What is SPIN: Rise?
SPIN: Rise is a hybrid venture-creation and pre-incubation programme designed for researchers and scientists keen on exploring how their work can drive change and create impact beyond academia.
Through a mix of online training, personalised coaching, and an immersive in-person bootcamp in a leading European innovation hub, participants explore pathways for IP and Technology valorisation - ranging from licensing and industry collaboration to venture creation - while building entrepreneurial skills to translate research into real-world impact.
Who should apply?
SPIN: Rise is open to deep-tech researchers working on cutting edge research with potential for commercial impact.
The programme focus on early-career researchers such as PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows.
Participants may apply individually or as part of a team.
Participants must be affiliated with a University or Research Organisation in the European Union, or in a Horizon Europe associated country.
2026 Edition
SPIN: Rise 2026 offers four distinct programme tracks, each centred on a key industry-driven innovation domain and delivered by a leading 28DIGITAL partner with deep expertise in the field. Find the track that best aligns with your research and aspirations, and join a dynamic community of researchers working to turn scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact.
Timeline
| 5 June 2026 | 5 September 2026 | September 2026 | November 2026 |
| Applications open | Applications close* | Programmes start | Programmes end |
*Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. After submitting your application, you will be notified of the outcome within 2 weeks of submission.
Which track is right for you?
Ventures in Emerging & Critical Technologies for Aerospace & Robotics
Hosted by
Bootcamp in Turin, Italy
Learning structure
SPIN: Rise combines expert-led training, 1:1 mentoring, and peer learning, culminating in an in-person bootcamp where participants apply skills, connect with investors, and refine their plans for next steps.
By participating in SPIN: Rise, participants learn:
- How to identify and develop the commercial potential of their research, including IP valorisation, licensing opportunities, and industry engagement strategies.
- How to design viable business models and communicate their innovation to investors and prospective partners.
- How to navigate the early steps of research commercialisation, from understanding funding pathways to preparing for market entry.
Apply
Participation to the SPIN: Rise programme is free of charge for selected participants. This includes access to all programme activities and accommodation during the in-person bootcamp. Please note that all participants are responsible for covering their own travel expenses.
Applications are welcome from both 28DIGITAL partner institutions as well as other organisations. Eligible applicants will be assessed based on the potential of their project, the motivation and commitment demonstrated, and the alignment of their application with the SPIN: Rise thematic tracks.
As part of the ongoing collaboration between 28DIGITAL and the European Innovation Council (EIC), up to 5 places per thematic track are reserved for EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition beneficiaries.
Accelerate Your Physical AI Venture with e-Novia
Through the partnership of 28DIGITAL with e-Novia, a Milan-based Venture Studio specialising in Physical AI, selected participants can access hands-on venture building support after the programme. This includes multidisciplinary support across design, engineering, prototyping, marketing, and business development. This integrated framework enables teams to validate their solutions and engage effectively with industrial partners, creating the conditions for strategic matchmaking and collaborative growth.
Physical AI Focus
For researchers at the intersection of AI, sensing, robotics, embedded systems and smart manufacturing.
Venture Building
e-Novia provides multidisciplinary capabilities across design, engineering, prototyping, marketing, and business development.
Industry Matching
Access e-Novia's network of corporate and industrial partners to validate and scale your technology.
When applying to any of the four tracks of SPIN:Rise, indicate if your research involves Physical AI technologies. Eligible applicants will be automatically considered for this pathway.
FAQ
Do I need to be from an 28DIGITAL partner university to apply?
No. While priority is given to applicants from 28DIGITAL partner universities, a limited number of spots are available for researchers from non-partner institutions.
Can I join if I don’t have a spinoff or startup yet?
Yes. The programme is for researchers exploring the early stages of commercialisation, including licensing, partnerships, and venture creation. Applicants are not expected to have a business plan or startup in place.
What is the in-person bootcamp and is attendance required?
Each programme ends with an in-person bootcamp in a leading European innovation hub, where participants refine their ideas, pitch, and connect with peers and industry. Attendance is required and accommodation is covered if needed.
How are participants selected?
Participants are selected based on their research profile, motivation, fit with the programme themes, and potential for impact. Priority is given to researchers from 28DIGITAL partner institutions.
You can find the application review process in this document.
2025 Edition
Looking for information about the 2025 edition?
SPIN: Rise 2025
SPIN: Rise 2025 offered four distinct programme tracks, each centred on a key industry-driven innovation domain and delivered by a leading 28DIGITAL partner with deep expertise in the field.
Pitch the Science: Driving Digital and Circular Innovation in Manufacturing - Hosted by B4i – Bocconi for innovation
REWIRE: Health Tech & Wellbeing Commercialisation Lab - Hosted by Applejack Lab, Instituto Pedro Nunes and PitchBob.io
Cybersecurity Launchpad - Hosted by SIBB
Evolve DualTech - Hosted by Verhaert Strategic Innovation
