The EIT Jumpstarter Grand Final, held on November 28 in Budapest, celebrated innovative start-ups from Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe, focusing on areas like solar energy, sustainable lithium extraction, and waste-to-value nanotechnology.

Organised by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) in collaboration with its Knowledge and Innovation Communities, including EIT RawMaterials, the programme supports early-stage innovators in underrepresented regions. Participants of the EIT Jumpstarter received expert mentorship over seven months, developing business skills to transform ideas into viable businesses. Powered by the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme, the initiative bridges innovation gaps across Europe by connecting regional innovators to broader networks, offering tailored support through RIS Hubs in areas like the Baltics and Balkans.

This year, 49 finalists of the programme—selected from over 600 applicants—competed for nearly €150,000 in prizes across eight categories, including Raw Materials, Energy, Health, and Rebuilding Ukraine. EIT RawMaterials congratulates the three outstanding winners of raw materials cohort of the 2024 EIT Jumpstarter Programme for their remarkable contributions to advancing raw materials innovation.

Winners coming from Croatia, Spain and Ukraine

The top prize in the Raw Materials category went to Croatian start-up Total Energy for its development of perovskite-based solar cells, which are lightweight, flexible, and semi-transparent. Unlike traditional silicon-based solar cells, these innovative cells drastically reduce CO₂ emissions and water usage and can have wide applications such as solar windows and portable devices.

With the €10.000 prize, Total Energy plans to establish a formal company and advance its efforts to bring its cutting-edge technology to market.

“This recognition reflects how much our knowledge and experience have grown throughout the Jumpstarter programme," said Stjepan Dolic, the CEO of Total Energy. The programme also helped the start-up to refine its market strategy and positioning, develop impactful business materials through working with experienced mentors, and build connections with industry leaders and investors, Dolic added.

The runner-up, Seville-based Bristlechem, is tackling agricultural waste by transforming discarded pig bristles into high-value nanoparticles, such as zinc, silver, and copper sulfides. These sustainable, toxin-free nanoparticles have broad applications in manufacturing, chemicals, and food industries.

“I’m very proud that our idea was recognised as both feasible and supported by a robust business model,” said Alessio Zuliani, CEO and Co-founder of Bristlechem. Coming from a science background, Zuliani said he had a structured crash course on entrepreneurship through the programme. “It feels like stepping out of the 'ivory tower,' where scientists often find themselves, and into a space where science and entrepreneurship meet,” he said. The team plans to use the €5.000 prize to formally establish Bristlechem as a limited company and apply for a new patent.

Ukrainian start-up Unconventional Lithium Production (ULP) claimed third place for addressing the rising demand for lithium through a sustainable extraction method. Using Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, ULP recovers lithium from formation water, a by-product of oil and gas production that is often discarded but can contain valuable minerals.

“Our project is innovative because it repurposes existing infrastructure in the oil and gas industry for lithium extraction,” explained Mykola Aliyev, co-founder of the ULP. The process avoids the environmental damage caused by mining and evaporation ponds while reducing water usage. ULP plans to use the €2.500 prize to establish the company, expand research and development and refine their technology.

“We in Ukraine are facing a difficult time, but we want to be a part of the modern world with new approaches and technologies,” Aliyev said. “This prize tells us that we are not alone and encourages us to move forward through our difficulties to the light from the dark.”

Jumpstarting innovation across Europe

EIT RawMaterials is committed to integrating exceptional talent from RIS regions into the broader European community to ensure the industry has the resources, innovations and technologies it needs to thrive. During the programme, EIT RawMaterials provided mentorship, supported the administrative processes, and participated in the grand final jury.

“EIT RawMaterials is excited to support idea holders from the sector each year in the Jumpstarter programme, as innovation drives the future of our industry,” said Tina Benda, RIS Manager at EIT RawMaterials. "Our focus is to back teams and innovations that can make the greatest impact on the industry and reach the market the fastest. There were many exceptional ideas this year, and we will continue to provide support beyond the programme to all 2024 teams to further grow their businesses and help the incorporation if needed.”

The Jumpstarter Grand Final was held as part of “The Next Decade of Innovations for the Future of Europe - Celebrating 10 Years of the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme” event, a significant milestone for the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and its Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). This initiative has been addressing the innovation gap by establishing on-the-ground hubs in regions classified as "moderate" or "emerging" on the European Innovation Scoreboard.

The RIS initiative enables local innovators to access the wider EU expertise, funding, and mentorship while fostering collaboration between universities, industry, and startups. The EIT Jumpstarter programme, as a RIS flagship initiative, has helped create nearly 120 start-ups, over 2,100 new jobs, and raise EUR 150 million.

More information on the Jumpstarter programme here.

Projects of RIS countries can also apply to the KAVA RIS Call for innovation and capacity building – find out more here.