Scale up your deep tech business
EIT Digital Challenge Winners 2021
On September 21, the 20 most promising deep tech scaleups competed in the final of the EIT Digital Challenge 2021, where they presented their innovative digital solutions to the jury of industry experts and investors.
The first prize went to Connecting Food from France. The other two winners are Cubbit (Italy) and Nect (Germany).
In 2021, a record number of 409 scaleups from 33 countries applied in the 8th edition of the EIT Digital’s flagship contest for digital deep tech companies.
The EIT Digital Challenge targets European digital technology scaleups focused on fast growth of their business in Europe and worldwide. The companies applied in one of five strategic innovation areas: Digital Tech, Digital Industry, Digital Cities, Digital Finance and Digital Wellbeing.
The 3 winners of 2021’s edition have raised on average €7 million funding, have average revenue of €1.4 million and average team size of 45 people. They will join the EIT Digital Accelerator program for their European expansion, both fundraising and customer acquisition. In addition to that, first prize winner receives a cash prize of €100,000.
Stay tuned for the EIT Digital Challenge 2022!
STAY IN TOUCH
Stay tuned for the latest updates about the EIT Digital Challenge, also news from our scaleup ecosystem, events and offers.
Prize package
The best 3 companies receive a full year of tailored international growth support by the EIT Digital Accelerator worth €50,000 to scale up their business. On top of that, the first place winner receives a cash prize of €100,000.
€100,000
The 1st place winner receives €100,000 cash prize.
FUNDRAISING SUPPORT
Benefit from the Access to Market and Access to Finance support provided by a dedicated team of experienced business developers and financing specialists operating from 17 major European cities and a hub in Silicon Valley. They will support you in growing your business internationally and raising international capital.
INNOVATION NETWORK
Get access to our network of 200+ renowned partners across Europe consisting of corporations, SMEs, startups, universities and research institutes.
VISIBILITY
We will communicate your success and share your story through our powerful on- and offline channels and leading European media outlets, generating valuable international exposure for your business.
Criteria
Fast-growing technology company with international ambitions
Company max. ten years old*
Company incorporated in EU27 or Horizon Europe Associated Countries**
Growth stage: min. €300,000 in revenue*** or €2,000,000 in funding
*Company incorporated after 01/01/2011
**See the full list of countries here.
***€300,000 revenue in full year 2020, or until the date of application in 2021
Startups in growth stage (scaleups) can apply in five thematic areas: Digital Tech, Digital Industry, Digital Cities, Digital Wellbeing, and Digital Finance. Learn more about them here.
All submissions will be evaluated by internal and external experts. We will examine the market and internationalization potential of your product or service as well as the quality of your core team. We will also consider the fit of your product or service to our thematic areas and the impact our support could have on your business.
In addition, you must be prepared to pitch in public. Pitch and application must be done in English. Make sure to read our contest conditions and check the FAQ page. If you have any further questions don't hesitate to contact us at challenge@eitdigital.eu.
Highlights of the final 2021
The exclusive final event of EIT Digital Challenge brings together the most prominent European tech scaleups, innovation stakeholders, investors, and industry representatives - a unique opportunity for networking and business development.
Let's keep in touch
Have ideas for cooperation? Contact us at challenge@eitdigital.eu.
Stay up to date with the latest news about EIT Digital Challenge through social media.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin!
Find out about EIT Digital's activities for startups and scaleups - subscribe to our mailing list for all important updates.
STAY IN TOUCH
Stay tuned for the latest updates about the EIT Digital Challenge, also news from our scaleup ecosystem, events and offers.