Open Innovation Factory is back — and it’s bigger than ever.
Now rebooted as 28DIGITAL’s curated matching platform, the Open Innovation Factory connects high-potential digital startups with the right partners, funding instruments, and ecosystem opportunities across Europe.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all accelerator, we design bespoke growth pathways — from EU-funded pilot collaborations and proof-of-concept engagements with corporates, to targeted investment calls and high-impact innovation services.
Our mission is simple: to help startups move from validation to traction, turning cutting-edge technology into scalable business through partnerships that matter
What is Open Innovation Factory?
28DIGITAL’s year-round gateway for digital startups to access tailored growth opportunities across Europe.
We strategically fit-and-match startups to the most relevant pathway. You take it forward by applying to the opportunity that’s right for you.
Through this curated approach, we connect startups to:
- Corporate co-creation projects
- EU funding calls and cascade funding schemes
- Market access and mentoring services
- Targeted investment opportunities
Whether you’re validating your solution with your first customer or preparing to scale internationally, we adapt our support to your stage, ambitions, and alignment with 28DIGITAL’s mission.
How Does It Work?
Are you a startup?
A deeptech startup is a company built around breakthrough scientific or engineering innovations that offer the potential to create transformative impact across industries and society. Rooted in advanced research, often emerging from academic or corporate laboratories, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence or quantum computing.
1. Submit Your Expression of Interest (EOI)
Use our online form to share your startup profile and ambitions.
2. Tailored Matching
We assess your submission across three key dimensions:
- Excellence (problem–solution fit, validation, team)
- Impact (scale potential, societal value, alignment with EU goals)
- Execution (capital readiness, credibility, co-creation potential)
Make sure to read this document about how the matching process works!
3. Engagement pathways
If there’s a match, we’ll propose the most relevant opportunity — from proof-of-concept pilots to EU funding or targeted investment.
If no immediate match is found, we’ll share feedback and stay in touch for future opportunities.
Are you a Corporate?
Open Innovation Factory can help you co-design and launch proof-of-concept collaborations with high-potential startups — tailored to your business needs and strategic challenges. Fill in the form and let us know what your needs are.
Open Innovation Factory supports corporates do the following:
- Pilot and co-creation project design
- Access to EU-backed innovation opportunities
- Connections to startups across Europe’s deep tech landscape
If you’re looking for a specific solution for a technological domain, you can reach out to our Venture Clienting team.
Million EUR non-dilutive funding available
SMEs/Startups to receive free services
Business and Research partners all over Europe
EU-funded projects
Eudoros
#grant
Cybersecurity services providers and tools creators aiming to push their mature products to the market or increase their early-stages market-share can apply their services and tools in enhancing the cyber-security of potential future customers, some of whom they would not be able to approach in a purely commercial setting.
Funding:
20 000 - 200 000 EUR
Application:
June - August 6., 2025
Accend
#fundraisingSupport #businessDevelopment
ACCEND helps deep-tech scale-ups overcome Europe’s scaling barriers through fully online, cross-border accelerator programmes. Participants gain access to finance services, tailored business support, global growth coaching, and opportunities to connect with public sector buyers and testbeds.
The programme focuses on three thematic cohorts: Smart Cities, Net Zero Cities, and Regenerative Cities. Each company is matched with a dedicated guide to ensure a tailored journey and maximum impact.
Join a trusted EU-backed network designed to empower 100+ scale-ups to scale beyond borders.
Application:
15 September - 31 October 2025
UNITE
#grant #fundraisingSupport
The UNITE programme is designed to fast-track digital health startups tackling the growing challenges of aging populations and shifting demographics. By joining UNITE, ambitious startups unlock funding, expand into new European markets, connect with leading industry and healthcare partners, and receive expert support to scale their digital health solutions.
Funding:
200 000 - 1 000 000 EUR (grant)
Application:
September 2025 - November 2025
RIV Circular
#grant #fundraisingSupport
The RIVCircular project seeks to strengthen the collaboration between research and industrial stakeholders of the 5 European innovation ecosystems participating on it, in the field of circular economy. Specifically, the goal of RIVCircular is the promotion of circular economy projects in the sectors of construction, textiles, electric vehicle, waste-to-resource and energy recapture, and digital technologies.
Funding:
Up to 600 000 EUR
Application:
Q3, 2025
CyberSecDome
#grant
A visionary European project that combines AI technology and virtual reality to revolutionize cybersecurity. The project’s mission is to predict and efficiently respond to cybersecurity threats, safeguarding digital infrastructure. With a focus on situational awareness, it offers real-time insights into incidents and risks, fostering collaborative responses across stakeholders. Privacy-aware information sharing enhances the project’s impact.
