The ExcellEnt Project, supported by the European Commission’s Horizon Europe Research & Innovation program, is launching its Open Call for Soft-Landing Missions 2025.

This unique initiative aims to foster cross-border collaboration and knowledge transfer for startups, SMEs, and ecosystem builders through tailored discovery missions.

If you’re ready to scale internationally, explore dynamic ecosystems, or gain insights into new markets, this program provides a golden opportunity.

Open Call Objectives

The ExcellEnt Project connects key stakeholders in the European entrepreneurial ecosystem, including startups, investors, accelerators, corporate networks, and academia. The Soft-Landing Mission focuses on:

• Exploring new markets.
• Gaining firsthand knowledge of local business dynamics.
• Building networks with industry players.
• Facilitating scaling opportunities across Europe.

Benefits of the Program

Participants in the Soft-Landing Mission will:

• Connect: Network with local businesses, partners, and customers.
• Pitch: Present their solutions to potential investors.
• Learn: Gain deep insights into scaling and international market entry.
• Test: Validate their solutions in new ecosystems.
• Expand: Break knowledge barriers and discover untapped resources.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible participants include:

• Mentors, investors, entrepreneurs, startups, and ecosystem enablers (e.g., accelerators and incubators).
• Representatives from European Union countries. (Participation in missions within your own country is excluded.)
• Motivated individuals with a clear vision to scale and contribute to ecosystem development.

Mission Overview and Destinations

The program will support 120 participants across six entrepreneurial hotspots: Larissa (Greece), Sofia (Bulgaria), Paris (France), Kyiv (Ukraine), Dublin (Ireland), and Istanbul (Türkiye). Each destination offers curated experiences tailored to the needs of startups and ecosystem builders.

How to Apply

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EoI): Fill out the online application form by 15 January 2025.
Register here: https://www.f6s.com/excellentproject/apply

2. Destination-Specific Applications

Click on the links below to apply for the Soft-Landing Missions in your destination of interest:

• Larissa, Greece: Apply Here: https://www.f6s.com/excellent-soft-landing-mission-greece/apply
• Dublin, Ireland: Apply Here: https://www.f6s.com/excellent-soft-landing-mission-ireland/apply
• Istanbul, Türkiye: Apply Here: https://www.f6s.com/excellent-soft-landing-mission-turkiye/apply
• Kyiv, Ukraine: Apply Here: https://www.f6s.com/excellent-soft-landing-mission-ukraine/apply
• Sofia, Bulgaria: Apply Here: https://www.f6s.com/excellent-soft-landing-mission-bulgaria/apply
• Paris, France: Apply Here: https://www.f6s.com/excellent-soft-landing-mission-france/apply

3. Prepare for Selection: Applicants will be shortlisted based on their relevance, motivation, and potential to scale internationally.

4. Participate: Selected participants will engage in 2-3 day missions, immersing themselves in the local ecosystem.

Financial and Practical Support

• Cost-Free Participation: Thanks to EU funding, participation in the missions is free.
• Travel Support: Selected participants are eligible for up to €1,000 reimbursement for travel and accommodation within the EU.
• On-the-Ground Guidance: Participants will receive detailed insights on entering new markets, validating products, and scaling globally.

Key Dates and Contacts

• Application Deadline: 15 January 2025
• Program Start: Rolling schedules per destination after selection.

Don’t miss this chance to expand your horizons and scale your business internationally!