Noticia

Paris, 13 June 2022. EIT Manufacturing, a manufacturing-focused Knowledge and Innovation Community within the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, is inviting startups to apply for the BoostUp! 2022 competition, which opened for applications today, 13 June 2022.

The competition is open to startups that have shown the usefulness of their solution through cooperation with a large manufacturing corporation, either by means of a pilot or a proof-of-concept project to demonstrate the validity of their idea. The competition specifically targets startups with solutions that fall within one of EIT Manufacturing’s flagships:

• Flexible production systems for competitive manufacturing
• Low environmental footprint systems & circular economy for green manufacturing
• Digital & collaborative solutions for innovative manufacturing ecosystems
• Human-machine co-working for socially sustainable manufacturing

Twenty finalists will be invited to the BoostUp! 2022 Grand Final on 7 October 2022 to showcase their pilot or proof-of-concept and compete for cash prizes and support services. Up to eight startups will be awarded a €20,000 cash prize and a package of services to support them in fundraising and accessing the new market and fundraising markets. There will also be €5,000 cash prizes for the top-ranked startup from a Regional Innovation Scheme country and the top ranked female-led startup.

Taking place in Athens, Greece the BoostUp! 2022 Grand Final will culminate with an exclusive networking and matchmaking soiree where startup finalists will be able to meet international experts, corporate manufacturing executives, and investors.

BoostUp! 2022 is the fifth edition of the BoostUp! series. Previous editions have resulted in several dozen startups being supported directly by EIT Manufacturing with new client introductions, assistance with fundraising, and, in some cases, direct financial investment from EIT Manufacturing.

“BoostUp! 2022 is an exciting competition that gives a boost of public exposure to startups, including those that have not been on EIT Manufacturing’s radar,” said Kaitlin McGovern, Senior Program Manager at EIT Manufacturing. “The objective is to showcase and reward the next generation of European manufacturing innovators and help them scale faster and further.”

• About EIT and EIT Manufacturing
The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) strengthens Europe’s ability to innovate by powering solutions to pressing global challenges and by nurturing entrepreneurial talent to create sustainable growth and skilled jobs in Europe. The EIT is an EU body that is an integral part of Horizon Europe, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. The Institute supports the development of dynamic pan-European partnerships – EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities – among leading companies, research labs and universities.

EIT Manufacturing is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, and it is one of eight innovation communities within EIT. EIT Manufacturing’s main goal is to bring European stakeholders focused on manufacturing together in innovation ecosystems that add unique value to European products, processes and services and inspire the creation of globally competitive and sustainable manufacturing. EIT Manufacturing brings together more than 80 members (universities, research institutes and businesses).

• About Business Creation opportunities at EIT Manufacturing
The BoostUp! competition series seeks to identify and support promising startups focused on scaling their solutions to solve today’s most pressing manufacturing challenges. Led by the Business Creation team at EIT Manufacturing, the BoostUp! competition is one of several opportunities for entrepreneurs. Promising startups can also join our Switch On or Supercharge programmes for tailored access to market and access to finance support. For corporates and SMEs, the team offers access to innovative technologies from across Europe, open-innovation support for industrial challenges, and assistance to put together consortia to co-fund projects and find new business opportunities.

EIT Manufacturing — Making Innovation Happen!