Build and validate your deep tech venture with industry
A 4-month program to develop early-stage solutions (TRL 4-5) in collaboration with industry partners.
About the program
The Co-Creation Accelerator is a program by 28DIGITAL, funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), designed to support early-stage development and technology validation.
We bring together startups and industry partners to co-develop solutions addressing real-world challenges, with a focus on:
- Validating core technology (TRL 4–5)
- Strengthening problem–solution fit
- Reducing technical and market uncertainty
- Building a clear path toward market entry
This is not a traditional accelerator. It is a challenge-driven, execution-focused program.
Challenges
The program is built around real industry challenges.
Two ways to apply:
Open Challenge Track
Apply with your own corporate partner and jointly define the challenge you want to address.
Industry Challenge Track
Apply to predefined challenges developed with corporate partners. These reflect concrete industry needs and use cases.
What you get?
- Receive 28DIGITAL financial support (up to 250k€), no co-funding needed.
- Collaborate directly with industry leaders on their specific challenges.
- Fundraising assistance.
- Receive intensive training from experts through your exclusive seat in the 28DIGITAL Speed Master and MentorMe.
- Gain visibility by hundreds of partners from 28DIGITALs innovation ecosystem across Europe, including corporates, public sector, investors and academia.
Who should apply?
We are looking for early-stage digital startups that:
- Micro or small enterprise (less than 50 employees) according to EU definiton.
- Incorporated and operating in an EU/Horizon Europe or HE associated country.
- Operate at TRL 4–5.
- Are incorporated within the last 5 years.
- Have a minimum of 2 FTEs.
- Possess or control key IP or technology assets.
You should have:
- A capable team with the necessary technical and business expertise.
- At least a working prototype or proof-of-concept which has been validated in a experimental setting.
- A clear problem–solution hypothesis.
- Early engagement with users, stakeholders, or industry.
This program is not suitable for:
- Idea-stage teams without a prototype.
- Fully commercial or scaling startups.
Equity
In consideration of the support, an equity granting model is applied whereby 28DIGITAL will be granted equity in the venture.
- Startups provide 3.5–7.5% equity to 28DIGITAL.
- Formalized through a Share Transfer Agreement.
Application process
How does it work?
Please read carefully the Call document and the FAQ to find the answer to some of the more common questions and if you can’t find your answer there, please contact us.
1. Apply
- Step 1: register your organisation in the EU Funding & tender opportunities portal to obtain the nine-digit Participant Identification Code (PIC number). If you do not know if your organisation already has a PIC number, you can verify directly on the EU Portal (click here) whether your organisation is already registered.
- Step 2: register all participants organizations as a 28DIGITAL partners (preliminary registration) and the user that will access to the submission system.
- Step 3: access to the Co-Creation Accelerator 2026-2027 page to get additional information and access the submission system.
2. Get selected
- Each proposal will be reviewed against the criteria Excellence, Impact, Quality and efficiency of the implementation, Challenge and Strategic Fit.
3. Co-create with industry partner!
- Accepted proposals will start their activities on 16 November 2026.
Timeline
- Continuous intake of proposals throughout 2026-2027 with 3 cut-off dates.
- The next cut-off is 8 September 2026, at 17:00 CEST.
- Please refer to the Call Document for more details.
- Learn more: Register for the next Information Session on 16 July 2026, 15:00 CEST.
Contact and FAQ
Do you have any questions? Check out our FAQ section or contact us via email: oif@28digital.eu.
Downloads
Call document
Will be available soon.
