022, 31% of the companies in which the accelerator invested had either a female co-founder or a woman in a leadership role.

Startup Wise Guys also focuses on emerging markets in Central and Eastern Europe, extending its reach to Africa and the Balkans. Each program is adapted to the specific needs of the startups to help overcome barriers to accessing financial resources and to support those operating in less promising countries.

Its positive impact goes beyond the economic and social levels, extending to the value and innovative impact of the technologically advanced solutions developed by the startups. In 2022, Startup Wise Guys was ranked among the top five accelerators in the world and continues to count some of the most recognized global names among its investors.

Although the scale of the Start Cup Academy program is more limited, both initiatives share a common goal: to unlock the value and development potential of each project through training activities and hands-on practice, allowing participants to apply the knowledge gained and use technical tools effectively.

The involvement and collaboration of institutional bodies, along with interaction with stakeholders, potential investors, and experts, provide further touchpoints where mentoring and networking activities can enrich the journey and support offered to participants.

The Startup Wise Guys model represents a virtuous example for all projects and competitions focused on learning and leveraging entrepreneurial skills. Its variety of tailored programs, designed for different emerging sectors or levels of business maturity, could serve as an excellent benchmark for the future development of the Start Cup project

StepUp Startups is an initiative funded by the European Union, aimed at accelerating the growth and impact of the European startup ecosystem by promoting student and university entrepreneurship across the continent.
In this context, university startups play a crucial role in transforming innovative ideas into successful entrepreneurial ventures. The core focus of the initiative is to support emerging startups within the university environment.

StepUp Startups contributes to creating a favorable environment for startup creation by enabling students to access funding and investor networks.
The program works closely with the European Startup Nations Alliance to define regulatory frameworks and policies that support startups and improve their scalability. A supportive regulatory environment is essential for startups' growth and to facilitate their expansion across Europe.

These programs enable participation from international talent who, without funding, would struggle to self-finance.

The event will take place on April 24-25, 2025, in Valletta, Malta, bringing together startup founders, investors, and economic stakeholders to discuss various growth opportunities in Europe—an essential element for implementing the EU-Startups 2025 plan.

The project organizes meetings among these key figures to represent the European startup ecosystem; workshops include keynote speeches, roundtable discussions, and continuous feedback sessions to discuss emerging trends and define market challenges.

The initiative offers growth opportunities through access to funding and simplification of administrative burdens. However, varying regulations and different markets across European countries hinder rapid startup scalability.

StepUp Startups continuously works to improve access to funds while providing tools and resources that help overcome scalability barriers, promoting innovation and empowering young, aware, and determined talents.

The Entrepreneurial University Project was implemented with the aim of bringing university entrepreneurship in Ukraine to a qualitatively new level and creating additional opportunities for the professional and personal development of students through the implementation of their own business ideas. The Project was created in collaboration with the YEP network of startup business incubators alongside the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Office for Entrepreneurship and Export Development, the national project Дія.Business, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Startup Fund, Genesis, and with the support of the USAID Competitive Economy of Ukraine Program.
The key stakeholders are public institutions, including universities, the private and corporate sectors, investors, and the government.
The Project was created in 2020. The initiative focuses primarily on the education sector.
This Project provides guidance, coaching, training, mentoring, coworking, and networking services.
The selection criteria for participants are minimal - students in any academic program at any university who have their own ideas and ambition.
The Project is integrated with YEP University, YEP Incubator, YEP Accelerator, and the most robust business incubator and business accelerator programs in Ukraine, including Sikorsky Challenge, UCU Entrepreneurship Center, ideasLab, Center for Entrepreneurship (CfE), Feelgoodlabs, Greencubator, 1991 Open Data Incubator, Innovation Strartup Entrepreneurship, n.cubator, Startup Ukraine, Startup Depot, UNIT SME School, Sector X, Ihub, Blue Lake Accelerator, AgroHub, Radartech, Intecrator, eō Business Incubator, Richelieu V, UNIT Factory, GrowthUp, Seed FORUM GLOBAL.
The assessment of tailored outcomes of the Project's impact and effectiveness is solid, as evidenced by the system of metrics:

1.    Significant value for the ecosystem (high effectiveness of startups and graduates, success of the Project in sustaining the startup ecosystem – more than 9,000 students, 26 cities). The main indicators are job creation, number of graduates, further development of startups, and graduates' retention.
2.    Value for startups (4 hours of coaching and mentoring per week, 15 weeks in total), access to a network of partners, events, and involvement of the Project graduates.
3.    Value of the Project (agreements signed with 96 universities, innovations created).

