Q2Scale Programme 2025 – for MVP+ startups in Automotive & Fintech

The Q2Scale Programme 2025 is a global support initiative designed for European startups in the Automotive and Fintech sectors that have developed a Minimum Viable Product (MVP+). Operated by EIT Global Outreach and Q-Europe, the program aims to facilitate international market penetration and beta testing over a two-month hybrid format, incorporating both virtual and in-person elements in Slovenia and Finland. The program offers a combination of mentorship, workshops, and strategic resources, facilitating startups' preparation for scaling in global markets.

Eligible applicants are specifically startups, as the program does not consider SMEs or universities. The funding type is primarily through non-monetary services rather than direct financial grants. While a total budget of 20,400 EUR is provided for program operations, it is intended to support the delivery of services such as mentorship and workshops rather than direct funding for each startup.

The application process consists of three stages: an online application submission, an online qualification interview, and final selection by a scoring committee. Selection is competitive, with 8 to 12 startups chosen, leading to an estimated success rate of 10 to 39%. The program emphasizes the importance of an EU or Horizon Europe connection, indicating that while geographic eligibility appears flexible, a preference for EU ties is strong.

Selected startups will engage extensively in program activities, including attending key events like the PoC Design Lab in Slovenia and a Pitching Event in Helsinki, and they'll collaborate on developing their Proof of Concept (PoC) with program partners. The program runs from May 1, 2025, with applications due by July 6, 2025.

Overall, the Q2Scale Programme 2025 focuses on equipping startups with the necessary skills and connections to succeed in international markets, emphasizing technological excellence, market impact, and alignment with EU or Horizon objectives.

The Q2Scale Programme 2025 is a global startup support program operated by the EIT Global Outreach and Q-Europe. It aims to provide European top technologies in the Automotive and Fintech sectors with a comprehensive package for international market penetration and beta testing through a 2-month hybrid program. The program focuses on real-world global validation, preparing startups to scale into new global markets, connecting them with mentors and experts, and guiding them through the Proof of Concept (PoC) process.

The opening date for submissions is May 1, 2025, and the deadline for applications is July 6, 2025, at 17:00 (Brussels time). The expected duration of participation is 3 months. The total funding available is 20,400.00 EUR. The project acronym is XKIC SO, and the full name of the EU-funded project is Cross-KIC Global Outreach. The grant agreement number is 101113201. The relevant topic is HORIZON-EIT-2023-25-Cross-KIC-Strategic-Outreach EIT Cross-KIC Strategic Outreach.

The selection process consists of three phases:

Phase 1: Applicants must fill out the online application form. A team of experts and partners will review applications on a rolling basis, with earlier submissions potentially leading to earlier review and an invitation to an online meeting.

Phase 2: Eligible applicants will be invited to a short online qualification interview, lasting up to 45 minutes. A second interview may be required.

Phase 3: The scoring committee will select 8-12 eligible start-ups.

Assessment will be conducted by program partners, including the EIT Global Outreach team and Q-Europe domain experts. The following criteria will be considered:

(a) Excellence, differentiation of the technology, and product maturity for real-world validation (30 points).

(b) Market and Impact (30 points).

(c) Quality and efficiency of the implementation (20 points).

(d) Motivation and Bootcamp fit (20 points).

(e) EU or Horizon Europe dimension (mandatory).

Startups participating in Q2Scale are expected to:

Engage in Programme Activities: Actively attend virtual sessions, including 4 workshops and 4 mentoring meetings.

Participate in Key Face-to-Face Events: Attend the PoC Design Lab in Slovenia and the Pitching Event in Helsinki, collaborating with mentors and partners.

Collaborate on PoC Development: Work closely with program partners to design and validate the PoC, ensuring alignment with market needs.

Ensure Timely Communication: Provide regular updates and feedback, and maintain consistent communication with the Q2Scale team and partners.

