The NEXT-HEI Startup Support Programme aims to accelerate the growth of innovative startups, spin-offs, and HEI-affiliated innovators across Europe.
The call seeks to:
This call does not provide financial grants, but selected participants will receive high-value services and capacity building designed to accelerate their venture’s growth, boost investment readiness, and strengthen integration within regional and European innovation ecosystems.
The current EoI targets only the first cohort.
10 innovators (Track A) + 10 startups/spinoffs (Track B)
15 innovators (Track A) + 20 startups/spinoffs (Track B)
This call is open to startups, spin-offs, and HEI-affiliated innovators from EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries.
Early-stage innovators such as students, researchers, or interdisciplinary teams affiliated with HEIs who are working on novel business concepts but have not yet formed a legal entity.
The goal of Track A is to help participants validate their ideas, develop a minimum viable product (MVP), and build foundational entrepreneurial skills. Participants will be guided through structured steps including value proposition design, user discovery, business model development, and preparation for incorporation. This track is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs who need hands-on support in shaping their first venture.
Startups or university spin-offs that have already been legally registered and are in the early stages of their development.
Track B offers advanced support on topics such as go-to-market strategy, investment readiness, regulatory pathways, growth management, and building strategic partnerships. It is designed to equip high-potential startups with the tools, networks, and expertise needed to transition to the next growth stage.
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affiliated with any Higher Education Institution (HEI) located in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country. These may include students, early-career researchers, doctoral candidates, postdocs, or academic staff who are actively developing an innovative idea with commercial potential. Projects should relate to high-impact domains such as digital transformation, deep tech, artificial intelligence, space/new space, green tech.
that have emerged from or maintain a formal link with a HEI. Eligible ventures should demonstrate a validated problem-solution fit, early traction or a defined customer segment, and be in a pre-seed, seed or early growth stage. The programme is particularly suited to startups that are developing technology-based or knowledge-intensive solutions with strong societal or environmental relevance.
Special attention will be given to:
with gender-balanced leadership structures (40% of women-led).
including students and early-career researchers (70% of young).
as classified by the European Innovation Scoreboard (minimum 60% of selected participants will be from these regions).
Applications within the following high-impact technological domains:
Selected participants will receive comprehensive,non-financial acceleration support designed to advance their innovation journeyand strengthen their market position. The programme includes:
Personalised guidance through dedicated coaching sessions with experienced entrepreneurs, startup advisors and domain experts.
designed to match the unique needs of each track.
structured formats to share challenges and solutions with peers in similar sectors or stages.
tailored diagnostics and coaching to elevate investment strategy.
Amplification of success stories, team profiles,and market traction through targeted communication on NEXT-HEI digital channels, EU networks, newsletters and partner media.
Applications must be submitted via the official NEXT-HEI online form, available on the project website. The process includes:
Completing the application form (Expression of Interest)
Providing all required information and documentation.
Submitting before the official deadline.
Applications will be evaluated based on relevance, innovation, team capacity, impact potential, inclusivity, and scalability. The open call will act on a “first come, first served” approach, so we encourage all potential applicants to submit your proposals as soon as possible.
Deadline for Submissions
Notification of Selected Startups
Programme Start
Programme Duration
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