At different stages of startup operation, the initiative's funding model varies from government grants to private investment and sponsorship.
Participants acquire financial support as grants under certain conditions.
Considering the missions set out in some policy papers, in particular, the Strategy for the Recovery, Sustainable Development, and Digital Transformation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises for the period up to 2027, Ukraine's Internal Resilience Plan, the National Economic Strategy 2030, the roadmaps of the National Institute for Strategic Studies: “Ukraine – 2030. Strategy for Changing the Future” and the Strategy for Digital Development of Innovation up to 2030, it is realizable to declare that local and state policies fully foster the Project.
This initiative is fully consistent with the goals of the Start Cup Academy Model in terms of strengthening the entrepreneurial potential of students at the university level and overcoming barriers for the scaling of Ukrainian startups.
 

The Innovation Development Fund (IDF) is a state institution that assists innovative projects and tech startups in raising funds in the early stages and launching their own projects. The IDF is a booster of the startup ecosystem development, represents Ukrainian innovative solutions at the international level, provides enabling factors for the growth of the innovation sector in the regions (Dnipro, Poltava, Kharkiv, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, etc.), and shapes a prominent reputation of Ukraine's tech industry abroad.
The IDF's mission is to develop and support innovative startups, branding, promotion, and raising awareness of technological entrepreneurship among young people, and integration of Ukraine into the global innovation ecosystem.
The key stakeholders of the IDF are universities and research institutes; the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine; the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine; Eō business incubators – the first in Ukraine American technology business incubator and leading accelerator, that provides creation and mentoring support for startups, bringing them to the global level; EVNE Developers – the IT company that designs digital features and assists businesses in growing; Roosh - one of the most advanced tech companies in the AI/ML sector, helping successful tech entrepreneurs and pioneering technologies scale globally (developing and investing in the startups); Genesis - a Ukrainian co-founding IT company that creates global technology businesses together with the best entrepreneurs in Central and Eastern Europe (official representative of Startup Grind in Ukraine since 2014); Deep Tech Park - an R&D park where there is possible to create a breakthrough innovative product based on academic developments; Idealers – a creative marketing agency that provides marketing services for startups, etc.
The IDF supports startups operating in any field except those explicitly prohibited by Ukrainian law. The initiative aims to proactively boost innovation, economic growth, and increase the global competitiveness of Ukrainian projects.  The IDF focuses on technological innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR/VR) technologies, big data, blockchain, educational technologies (EdTech), lifestyle, energy and ecology, financial technologies (Fintech/Legaltech), eGovernment, healthcare, media and advertising, retail, industry, security, and marketing acceleration: from market analysis to go-to-market planning.
The IDF was established in 2018 on the initiative of the Minister of Finance of Ukraine. At the end of 2019, the IDF began accepting the first applications under the grant program: $25,000 for teams at the pre-seed stage (idea), $50,000 for startups at the seed stage (mature, viable product – MVP). Since 2023, it has been assigned to the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. In 2023, the IDF topped the ranking of the leading investment funds after the full-scale invasion, concluding an unmatched 33 agreements with Ukrainian projects during this period.
Within the IDF programs are: initial funding for startups (pre-seed, seed), mentoring programs with leading experts, training courses on entrepreneurship, marketing, MVP, pitching sessions for investors (Demo Days), etc.
To receive grant support from the IDF, the applicants need to sign up on the IDF web portal, fill out and submit an application, that will be evaluated by experts. If the applicants receive high scores, applicants will be able to present their projects and compete for grants (the grant sum and funding depends on the project/stage). The requirements to apply for the grant program are determined by the IDF Grant Program Regulations.
The IDF cooperates with Ukrainian and foreign universities (72 universities have signed the Memorandum of Cooperation with the IDF for the Development of Science-Intensive Projects) and accelerators for training programs (500 Global, Startup Wise Guys, Seed Forum Global, iHUB powered by NUMA, 1991 Accelerator, USMAC).
The IDF programs focus on young people, tailored to real market conditions and the development of science and technology, and support special projects that can be used in the defense sector.
With the IDF engagement, a variety of research on startup development was implemented: Startup Voice (the first survey of startups since the start of the full-scale invasion); The country at war: The voice of Ukrainian Startups Survey; Map of startups with priority verticals for investment; Rising UA Startups: Resilience Edition – an overview of the 100 most promising Ukrainian startups and successful scaleups.
The IDF partnered with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and European partners joined the Govtech4all European Union, that has an ambitious program aimed at developing broad opportunities for cooperation and training between European countries and agencies. The IDF has also joined the winning consortium “Seeds of Bravery” (UASEED), that is set to implement a €20 million European Innovation Council (EIC) project to support the Ukrainian innovation community.
One of the strengths of the IDF is its strategic focus and support in the early stages, that is closely linked to the goals of the Start-Cup Academy Project. Attendees of the IDF programs have the opportunity to receive initial funding, grants, and access to venture capital.
The return on investment (ROI) for funders and stakeholders is measured by the number of successful teams, investments acquired, jobs created, promotion of regional infrastructure development, and Ukraine's national brand as a startup nation.
As of October 2023, the IDF has provided $8.7 million in grants; more than 80 startup teams have received funding; more than 360 events have been held, some of those in partnership with international organizations (including EIT, EIC, USAID, GIZ, GIST, Glovo, AWS, Payoneer) and Ukrainian partners (the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, Prometheus); 143 startups attended 26 of the largest technology events in the world; 72 universities signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the IDF for the Development of Science-Intensive Projects; 205 involved experts (pro bono) joined the IDF. Due to the IDF, regional innovation centers have been created in Dnipro, Lviv, Kharkiv, and Poltava; student entrepreneurship has been promoted; a strong community of innovators has been established; and over 450 jobs have been created in startups.
The IDF is a center that ensures continuity between educational entrepreneurship and the development of professional startups. The IDF partnership environment unites startups community, founders, innovators, and creators to learn, teach, assist, and create. The IDF strategically implements its mission through local events, flagship conferences, and development programs. The IDF network is of strategic importance domestically and internationally, especially in regions where HEIs do not have its own incubation capacity but aim to integrate into the innovation ecosystem. Universities, IT companies, accelerators, government institutions, and international donors join this network to provide comprehensive support to students who want to fulfill their potential as entrepreneurs.
The IDF highlights an impactful model for supporting the startup ecosystem in Ukraine, combining early-stage funding, mentoring programs, educational initiatives, and robust cooperation with universities, businesses, and international partners. The intent is crucial to focus on regional development, promoting technological entrepreneurship among young people, and creating the circumstances for the market entry of innovations. The IDF experience is extremely valuable for the Start Cup Academy Project as a training and entrepreneurial platform, considering that IDF goals are fully consistent with those of the Start Cup Academy Project, as both facilitate the development of startups in early stages, the integration of research and business, the involvement of students in entrepreneurship, support for innovation at the domestic and international levels, and the sustainable growth of youth entrepreneurship in Ukraine.
 

