The European Venture Programme is the EuroTech Universities Alliance’s contribution to a more vibrant scene of scalable start-ups in Europe. We do this by offering up to 20 young EuroTech start-ups per year exclusive access to the entrepreneurship expertise and networking resources available at the five EuroTech Universities:
- Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
- École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IP Paris)
- Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Programme details
An intensive programme takes early-stage entrepreneurs on a journey to boost their business beyond borders! The programme combines practical thematic workshops, high-level start-up event, plenty of time for peer feedback and networking opportunities with local start-ups, companies, governmental and public organisations, technology experts, business coaches, VCs and more.
This unique chance is offered every year to start-ups from each EuroTech University and is fully funded by the EuroTech Universities Alliance.
Who are we looking for?
We’re looking for ambitious founders who are ready to take the next step in developing and growing their venture across Europe.
You should:
- Be affiliated with a EuroTech university, for example as a student, researcher, recent graduate or participant in one of its innovation programmes.
- Be developing a tech-enabled innovative solution with the potential to create real-world impact.
- Have progressed beyond the initial idea stage and be exploring your product-market fit, target markets and competitive landscape.
- Have already gathered feedback from potential users, customers or industry experts to help validate your concept.
- Be assessing your funding needs and actively pursuing opportunities to further develop and validate your venture.
- Be motivated to explore new ecosystems, markets, cultures and networks to accelerate your start-up’s European growth.
Why participate in the programme?
As an EVP participant, you will:
- Connect with Europe’s innovation community by joining a selective cohort of founders from the EuroTech Universities Alliance.
- Expand your international network through direct access to entrepreneurs, investors, innovation experts and industry leaders.
- Explore Europe’s leading start-up ecosystems and discover the programmes, partners and opportunities available to support your growth.
- Receive personalised feedback through one-to-one mentoring and peer learning sessions with experienced start-up advisors.
- Develop practical skills for scaling your venture through interactive workshops, founder talks and expert-led sessions.
- Gain fresh perspectives to refine your strategy, validate your roadmap and prepare your start-up for international growth.
- Build lasting connections with fellow founders and innovation professionals from across Europe.
Our five innovation ecosystems
Edition 2026
The European Venture Programme 2026 takes place from Monday, 28 September to Friday, 2 October 2026 in Munich and Garching, Germany.
The programme combines two complementary experiences:
- 28-30 September: Bits & Pretzels, Munich – three days at one of Europe’s leading start-up festivals, featuring inspiring talks, connections with 7,500 founders, investors and industry leaders, and networking opportunities at Oktoberfest.
- 1-2 October: TUM Incubator, Garching near Munich – two days of interactive workshops, founder talks, ecosystem deep dives, one-to-one mentoring and practical sessions focused on scaling your start-up across Europe.
Bits & Pretzels Programme
The programme begins at Bits & Pretzels in Munich, where participants will immerse themselves in Europe’s vibrant start-up ecosystem. Over three days, founders will attend inspiring keynotes and panel discussions, participate in networking activities, and connect with entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders from across Europe and beyond. The experience culminates in the festival’s renowned networking event at Oktoberfest, offering a unique opportunity to build meaningful international connections in an informal setting.
TUM Incubator Programme
The second part of the programme takes place at the TUM Incubator in Garching, where participants turn inspiration into action. Through interactive workshops, founder talks and ecosystem deep dives led by EuroTech partner universities, participants will gain practical insights into scaling a company internationally. The programme also includes personalised one-to-one mentoring, peer learning sessions, and dedicated time to reflect on growth strategies and explore opportunities across Europe’s leading innovation ecosystems. By the end of the week, participants will leave with new knowledge, actionable feedback and an expanded European network to support the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
Costs
Travel, hostel accommodation, Bits & Pretzels tickets and selected meals are covered. Participants should budget for some meals and minor personal expenses.
How to apply
If you are considering applying, please get in touch with your local European Venture Programme Manager – their contacts can be found below. They can also provide answers to any questions you might have during the application process.
To apply, submit a completed application (the template can be downloaded here) to your local European Venture Programme Manager, outlining:
- Your motivation for joining the EVP, including expected benefits for your start-up
- Your reasons for wishing to discover the TUM and Munich ecosystems, including attending Bits & Pretzels
- At least two stakeholders you wish to meet during the programme
- A 1.5-2 pages description of your start-up idea
EVP Managers
DTU SkyLab:
- Alexander Egebjerg, [email protected]
- Amalie Bjerager Arnesen, [email protected]
EPFL Startup Launchpad:
- Marius Conti, [email protected]
IP Paris Innovation:
- Paul Vachon, [email protected]
- Cristina Paca, [email protected]
TUM ForTe:
- Sabrina Schlegel, [email protected]
TU/e The Gate:
- Bart van Grevenhof, [email protected]
Application deadline
15 August 2026, 18:00h CET
Previous edition impressions
Photo credits: Institut Polytechnique de Paris
