What is SPIN: Rise?
SPIN: Rise is a hybrid entrepreneurial training and pre-incubation programme designed for researchers and scientists curious about 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 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 researchers at any career stage, with a particular focus on early-career researchers such as PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows. Applicants should be working on a research-based innovation with potential for commercial impact. Motivated MSc students may also apply, provided they are actively involved in a research project with clear market relevance.
Participants may apply individually or as part of a team. No prior entrepreneurial experience is required.
Participants must be affiliated with a University or Research Organisation in the European Union, or in a Horizon Europe associated country.
Which SPIN: Rise track is right for you?
SPIN: Rise 2025 offers four distinct programme tracks, each centred on a key industry-driven innovation domain and delivered by a leading EIT Digital 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.
Pitch the Science: Driving Digital and Circular Innovation in Manufacturing
Hosted by
Bootcamp in Milan
What will you learn?
SPIN: Rise programmes are structured around expert-led training, 1:1 mentoring, and peer learning - culminating in an in-person bootcamp where participants apply their skills, connect with stakeholders, 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.
Timeline
| 9 July 2025 | 15 September 2025 | September/October 2025 | November/December 2025 |
| 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 2-3 weeks of submission.
Applications for Cybersecurity Launchpad and Pitch the Science: Driving Digital and Circular Innovation in Manufacturing have been extended until 22 September 2025.
Apply
Participation in 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 EIT Digital 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. You can find application review criteria here.
As part of the ongoing collaboration between EIT Digital and the European Innovation Council (EIC), up to 5 places per thematic track are reserved for EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition beneficiaries.
FAQ
Do I need to be from an EIT Digital partner university to apply?
No. While priority is given to applicants from EIT Digital 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 EIT Digital partner institutions.
You can find the application review process in this document.
