On July 10, 2025, the EIC published an in-depth report evaluating its Corporate Partnership Programme (CPP) – an initiative that fosters strategic collaboration between large corporations and high-potential European startups.
***Key results:
- Over 1,500 startup–corporate engagements since 2017
- More than 100 business deals signed
- Participation from 120+ major corporates, including Nestlé, Roche, Siemens Energy, ABB, and L’Oréal
***Four key pillars for successful collaboration:
- Strategic alignment
- Mutual commitment and value creation
- Skills development
- Early-stage experimentation through pilots and proofs-of-concept
The report shows that in-person events with a single corporate partner yield the highest deal conversion rates, while online multi-corporate formats boost exposure and visibility.
With 92% satisfaction among participating startups, the CPP is proving to be a high-impact tool for connecting innovation supply with market demand.
Horizon Europe to Continue Beyond 2027 with Nearly Double the Budget
On July 16, 2025, the European Commission proposed the continuation of Horizon Europe into the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), with a proposed budget of €175 billion—almost twice the current allocation (€95 billion for 2021–2027).
The next phase will adopt a revised four-pillar structure:
- Excellent Science (e.g. ERC and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions)
- Competitiveness & Society (including missions and social innovation)
- Innovation (massive expansion of the EIC’s role)
- European Research Area (ERA) – strengthening infrastructure and reducing regional disparities
Focus areas will include:
- Artificial intelligence
- Quantum technologies
- Clean energy
- Sustainable mobility
- Cell and gene therapies
- Ocean and environmental monitoring
The Innovation pillar’s budget will grow by over 185%, with most of the funds directed to scaling the EIC—underlining Europe’s commitment to emerging technologies and disruptive innovation.
These two key announcements highlight the EU’s firm commitment to building a future powered by innovation. With deepened corporate–startup collaboration and long-term investment through the CPP and Horizon Europe, Europe is creating real opportunities for breakthrough technologies, competitive business models, and sustainable transformation. Read the full article here