Ready4EIC: new training programme for innovative SMEs in EU enlargement countries
Are you an innovative startup or SME looking to bring your product, technology or business model to market, secure funding or expand internationally?
“Ready4EIC – Accessing funding and enabling growth” can help you prepare for these next steps. The European Commission-funded programme is designed for ambitious startups and innovative SMEs from EU enlargement countries that want to strengthen their funding readiness, growth potential and access to future opportunities.
Ready4EIC is open to startups and innovative SMEs based in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo*, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine. The programme is aimed at companies developing an innovative product, service, technology, process or business model that are seeking funding, preparing for investor engagement, or exploring European funding opportunities, including Horizon Europe and the European Innovation Council (EIC).
What does Ready4EIC offer?
Participating companies will work with dedicated Innovation Advisors at local innovation hubs to assess their needs, identify areas for improvement, and define practical next steps for their business.
The programme combines practical training sessions, tailored one-to-one consultations with innovation hubs and the Ready4EIC team, tools and guidance that can be applied directly within the company, and opportunities to engage with investors and innovation ecosystem organisations.
Who will deliver the programme?
Training, mentoring and advisory support will be delivered by Innovation Advisors from the following participating hubs, with guidance and support from the Ready4EIC service delivery team:
- Enterimpact Balkans, Albania
- FabLab, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- ONEX Digital Innovation Hub, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Startup Büro, Georgia
- Innovation & Training Park Prizren, Kosovo
- Agency for Innovation, Scientific and Technological Development and Entrepreneurship (INOVA), North Macedonia
- Tekwill ICT Technology, Republic of Moldova
- Science and Technology Park, Montenegro
- Science Technology Park Belgrade, Serbia
- ITÜ ARI Teknokent, Türkiye
- Techosystem, Ukraine.
How is the programme structured?
Ready4EIC is delivered in two rounds, offering up to four months of structured capacity-building support.
Round 1 will run for approximately two months and will provide participants with the core knowledge and tools needed to strengthen their innovation and growth plans.
Round 2 will be offered to selected participants and will run for two months, providing more advanced support for scaling, investment readiness and access to deep-tech funding.
Training programme details
Where: Online via Webex
Apply now: https://bit.ly/4wqj0ux
Applications are open until 16 August 2026, 23:59 CEST.
For more information about the programme or the application process click here or contact: Ready4EIC@servicefacility.eu
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.