Acceler8 welcomes President Ursula von der Leyen’s announcement that FP10 (Framework Programme 10) will stand as an independent initiative, separate from the EU’s competitiveness fund. Having spent years working alongside researchers, supporting startups and spin-offs, and fostering innovation ecosystems across Europe, we have seen firsthand the positive impact of previous FPs. Ensuring continuity is essential for sustained progress.

Recent developments in the US, coupled with economic uncertainty have highlighted the ongoing challenge of maintaining an enabling environment where science can thrive and translate into market results. FP8 and FP9 have already made significant progress in bridging the gap between the laboratory and the market, expanding opportunities for SME innovation, improving knowledge valorisation, and strengthening entrepreneurial skills.

The European Innovation Council (EIC), the flagship of the European Commission’s innovation strategy, has proven to be a world-class platform for supporting deep tech breakthroughs and commercialisation, attracting both public and private investment. As beneficiaries of EIC Transition (EBeam4Therapy, AQLAS, COOLED and Biopure), we have partnered with researchers to tackle critical commercialisation tasks and have witnessed the capability of these funds in advancing concrete commercial plans.

To maximise the impact of FP10, it is vital to strengthen its connections with complementary initiatives, established methodologies and key outcomes from other EU programmes, while also addressing persistent barriers to entrepreneurship in Europe. Through projects like Venture Alliances (which connects academics and entrepreneurs), Ventures Thrive, (supporting startups in widening countries), and Rinnovalleys, Acceler8 has worked to overcome these challenges with targeted interventions. These initiatives have:

  • Strengthened ties between academia and entrepreneurs
  • Enabled startups in widening countries to raise funds and compete on a more level playing field
  • Helped peripheral innovation ecosystems connect with more advanced hubs and build their own capabilities

A clear example of success is Ventures Thrive, a €1.5 million growth and investment programme where we supported startups from low innovation (Widening) countries in their commercialisation efforts. The results speak for themselves:  we enabled startups to raise an additional €12 million in private funds, €4 million in public funding, generating €2 million in revenue, effectively raising their valuation by an average of €2 million since 2023, and culminating in one successful exit. Startups in our growth programme raised 10 times more funding, had 20 times more client and investor interactions, and created 40 jobs.

Where startups from low-innovation countries accessed tailored support and funding, they can compete more equally with peers from advanced ecosystems – just like Ventures Thrive grantee VCG.ai managed to get EIC Accelerator funding. Recently, we signed an MoU with Azerbaijan’s Yeni Fikir to adapt the Ventures Thrive model to their accelerator, sharing best practices beyond Europe and along the Silk Road.

Addressing regional disparities, supporting researchers from the idea stage, and fostering interconnected ecosystems are hallmarks of the EU’s innovation agenda. This approach ensures that the best ideas reach the market, regardless of local ecosystem challenges. With low innovator (Widening) countries’ partners present in 58% of projects, up 11% from the last FP, now, more than ever, the EU should continue supporting adapted programmes and continue incorporating feedback from beneficiaries, applicants, and ecosystem partners.

Close collaboration with the private sector has already led to key improvements in the EIC and the recent announcement of a 28th EU regime to simplify startup operations at the EU level. The EIC Pre Accelerator programme promises to give a boost to dozens of Widening startups. As EIC partners, we are enthusiastic about these changes and remain committed to advancing EU startups and strengthening our innovation ecosystems, equitably.

To build on the progress made since the EIC was created 2021, it is essential to reinforce FP10. Every Euro invested in the FP is expected to produce 11 Euros in benefits by 2045. A prosperous Europe requires not only increasing funding but also maintaining dedicated support for emerging innovator countries, facilitating cooperation beyond the EU, and continuing to help higher education institutions transition towards entrepreneurial market-oriented models. At A8, we are proud to be active stakeholders in shaping future FP programmes, EU and local innovation ecosystems. 

Click here to learn more about FP10.