Up to €30,000 and nine months of venture-building for creative tech ideas

Are you working on an innovative idea at the intersection of technology, creativity, and sustainability? If so, the new Spark Call “New Ventures in Creative Tech” from EIT Culture & Creativity might be just the thing for you.

We are looking for founders and interdisciplinary teams from the cultural and creative sectors and industries (CCSI) who are already working on a creative tech concept, have taken the first steps in its development, and would like to build a viable business based on it.

The first round of the program focuses on technology-driven projects in the areas of materials and the built environment. These include, among other things, innovations in the fields of fashion, architecture, and advanced and circular materials.

Selected teams will receive funding of up to €30,000 and participate in a nine-month venture creation program. The program kicks off with a multi-day CreaTech Startup Sprint in a European city. Together with international experts, coaches, and other founders, participants work on refining their problem-solution fit and honing their business model.

A nine-month online program will then support the further development of the project. In addition to individual coaching and mentoring, the teams can expect workshops on relevant business and industry topics. Additional technology partnerships will support the further development of the projects, while appearances at major European events will provide visibility and networking opportunities.

Individuals or small multidisciplinary teams with an innovative business concept who have not yet founded a company and wish to develop a scalable, technology-driven business model are eligible to apply. Applicants must reside or have their company headquarters in an EU member state or a country associated with Horizon Europe.

For those interested, online information sessions will be held on October 20 and November 10, 2026. During these sessions, the call for proposals will be presented and questions will be answered.

Submission deadline: November 16, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (CET)

In short: The Spark Call is aimed at people with a promising creative-tech idea who want to take the next step and turn their concept into a business. In addition to financial support, they gain access to international expertise, coaching, and a strong European network.