The Ukrainian Veterans Foundation (UVF) is a leading state institution empowering veteran businesses in Ukraine. Founded by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, the UVF undertakes a key purpose in the development of veteran entrepreneurship by providing access to funding, mentoring, and infrastructure support for combatants, their families, and the families of fallen combatants. The UVF was founded in 2022, thus the framework for providing microgrants was commenced. In 2023, the Program “Varto: Support for Veteran Business” was launched. The years 2024-2025 are outlined by scaling up of programs and boosting of partnership projects with corporations.
The UVF is not a traditional incubator or academic institution; it acts as a key facilitator between government, international, and private allies and the veteran community. Through its grant programs, training initiatives, and competitions, the UVF successfully combines business needs with the capabilities of the support ecosystem, including universities (by providing advanced training and mentoring programs).
Key areas of the UVF activity include:

-    The Varto Grant Program – funding extending from UAH 500,000 to UAH 3,000,000 for veterans who have established  sole proprietorships or companies. The Program is aimed at business development and scaling.
-    Microgrants – up to UAH 20,000 to start or resume entrepreneurial activities for veterans and their family members.
-    Partner programs with international donors and Ukrainian foundations (e.g., MHP-Hromada, KERNEL, WOCCU, UNDP) that allow to expand the distribution of support and provide targeted grants in the agricultural sector, IT, manufacturing, etc.
-    Guidance and mentoring support through training events, competitions, and advisory sessions with experts in business, law, finance, marketing, etc.