The Q2Scale Programme 2025 is designed to support European startups in the Automotive and Fintech sectors by providing them with resources, mentorship, and opportunities for international market penetration and beta testing. The program includes virtual sessions, face-to-face events, and collaborative PoC development, all aimed at helping startups scale their technologies into new global markets. The selection process involves a three-phase approach, with assessment criteria focusing on technology excellence, market impact, implementation quality, motivation, and alignment with EU or Horizon Europe objectives. Participating startups are expected to actively engage in program activities, attend key events, collaborate on PoC development, and maintain timely communication with the program team and partners. The program is funded under the HORIZON-EIT-2023-25-Cross-KIC-Strategic-Outreach topic and offers a total funding of 20,400.00 EUR.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant type for this opportunity is startups. Specifically, the program targets "MVP+ startups," indicating startups with a Minimum Viable Product already developed.

Funding Type: The funding type appears to be a grant, as indicated by the term "GrantCascade funding" and the project being part of the "Cross-KIC Global Outreach Grant." The program provides a full end-to-end package for international market penetration and beta testing, suggesting a combination of financial support and services.

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity is designed for single applicants, specifically individual startups. There is no mention of a consortium requirement.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The program is described as a "global startup support programme," suggesting that the geographic eligibility is international. However, it focuses on providing European top technologies with opportunities for global market penetration. The "EU or Horizon Europe dimension (must)" criterion suggests a preference or requirement for startups with a connection to the EU or Horizon Europe programs.

Target Sector: The program targets startups in the Automotive and Fintech sectors.

Mentioned Countries: Slovenia and Finland (Helsinki) are explicitly mentioned as locations for in-person events. The program also has an "EU or Horizon Europe dimension," implying a focus on European startups or those connected to European initiatives.

Project Stage: The program targets startups with "MVP+" status, indicating that the expected maturity of the project is at least at the validation stage, with a focus on demonstration and preparation for commercialization and scale-up in new global markets. The program focuses on real-world global validation and PoC (Proof of Concept) processes.

Funding Amount: The total funding available is 20,400 EUR. It is not explicitly stated how this funding is distributed among the selected startups (8-12).

Application Type: The application type is an open call, with a single-stage deadline. Applicants must fill out an online application form.

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive both money and non-monetary services. The 20,400 EUR represents the monetary support. Non-monetary services include mentoring, workshops, access to technological experts, guidance for PoC processes, and participation in events like the PoC Design Lab and Pitching Event.

Application Stages: The application process consists of three stages: 1. Online application form submission. 2. Online qualification interview (possibly two interviews). 3. Selection by a scoring committee.

Success Rates: The scoring committee will choose 8-12 startups from the pool of applicants. The exact success rate is unknown, but it depends on the total number of applications received. If hundreds of applications are received, the success rate could be below 10%.

Co-funding Requirement: The information provided does not explicitly state whether co-funding is required.

Summary:

The Q2Scale Programme 2025 is a global startup support initiative operated by EIT Global Outreach and Q-Europe. It aims to assist European startups in the Automotive and Fintech sectors with international market penetration and beta testing. The program offers a comprehensive package, including mentoring, workshops, and guidance for Proof of Concept (PoC) development. The program is a 2-month hybrid program.

The program is designed for startups that have already developed a Minimum Viable Product (MVP+). Selected startups will participate in virtual sessions, including workshops and mentoring meetings, and attend key face-to-face events in Slovenia (PoC Design Lab) and Helsinki (Pitching Event).

The application process involves three phases: submitting an online application, participating in an online interview, and final selection by a scoring committee. The assessment criteria include the excellence and differentiation of the technology, market impact, quality and efficiency of implementation, motivation and fit with the bootcamp, and an EU or Horizon Europe dimension.

The total funding available is 20,400 EUR, which will be distributed among the 8-12 selected startups. In addition to financial support, the program provides non-monetary services such as mentoring, access to experts, and participation in events. The application deadline is July 6, 2025.