Deadline: 23-Sep-2026
The European Commission has launched an Innovation Actions funding opportunity to strengthen the growth and innovation potential of creative startups and scaleups across Europe.
The initiative supports disruptive, scalable, and cross-sectoral innovation within the cultural and creative industries.
Programme Objectives
The call aims to:
- Support growth of creative startups and scaleups
- Promote disruptive innovation in creative industries
- Encourage cross-sector collaboration and innovation
- Improve support systems for scaling businesses
- Strengthen engagement from investors and policymakers
- Promote successful innovation and market disruption models
Key Focus Areas
The programme focuses on:
- Creative and cultural industries innovation
- Startup scaling and commercialization
- Cross-sectoral innovation models
- Investor and ecosystem engagement
- Innovation support systems and policy development
- Market disruption and business growth strategies
Funding Information
- Total available funding: €12,000,000
- Funding type: Innovation Actions under Horizon Europe
- Supports collaborative and innovation-driven projects
Eligible Participants
Eligible applicants may include:
- Any legal entity worldwide
- Organisations from EU and non-associated third countries
- International organisations
- Affiliated entities and associated partners
- Associations and interest groupings
- EU bodies and the Joint Research Centre
Participants must:
- Register in the Participant Register
- Obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC)
- Complete validation procedures before grant agreement signing
Why This Initiative Matters
Creative startups often face challenges in scaling innovative ideas and accessing investment. This initiative helps strengthen Europe’s creative economy by supporting scalable business models, disruptive technologies, and stronger collaboration between creative sectors and innovation ecosystems.
Expected Outcomes
The programme aims to:
- Improve growth opportunities for creative startups
- Strengthen innovation ecosystems in Europe
- Increase investor participation in creative industries
- Develop scalable support methods for startups
- Promote successful creative innovation models
Who Should Apply
- Creative startups and scaleups
- Cultural and creative industry organisations
- Innovation hubs and incubators
- Research and innovation institutions
- Enterprise support organisations
- Investor and funding ecosystem partners
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting projects without innovation or scaling potential
- Weak cross-sector collaboration strategies
- Lack of market disruption or commercialization focus
- Incomplete PIC registration or validation requirements
- Limited engagement with investors or ecosystem stakeholders
Key Terms
- Scaleup: A startup experiencing rapid business growth
- Disruptive innovation: Innovation that significantly changes existing markets or industries
- Cross-sectoral innovation: Collaboration across multiple industries or sectors
- Creative industries: Sectors involving culture, media, arts, design, and creative technologies
- PIC (Participant Identification Code): Registration number required for EU funding participation
FAQ
- What is this European Commission call about?
- It supports innovative creative startups and scaleups across Europe
- Focus is on disruptive and cross-sectoral innovation
- How much funding is available?
- Total funding available is €12 million
- Who can apply?
- Any eligible legal entity, including international organisations and non-EU participants
- What sectors are targeted?
- Cultural and creative industries, including innovation-driven creative businesses
- What type of innovation is encouraged?
- Disruptive, scalable, and cross-sector innovation models
- What registration is required?
- Applicants must obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC) through the EU Participant Register
Conclusion
The European Commission Innovation Actions call supports the growth of creative startups and scaleups by promoting disruptive innovation, ecosystem collaboration, and scalable business development across Europe’s cultural and creative industries.
For more information, visit European Commission.