EU-India Incubator Network members (Incubateur Descartes – France, Technoport – Luxembourg, AIC-Aartech – India, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park – India, and SRiX – India) have joined forces with African incubators in the Africa-Europe Innovation Partnership network and launched a call for an application called the molecular start-up initiative - International Start-up vs Covid-19 Matchmaking Competition between Europe, Africa and India.

This competition is designed to identify, reward, and promote innovative start-ups and SMEs interested in expanding to Europe, India or Africa, to be matched to each other and join forces to become a molecular-startup. A molecular start-up is an association of different start-ups to form only one. The main goal is to increase their growth and give them many opportunities in the international market. The selected start-ups will be matched based on having the same maturity in terms of development, similar or complementary products or services, or the same targeted market!

The 3 matched companies with the highest potential of becoming molecular start-ups will win a travel allowance to the other region.

We highly encourage that you share this opportunity with your relevant portfolio-startups so that they can apply! The application deadline is October 30th!

Eligibility:

Innovative start-ups’ and SMEs’ projects providing solutions to the Covid-19 healthcare crisis are expected, including those addressing, in particular, one or many of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

•  #2 Zero Hunger (related to food wastage)
•  #3 Good Health and Well Being
•  #4 Quality education
•  #6 Clean Water and Sanitation
•  #7 Affordable and Clean Energy
•  #8 Decent work and economic growth
•  #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
•  #12 Responsible consumption and production
•  #13 Climate action

What is in it for the selected start-ups:

•  Grow your business in new markets in Europe and India by receiving access to mentors, strategic partners and market experts in your target region(s);
•  Rapidly validate your product and service ideas in new markets;
•  Be matched with a start-up or business of similar size from Europe, Africa or India that is working on similar or complementary solutions to yours;
•  Be introduced to and receive support in engaging with your counterpart;
•  Receive mentoring and legal advice on how to collaborate with your counterpart business in Europe, Africa or India;
•  The group of 3 matching companies with the highest potential of becoming a molecular start-up, will win a travel allowance to the other region for taking the next steps towards serious engagements.