Turn Your Idea into a startup with EIT Jumpstarter
Do you have an innovative idea and the ambition to turn it into a real business?
EIT Jumpstarter, is a seven‑month pre‑acceleration programme designed to help you take the crucial first steps from idea to startup. Through its vertical structure, specifically designed for Maltese-based applicants in collaboration with Xjenza Malta, the programme provides sector-specific support, tailored mentoring, and targeted training to help you effectively develop and position your idea to be able to take it to the market.
EIT Jumpstarter supports researchers, innovators, students and idea holders who want to validate their concepts, build strong business foundations and prepare for launching a company.
Who is it for?
The programme is open to individuals and teams based in Malta (researchers, master’s or PhD students, or other professionals and idea owners) intending to establish a startup or startups registered as of 1st January 2026
You don’t need a company just yet, just a strong idea and the motivation to explore its market potential.
Information Session
An online information session with more details on the EIT Jumpstarter programme will be held on Tuesday 7 April 2026 at 12:30pm.
Click here to Register for the Online Information Session
Application deadline
Please submit your application by May 8, 2026 23:59 pm through the dedicated application platform at http://myeitfood.eu
What you will gain
Over the course of seven months, selected participants will:
- Develop core entrepreneurial and business skills
- Learn how to validate their idea and market need
- Gain access to high‑quality mentoring and networking opportunities across the EIT Community
- Work alongside carefully selected peers, ensuring high‑value peer learning
- Learn how to transform an innovative concept into a market‑ready product or service
Funding and prizes
The most promising teams receive financial support during the programme, and finalists will have the chance to compete for prizes of up to €10,000 to further advance their development.
What’s next after Jumpstarter?
Throughout the programme, teams are expected to make tangible progress towards company incorporation, preparing them for entry into advanced accelerators and follow-up programmes managed by EIT and Xjenza Malta.
If you are ready to test your idea, gain entrepreneurial confidence and take the first real step towards building a startup, EIT Jumpstarter is your starting point.
