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 who are interested in exploring the commercial potential of their work. The programme is particularly suited to early-career researchers - such as PhD candidates and Post-Doctoral fellows - who are looking to develop entrepreneurial skills, gain exposure to industry, and take their first steps toward IP valorisation.
Participants may apply individually or as part of a team. No prior entrepreneurial experience is required.
Which SPIN: Rise track is right for you?
SPIN: Rise 2025 offers four distinct programme tracks, each centred on a key innovation domain. Find the track that fits your research focus and aspirations, and connect with a dynamic community of researchers working to turn scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact.
Smart Manufacturing and Digital Factories
For researchers leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies—AI, robotics, IoT, digital twins, and advanced manufacturing—to advance automation, efficiency, and customisation in the next generation of industrial systems.
Digital Health and AI-Driven Wellbeing
For researchers exploring how AI, IoT, and digital technologies can transform healthcare and wellbeing, improving diagnostics, patient outcomes, and system-level care delivery.
Cyber-Resilient Societies and Trustworthy AI
For researchers developing cybersecurity, digital trust, and data governance solutions that ensure safe, ethical, and secure digital infrastructures.
Dual-Use Tech for Civil and Security Applications
For researchers developing frontier technologies—such as advanced sensing, AI-enabled decision support, autonomous systems, quantum, and space-related hardware—with applications across both civilian and security domains.
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
| July 2025 | September 2025 | September/October 2025 | November/December 2025 |
| Applications open | Applications close | Programmes start | Programmes end |
Cost
EIT Digital Partners: Fully funded spots are available for selected researchers and scientists. This includes all programme activities and accommodation during the in-person bootcamp.
Non-Partner Organisations: Limited fully funded spots are available, covering full participation and accommodation. Applicants should select “Other organisation” in the application form to be considered. Additional participants from the same institution may be enrolled through an institutional collaboration agreement with EIT Digital.
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.