The UVF dynamically cooperates with veterans NGOs, academic institutions, and business representatives. Special focus is focused on creating an environment for long-term business development, returning veterans to vibrant economic life, and shaping a favorable brand of veteran entrepreneurship in society.
The UVF provides comprehensive support for startups founded by veterans and their families.
The primary UVF services include:

-    Funding: microgrants (up to UAH 20,000) and large-scale grants under the programs “Varto,” “Varto Diyi,” and “ROBYMO SVOYE” (from UAH 500,000 to UAH 3,000,000);
-    Mentoring: consulting from business experts, mentoring sessions during competitions and accelerations;
-    Guidance support: open access to business plan templates, methodological manuals, video tutorials;
-    Networking: participation in business events, pitching sessions, exhibitions, where veteran entrepreneurs are able to find partners, clients, or investors;
-    Partner assets: access to training programs and infrastructure provided by the private sector (e.g., Skelar, KERNEL, MHP).
Participation in the UVF programs mandates a transparent selection process. The main criteria are:
-    Identification as a veteran, family member of a veteran, or family member of a fallen veteran;
-    Registered business entity (sole proprietorship or legal entity);
-    Drafted or operating business plan;
-    Compliance with the concept of the contest (e.g., services, agriculture, manufacturing);
-    Confirmation of job availability or a roadmap to create the jobs (in most programs).
-    Contests are evaluated by an expert commission using a scoring system, with the publicly announced results.

Among the UVF strengths are its inclusiveness, flexible grant system, cooperation with donors, and transparent funding mechanisms. This approach is consistent with pan-European models of support for vulnerable groups and is an example of how bodies can successfully support entrepreneurs after military service.
Regarding the weaknesses of the UVF programs implementation there are the insufficient level of entrepreneurial skills among veterans (technique for overcoming this issue is to cooperate with HEIs through creating video courses, holding courses on the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, etc.); limited access to funding in the regions (solution to this issue is to support local NGOs); skepticism of government programs (a way to address this issue is the showcasing of success stories for the public, impactful communication).
Innovative approaches are used during the implementation of projects, in particular combining the government budget with funding from the private sector and donors; projects involve the relatives of the fallen veterans alongside the wives of veterans; short-term  evaluation process is crucial (up to 30 days); capacity to handle crises. The programs implemented by the UVF require annual reporting and strategic planning. Partner programs with the private sector enable the organization to avoid unreserved dependence on state funding.
By 2025, the UVF has funded over 1,130 projects amounting to approximately UAH 500 million. The UVF model is currently attracting the awareness of international experts and can be adapted by other countries striving to support the reintegration of veterans through entrepreneurship development.
According to the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, over 80 % of businesses funded through the UVF operate steadily after the first year that is higher than the average for small businesses in Ukraine. Some of them have scaled up or set up extra branches.
Successful veteran-focused projects are:

-    Veteran Hub Food — a catering service founded by veterans that caters for events organized by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and NGOs.
-    Dobryi Hrunt — an agricultural business that plants organic crops in deoccupied territories.
-    “Service 360” — a network of vehicle repair stations in Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih, where veterans are employed.

The UVF has established an infrastructure to support veteran entrepreneurship, particularly in small towns where traditional business incubators are missing. It has become a model of how government support can stimulate local economies through veteran self-employment.
The results of the UVF activities include the creation of thousands of jobs; increased financial autonomy for veterans and their families; a favorable reputation for veterans as entrepreneurs; and the promotion of social integration and psychological rehabilitation through employment.
The UVF experience proves that focusing on a selective target group (veterans) allows to achieve a profound impact if funding, mentoring, and informational support are combined.
The initiative fully complies with the principles of Start Cup Academy Project: fostering a startup mindset amongst new entrepreneurs; synergy model (universities, business, government); focus on the early stages of business development; innovative approach to financing (grants, not loans).
 

The Startup School of the Dnipro City Council is an initiative funded by the Dnipro City Council (DCC) and the University of Customs and Finance (UCF), aimed at launching, developing, and scaling up one's own business, accelerating the renewal of the startup ecosystem by promoting student, city, and university entrepreneurship, initiating in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
In this context, the assistance of mentor teachers from the DCC Business Development Center and the UCF Entrepreneurship Development Center becomes crucial for converting innovative ideas into successful entrepreneurial ventures. The initiative focuses primarily on supporting new startups in the university and municipal environment.
The Startup School of the DCC provides training on launching individual business and acquiring grants for founding startups by giving students and up-and-coming entrepreneurs access to funding and investments.
The Startup School of the DCC engages public associations and existing enterprises to provide consulting, mentoring, and business development in Dnipro and Ukraine. A favorable regulatory environment is essential for the growth and promotion of startups throughout Ukraine. The launch of the entrepreneurial community allows improving business development and scaling. The initiative includes training, networking, consultations, and meetings with key influencers representing the updated startup ecosystem, round tables, and feedback sessions to discuss new trends and identify market needs.
At the same time, the  Startup School of the DCC coaches how to calculate business plans and grant applications, as this is one of the most common form of funding or co-funding business and scaling it up.
 