Funding:
120 000 EUR
Application:
July - September 30, 2025.
Finex
#testBed #fundraisingSupport
FINEX project aims to support the quick deployment and uptake of Cleantech solutions and the development of supporting regulatory frameworks through building on world class experimentation practices, networks and experience of its partners.
Application:
Continuous
Finest Scaleup
#fundraisingSupport
Finest brings together and scales up the innovation ecosystem for smart cities green and sustainable deep tech solutions, supporting companies, start-ups and entrepreneurs to showcase innovative solutions, technologies, in order to attract investment and reach global markets in the Baltic Sea Region countries.
Application:
Continuous
DigitalTech EDIH
#training #fundraisingSupport #businessdevelopment
DigitalTech EDIH, part of the EU’s European Digital Innovation Hubs, offers free training and consulting in cybersecurity, fintech, edtech, blockchain, and business development. Supporting Hungarian SMEs and public bodies, it boosts efficiency and competitiveness nationwide.
Price:
Free services
Application:
Continuous
Madrid Region EDIH
#training #fundraisingSupport #businessdevelopment
EDIH Services aims to drive digitalization in Madrid's public sector and SMEs. The hub's experts help explore software, hardware, and business models, offering training and skills for innovation. They also support feasibility studies, business plans, and access to public and private funding.
Price:
Free services
Application:
Continuous
SNL EDIH - Klikopmorgen
#training #fundraisingSupport #businessdevelopment
EDIH South Netherlands (EDIH-SNL) helps SME manufacturers in Zeeland, North Brabant, and Limburg digitize. Hub Zuid focuses on agrifood, semicon, automotive, process, medical systems, and mechanical engineering with support like scans, coaching, advice, field labs, and workshops.
Price:
Free services
Application:
Continuous
HDS EDIH
#training #fundraisingSupport #businessdevelopment
Health Data Sweden (HDS) is a national ecosystem supporting SMEs and the public sector in health data innovation. With a strong network of regions, universities, and hubs, the hub offer tailored services, technical expertise, and funding advice to boost digital maturity from idea to product.
Price:
Free services
Application:
Continuous
FAIR EDIH
#training #fundraisingSupport #businessdevelopment
The Finnish AI Region (FAIR) offers free, low-threshold support to SMEs in AI, AR, HPC, and cybersecurity. Funded by the European Commission, Business Finland, and Helsinki's Innovation Fund, FAIR helps companies adopt smart digital solutions and grow their business.
Application:
Continuous
DIPS
#training #fundraisingSupport #businessdevelopment
The DIPS project – Digitalization and Innovation of Public Services – received the “Seal of Excellence” from the European Commission under the Digital Europe Programme. As a nationally funded initiative via PNRR, DIPS is part of the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) network serving public sector organisations.
Price:
Free services
Application:
Continuous
LLM Bridge
#incubation #training #mentoring #fundraising #grant
LLM-BRIDGE directly reinforces the European digital supply chain by establishing a pan-European ecosystem and programmes targeting the creation and growth of European GenAI ventures and helping them get ready for ambitious follow- up in the form of European Grand Challenges.
Funding:
25 000 EUR (incubation)
Price:
Free services
Application:
Q1 2026
Success stories
Digital Cities
"Thanks to EIT Digital, Forse AI has been able to rapidly enhance its AI-driven solutions that empower businesses to accelerate sales, optimise their operations and decision-making processes. The support from EIT Digital has facilitated strategic partnerships, mentorship, and access to valuable resources, enabling Forse AI to scale its innovative offerings. This collaboration has positioned Forse AI as a leader in the AI landscape, helping organisations unlock the full potential of their data for sustainable growth and efficiency."
Eva Narunovska, Forse AI
Digital Tech
"Our mission is to help physical businesses, from retail stores to airports, to digitalize their operations. Ariadne’s skill is to turn the operation process from a painful experience to a smooth almost game-like environment."
Georgios Pipelidis, Ariadne Maps
Digital Wellbeing
"Through EIT Digital acceleration, Joii has been able to expand its innovative healthcare platform, which connects patients with healthcare providers seamlessly. The support from EIT Digital has allowed Joii to enhance its technology, ensuring a user-friendly experience that prioritizes accessibility and quality care. With the mentorship and resources provided, Joii has strengthened its market position, enabling more patients to benefit from its services while fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals. These statements highlight the specific benefits each company has derived from their participation in the EIT Digital accelerator programme, showcasing their growth and innovations."
Justyna Strzeszynska, Joii Care
