Total Energy, the winner in the EIT RawMaterials category, develops lightweight and flexible solar cells for use on novel surfaces. DELTAsort, awarded second place in the EIT InnoEnergy category, specializes in robotic automation of waste sorting, making recycling more efficient, scalable, and accessible for facilities of all sizes.
The EIT Jumpstarter program, led by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), plays a crucial role in developing entrepreneurial talent and transforming innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. Since 2017, the program has trained 1,180 participants, resulting in the establishment of 124 new startups and the creation of 2,100 new jobs. These startups have collectively attracted €150 million in external investments, showcasing a significant return on investment, where every euro invested generates €30 in external funding.
“The number of startups established in non-Western countries through programs like EIT Jumpstarter grows each year, and many entrepreneurial projects from previous editions have now reached multimillion-dollar valuations. This is particularly important for closing the financial gap in Europe’s innovation ecosystem. The program helps create new jobs, brings new skills, and fosters entrepreneurship in the region,” said Piotr Boulange, a representative of the EIT Jumpstarter program. He added, “Given that every euro invested in the program generates €30 in external funding for newly established startups, EIT Jumpstarter truly acts as a launchpad for talented founders.”
In 2025, the EIT Jumpstarter program plans to expand its support to talents from Ukraine, the Western Balkans, the Mediterranean, and the EU’s outermost regions, continuing its mission to strengthen European innovation (pre-registration is already available)
