#Germany #Brussels #EIT Digital #EU Initiative #Choose Europe

Bridging Digital Innovation: EIT Digital and the Choose Europe Initiative

EIT Digital, a premier European organization focused on digital innovation and entrepreneurial education, has announced a groundbreaking initiative designed to align strategically with the European Commission's 'Choose Europe' initiative. Launched on May 5, 2025, at the prestigious Sorbonne University in Paris, this initiative aims to attract researchers from the United States and entrepreneurs worldwide to the thriving digital innovation ecosystem in Europe.

The Choose Europe initiative boasts a substantial investment of €500 million from the European Union, complemented by an additional €100 million from France. Its primary objective is to position Europe as a global hub for scientific research and innovation, providing significant incentives for international researchers, especially from the U.S., such as exclusive 'super-scholarships', extended contracts, and relocation allowances.

In response, EIT Digital has crafted tailored programs to facilitate the integration of U.S. researchers, entrepreneurs, and global innovators into Europe's digital landscape. The initiative includes two primary tracks: one for researchers and another for entrepreneurs. These programs encompass:

• - SPIN Rise: A three-month hybrid pre-incubation program that equips participants with practical tools to enhance their applications for public funding and develop compelling pitches for potential investors.
• - SPIN Explore: An online course totaling nine hours, focusing on essential entrepreneurial skills and insights into transitioning innovations from the laboratory to the market.

EIT Digital's renowned Growth Services also offers a limited number of slots for U.S.-based scaleups. This initiative supports tech companies in accessing the necessary funds for expanding their operations in Europe through a structured approach that includes preparation, investor matching, and capital-raising support.

Early-stage entrepreneurs can participate in EIT Digital's Venture Incubation Program, a two-phase initiative combining entrepreneur training with business-building support.

Federico Menna, CEO of EIT Digital, expressed, "The 'Choose Europe' initiative presents an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen transatlantic scientific collaboration while offering global entrepreneurs the chance to benefit from the European lifestyle. Our specialized programs build on the European Commission's initiative, granting U.S. talents privileged access to Europe's digital innovation ecosystem, empowering them to leverage technology to tackle global challenges — essentially creating a space in Europe where they can establish themselves through EIT Digital."

This initiative aligns seamlessly with the European Commission's vision to transform Europe into a global magnet for researchers, offering scientific freedom, stable and predictable funding options, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant international community of top-tier talent.

Participation in EIT Digital's SPIN and Growth Services programs enables U.S. researchers and entrepreneurs to connect with a European network of over 350 partners, including universities, research centers, and leading technology companies.

For more about EIT Digital's programs for researchers and entrepreneurs based in the U.S., visit EIT Digital Global Innovators for Europe.

About EIT Digital

EIT Digital is a pan-European organization that promotes open innovation and entrepreneurial education. Since its inception, it has equipped over 3,500 students with the skills needed for innovation and entrepreneurship, supported more than 780 startups and scale-ups in their international growth, founded over 250 companies, and launched more than 540 products and services in the market.