• Horizon Europe (via EIC Accelerator)
  https://eic.ec.europa.eu
  European Union's main funding program for startups and R&D projects.

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🇪🇺 EIC Accelerator (Horizon Europe)

• Who it’s for: High-risk, high-potential startups & SMEs

• Funding: Up to €2.5M in grants + €15M in equity (blended finance)

• Focus: Deep tech, AI, climate, health, space, etc.

• Apply via: https://eic.ec.europa.eu

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• Startup Europe
  https://startupeuropeclub.eu
  EU initiative connecting startups with funding, networking, and support.

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• National Innovation Agencies
  Example: Bpifrance (France), Innovate UK, Vinnova (Sweden), etc.
  These often provide grants, loans, and equity support.

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🌍 LIFE Programme

• Focus: Environment, nature conservation, climate action

• Grants: Often 60–75% of project costs covered

• Good for: Green tech startups, circular economy, nature-based solutions

• Apply via: https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life_en

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🧩 Creative Europe

• Focus: Culture, media, creative industries (films, games, publishing, etc.)

• Grants: For startups in content, tech-art, or digital storytelling

• Apply via: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/creative-europe

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🇪🇺 EU Innovation Fund

• For: Projects in clean tech, energy efficiency, climate neutrality

• Grants: For both small- and large-scale pilot and demonstration projects

• Website: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/funding/innovation-fund

✅ Who Can Apply?

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• Young people (ages 13–30)

• Youth workers, NGOs, non-profits

• Informal youth groups

• Some opportunities for social startups or early-stage entrepreneurs (especially youth-led)

📌 Key Funding Opportunities for Youth

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1. 🧳 Youth Exchanges

• Short-term projects (5–21 days) that bring together youth from different countries.

• Focus: culture, skills, teamwork, etc.

• Covers: travel, accommodation, meals, activity costs

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2. 🧠 Youth Worker Mobility / Training

• Training and networking for youth professionals or social entrepreneurs.

• Perfect for building skills in leadership, project management, social innovation.

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3. 💡 Youth Participation Activities

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• Funds projects led by young people to engage in civic and democratic life (often local, but can be international).

• Can include workshops, campaigns, hackathons, startup bootcamps.

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4. 🌍 Capacity Building in the Youth Field

• Supports international cooperation and innovation (esp. for youth NGOs and startups in social change).

• More complex but great for scaling social impact ideas.

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💰 What Kind of Support Do You Get?

• Travel & mobility costs

• Accommodation & food

• Facilitator or trainer fees

• Project management costs

• Special support for disadvantaged youth

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📝 How to Apply

Step 1: Find the Right Call

• Go to the official Erasmus+ Youth Portal or EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Step 2: Connect with a National Agency

• Each EU country has a National Agency (NA) that manages Erasmus+ grants.

• Find your NA here: National Agencies List

Step 3: Create a PIC (Participant Identification Code)

• Register your group/org on the EU Login + Organisation Registration System (ORS).

Step 4: Write and Submit Your Application

• Use the official application forms (available online).

• Deadlines are typically February, May, and October each year.

• Projects should align with Erasmus+ priorities: inclusion, sustainability, digital transformation, participation in democratic life.

📘 Tips for Success

• Start small: A Youth Exchange or Participation Activity is easier to manage.

• Include partner organizations from other Erasmus+ countries (for most calls).

• Make sure your goals align with EU values: equity, inclusion, youth empowerment.

• Be clear on impact: What will your project change or improve for youth?

• Eurostars
  For R&D-heavy SMEs. Co-funded by Horizon + national govs.
  https://www.eurekanetwork.org/programmes/eurostars/

• EEN (Enterprise Europe Network)
  Business support for SMEs looking to scale or enter new markets.
  https://een.ec.europa.eu

• AngelList (https://angel.co)

• SeedInvest

• Gust

• LinkedIn (search keywords like "angel investor" + your industry)

• Local startup events and pitch nights

• Kickstarter

• Indiegogo

• Republic

• WeFunder

• StartEngine

• Eurostars
  For R&D-heavy SMEs. Co-funded by Horizon + national govs.
  https://www.eurekanetwork.org/programmes/eurostars/

• EEN (Enterprise Europe Network)
  Business support for SMEs looking to scale or enter new markets.
  https://een.ec.europa.eu

• MIT $100K

• Startup World Cup

• Slush

• Hello Tomorrow Challenge

• Look up local "startup pitch nights" and demo days