Pitch opportunity for EIC Transition startups at the EIC Summit in Brussels

Access2EIC and EuroQuity-Bpifrance have opened a targeted call for startups that are beneficiaries of the EIC Transition programme. The organisers will select six deeptech startups to present live at the EIC Summit on Monday 18 March 2024. The onsite pitching session is scheduled to start at 9:30 am Central European Time. Interested startups must submit an application by 22 January 2024 at midnight.

Event essentials and deadlines

What this opportunity offers and what it does not

Being selected provides concentrated exposure at a flagship EIC event. Startups can gain visibility with investors, corporate partners and policy actors who typically attend the Summit. The announcement references a 'prominent jury' but does not list members or specify prize money or guaranteed follow on support. Startups should treat the pitch as an awareness and networking opportunity rather than as an assured route to funding.

Who should consider applying

The call is limited to startups that are EIC Transition beneficiaries. The Selection will be competitive because only six organisations will be chosen to present live. Because the session is onsite, applicants must be able to travel to Brussels and present in person on the scheduled morning.

Practical advice for applicants

Given the small number of speaking slots, prepare a concise, investor oriented pitch. Emphasise market need, technology readiness, competitive advantage and the specific ask or next step you seek. Bring clear evidence of traction or credible milestones from your Transition project. Rehearse for a live in person format and plan for travel and scheduling constraints. Because the call notes a 'prominent jury' but provides no further detail, applicants should assume judges will focus on readiness to scale and potential for commercial impact.

Selection transparency and limits to claims

The call gives few details about selection criteria, jury composition or outcomes tied to selection. That is common for promotional calls but it reduces transparency for applicants. Startups should therefore view the pitch as a visibility and networking moment rather than as a formal guarantee of follow up funding from the organisers. Any subsequent investor interest will depend on the usual commercial due diligence and separate negotiation steps.

How to apply

Eligible Transition beneficiaries should apply using the application form referenced in the original call. The deadline is 22 January 2024 at midnight. Because the session is onsite only, applicants must be available in Brussels on 18 March 2024 at the scheduled time.

Why this matters for the European deeptech ecosystem

High visibility pitching events at EU level play a role in connecting deeptech innovators with investors, corporate partners and policy makers. They can accelerate deal making and help startups move from technology validation to market adoption. However these opportunities are limited in number and can favour teams that are already well prepared or well connected. Initiatives such as Access2EIC and EuroQuity broaden the channels of support but they do not by themselves address persistent challenges in European deeptech scaling such as access to late stage capital, international market access and the fragmented nature of investor networks across member states.