Country and Region - Map 
 
INNOVAZIONECENTRALE is an Acceleration Programm of Start-Up in Open Innovation model. Is a phygital 
Programm located in Innovalley Space Pescara and 6 Icubator of Central Italy and a Platform Web 3 develop by CTE 
House of New Technology of L’Aquila 
 
The Mission of InnovazioneCentrale is: 
 
BUILDING MAP OF INNOVATIONS 
Produced and potentially applicable in the Territories. 
 
FACILITED THE AGGREGATION OF ENTITY FOR PROJECTS IN THE AREA 
Peripheral entity that allows the creation of 
 
MAKE CRITICAL MASS FOR INVESTOR  
for to be like Milan, Rome, Turin, Bologna... 
 
DEVELOP A CONSTANT MATCHMAKING TOOL Between Innovation Supply and Demand. 
 
General Information 
InnovazioneCentrale is the Best Platform for Matchmaking between Ask & Answer of Innovation in Area of Central 
Italy. 
In Open Innotation Mindset, the InnovazioneCentrale Platform would emergent innovation between start-ups, incubator, accelerator, universities, government agencies, private sector, investors, mentors 
They Works also with the Automotive, Phamaceutical, Energy, Logistic, Aerospatial and Agrifood Industry in Abruzzo and Central Italy. It was launched in 2024 and would be envolve at this year 1.500 Companies and 2.500 in the 2026. 
 
Programme Structure 
InnovazioneCentrale have also a Network of Innovation Manager, Consultants, Business Angels, Accelerator and is partner of Sistema Invitalia Start-Up. 
They works to give start-ups, service of networking, innovation management, fund raising and AI laboratory. 
The Start-Ups can participate at Programm by Minimum level TRL 5. 
The Acceleration Programm of InnovazioneCentrale grow up the product or solutions of Start-Ups to TRL 9 and Scale Up. 

The Key success factors of InnovazioneCentrale are the strong connection in the Area of Central Italy. 
The Programm challenges the cultural limit on Start-Ups and the Open Innovation. 
But the innovative approach of Open Innovation show the certain benefit and opportunity of shared solutions. Also the Links created by the program ensure long-term sustainability and adaptability to changing the mindset of the managers and the entrepreuners. 
This Programm is based on co-funded model by government grants, private investiments and venture capitalist. 
The StartUps participant also can received a Public Grant and Support by INVITALIA. 
The corporate participant is funded in average by 250.000 Eur post acceleration programm. 
 
Impact 
How many startups have participated in the program since its inception? 
In the 2 Years 20 StartUps have participated at The InnovazioneCentrale Acceleration Programm and 250 Start-Ups are enveloped in the Open Innovation Programm and Matchmaking Event. 
The survival and growth rate of the startups supported is over the 75% percent. 
The StartUp and The Success Story of InnovazioneCentrale and Innovalley Open Innovation Programm are: 
-    Farm4Trade 
-    Sibill 
-    Pathway 
-    Loto Biotech 
-    Orbita 
-    Diskover 
-    Snaptech 
-    EnoGenAI 
-    AptusAI 
-    Samplesound 
-    ODDA  
 
The programs have contributed to regional or national entrepreneurship ecosystems creating 150 Start-Ups.  
They represent the 50% of Startt-Ups on Regione Abruzzo. 
25 Start-Ups comes in Abruzzo from other Region of Italy. 10 is  from Other Countries of European Union but have a Founders from Abruzzo.  
 
Ecosystem Engagement 
The Universities of L’Aquila, Pescara, Teramo, Camerino, Macerata, Ancona and the Zooprofilatic Institute, the INFN and The National Council of Research are Partner of CTE and Innovalley. 
They supports the Elevation Programm of TRL of Start-Ups and make Idea Validation of InnovazioneCentrale. The Talents, Alumni and also the PhD. Plays an importante role in the ecosystem which they envolved yet like CEO, CTO, CFO and Innovation Managers in the programm and for the Start-Ups. 
The Initiative is supported by the EIT Manufacturing Southern Europe and KIC of EIT Culture and Creativity. The Italian Governement and Regione Abruzzo patrocined the Initiative. 
 
Conclusion 
The InnovazioneCentrale Programm can relevant for The Start-Up Academy to design Call for Talent, Investors, Solutions and Matchmaking for participant and Ecosystem of Central Italy. Because is perfectly allineated to StartCup Academy Model.