EIT Culture & Creativity: New Ventures in Creative Tech (Spark Incubation)

Overview

Spark Incubation offers up to €30,000 in funding plus a 9-month training programme to early-stage founders who want to turn a business concept into a scalable, for-profit venture. This call focuses on Materials and Built Environment, specifically fashion and architecture. You can apply as an individual or as a multidisciplinary team. You must not yet have registered a company for your concept, and existing legal entities are not eligible. UK applicants are included, because the call is open to those registered in a Horizon Europe-associated country. If selected, you join the Createch Startup Sprint, a 2-3 day bootcamp in a European city. After that comes the online Spark Incubation Programme, with a dedicated coach, mentorship, workshops and technology partnerships. The funding, the sprint and the programme come as one package. You cannot take the money without joining both. The funding can help with building and testing a minimum viable product or proof of concept, customer validation, refining your business model and company formation costs. The call prioritises tech-centric solutions with early validation. You need tangible evidence that your idea has moved beyond concept stage, such as a short demo video, prototype screenshots or testing documentation. The call closes at 4:00pm on 16 November 2026. Up to 35 ventures can be funded. An online information session takes place on 10 November 2026 at 9am UK time. One thing to plan for: you must register a new company by Month 3 to stay in the programme and receive the full funding. Official source: https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/opportunities/eit-culture-creativity-new-ventures-in-creative-tech-spark-incubation/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 28 October 2026.