Bridging Continents: EIT Digital Supports 'Choose Europe' Initiative
On May 12, 2025, EIT Digital, a leading European organization in digital innovation and entrepreneurial education, announced its support for the European Commission's new initiative, "Choose Europe." This initiative aims to attract American researchers and international entrepreneurs to Europe’s vibrant digital innovation ecosystem.
Launched on May 5, 2025, at the prestigious University of Sorbonne in Paris, "Choose Europe" is backed by a significant investment from the European Union totaling €500 million, alongside €100 million from France. The program is designed to transform Europe into a global hub for scientific research and innovation, offering substantial incentives such as “super grants,” extended contracts, and relocation bonuses for international researchers, particularly those from the U.S.
In response to this ambitious initiative, EIT Digital has created tailored programs to ensure a smooth transition for American researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators seeking to immerse themselves in the European digital landscape. The initiative encompasses a dedicated component for researchers, operated by the EIT Digital Silicon Valley Foundation, and a focused segment for startups.
Key Components of EIT Digital's Initiative
1.
SPIN Rise: This hybrid pre-incubation program spans three months and equips participants with practical tools to enhance public funding applications and pitch compelling presentations to potential investors.
2.
SPIN Explore: A nine-hour online course that provides fundamental business skills and insights into how laboratory innovations can successfully reach the market.
Additionally, EIT Digital's acclaimed Growth Services program has set aside positions for high-potential U.S. startups. This initiative supports tech companies in securing the necessary funding to expand their operations in Europe, utilizing a structured approach that includes preparation, investor relations, and fundraising assistance.
Start-up entrepreneurs can also access EIT Digital's
Venture Incubation Program, which follows a two-phase approach combining entrepreneurial training with hands-on startup support.
Federico Menna, CEO of EIT Digital, remarked, "The 'Choose Europe' initiative represents an extraordinary opportunity to enhance transatlantic scientific collaboration, offering entrepreneurs worldwide the chance to embrace the European lifestyle. Our specialized programs complement the European Commission's framework by granting American talent direct access to the European digital innovation ecosystem. This not only allows them to contribute towards solving global challenges via technology but also provides them with a welcoming landing space in Europe through EIT Digital."
The EIT Digital initiative aligns seamlessly with the European Commission's vision of making Europe an attractive destination for researchers, affording them scientific freedom, stable and predictable funding opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities, and a dynamic international community comprising top-tier talent.
Participation in EIT Digital's SPIN and Growth Services programs enables American researchers and entrepreneurs to connect with an extensive European network of over 350 partners, including leading universities, research centers, and technology firms.
For further details about EIT Digital's programs aimed at researchers and entrepreneurs based in the United States, visit
www.eitdigital.eu/globalinnovatorsforeurope.
About EIT Digital
EIT Digital is a pan-European organization promoting open innovation and entrepreneurial education. Since its inception, EIT Digital has empowered over 3,500 students with the necessary skills to innovate and become entrepreneurs. It has also supported more than 780 startups and growing businesses in their international expansion, created over 250 companies, and commercially launched more than 540 products and services.