EIT Jumpstarter unveils 2024 winners, awarding €150,000 to 24 start-ups addressing global challenges

The EIT Jumpstarter programme culminated in the Grand Final on 28 November 2024 in Budapest, where 24 science-driven start-ups were awarded €150,000. These winning ventures, focused on tackling global societal challenges, represent the next wave of entrepreneurs harnessing innovation to address pressing global issues.

Organized by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), the EIT Jumpstarter programme has proven to be a critical initiative in transforming early-stage ideas into thriving businesses. To date, it has helped establish over 124 science-based start-ups, contributing to the creation of more than 2,100 jobs and attracting €150 million in external investment.

As part of its commitment to tackling global societal challenges, the EIT Jumpstarter programme continues to expand its support to emerging regions, including Ukraine, the Western Balkans, and the Mediterranean. These areas are now central to the programme’s efforts to foster innovation and close the funding gap within Europe’s start-up ecosystem.

24 start-ups receive awards for groundbreaking solutions

Among the 24 winners of the EIT Jumpstarter programme are science-based start-ups such as NEAMO from Latvia, BIOCHIP-PATHFINDER from Portugal, and StoreNow from Portugal, each bringing forward innovative solutions aimed at addressing global societal challenges in food security, health, and energy.

Piotr Boulange, a representative of the EIT Jumpstarter programme, emphasized the programme’s role in supporting early-stage ventures. “Every euro invested in the programme generates 30 euros in external funding for these science-based start-ups, proving its value as a launchpad for entrepreneurs.”

Creating jobs, fostering innovation in underserved regions

In addition to financial support, the EIT Jumpstarter programme plays a pivotal role in creating jobs and fostering innovation in regions that face challenges in accessing traditional investment networks. Through its support of science-based start-ups, the programme helps bridge the gap between talent and funding, ensuring that innovative solutions can emerge from even the most underserved areas.

Martin Kern, Director of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, highlighted the importance of the programme in driving global societal challenges. He emphasized that ventures from non-Western countries are key to Europe’s future, as they contribute to innovation and job creation on a continental scale.

What’s next for EIT Jumpstarter?

As the EIT Jumpstarter programme looks ahead to 2025, it continues to prioritize the development of science-based start-ups from across Europe and beyond. The programme will open pre-registration for the next edition in January, offering new entrepreneurs the chance to transform their innovative ideas into viable businesses that tackle global societal challenges.

Through its ongoing efforts, the EIT Jumpstarter programme aims to nurture a sustainable start-up ecosystem that tackles urgent global problems and empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs.