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Grant Details

Grant Analysis

Purpose & Target

'- Grant''s core objective: To equip advanced European startups with hands-on tools, best practices, knowledge, and access to funding and Proof of Concept (PoC) opportunities with Gunma-based corporates, specifically to aid their penetration into the Japanese market. - Target recipient type and size: ''advanced European startups'' and ''leading European startups''. Size is not specified. - Designation: SECTOR-AGNOSTIC - Geographic scope: European startups (applicants) targeting the Japanese market (specifically Gunma Prefecture). - Key filtering criteria for initial grant screening: European origin, status as an advanced/leading startup, and a clear interest in Japanese market entry. - Grant frequency and program context: This is a specific call under the ''EIT Cross-KIC Strategic Outreach'' program, which is part of the broader ''Horizon Europe'' framework (2021-2027).'

Financial Structure

  • This opportunity provides participation in a curated Bootcamp program, not direct financial grants to startups.
  • Overall program budget: 30800.0 (currency not specified, likely EUR given EU context).
  • Support provided to participating startups includes: ''access to funding opportunities'' and ''PoC (Proof of Concept) opportunities with Gunma-based corporates''.
  • No minimum or maximum funding amounts are specified for individual participants, as it is not a direct financial grant.
  • There are no funding rate, co-financing, or matching fund requirements for applicants.
  • Information regarding eligible or ineligible costs for participants is not detailed in the provided materials.

Eligibility Requirements

Organization Type and Origin
  • Must be an ''advanced European startup''.
  • Must be a ''leading European startup''.
Program Alignment
  • Must demonstrate ''EU or Horizon Europe dimension''.
Geographic Requirements
  • Applicant organization must be based in Europe.
Other Considerations
  • Organizations belonging to ''Underrepresented groups'' are eligible for bonus points during evaluation.

Application Process

Application Stages and Timeline
  • Submission Deadline: 2025-09-15 23:59:00+0000.
  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning earlier submissions may be reviewed sooner.
  • Phase #1: Complete and submit the online application form.
  • Phase #2: Eligible applicants will be invited to a short online qualification interview (up to 20 minutes). A second interview may be requested if deemed necessary.
  • Phase #3: The evaluation committee will select 10-14 eligible startups for the Bootcamp.
  • Final rankings and selections are completed only after all interviews have been conducted at the end of the call period.
Required Materials
  • An online application form is the primary required document.
Support Provided
  • Participants receive a curated international Bootcamp experience, which includes virtual activities and an in-person ''Immersion Lab'' in Gunma, Japan.
  • The program offers hands-on tools, best practices, and knowledge specifically designed for Japanese market penetration.
  • Facilitated access to potential funding opportunities.
  • Opportunities for Proof of Concept (PoC) collaborations with Gunma-based corporates.
Program Duration
  • The Bootcamp itself has a duration of 4 months.
Post-Award Requirements
  • Specific post-award reporting obligations for participants are not detailed, but active engagement in the 4-month Bootcamp is expected.

Evaluation Criteria

Project Quality and Innovation (30 pts)
  • Excellence and differentiation of the technology being developed or utilized by the startup.
  • Maturity level of the product.
Market and Impact Potential (30 pts)
  • Potential for market penetration in Japan.
  • Expected positive impact of the proposed activities.
Implementation and Execution (20 pts)
  • Quality and efficiency of the proposed implementation plan for market entry and activities within the Bootcamp.
Applicant Profile and Fit (20 pts)
  • Motivation of the startup''s team and alignment with the Bootcamp''s goals.
  • Suitability and fit of the startup''s profile with the overall objectives of the ''Calling2Scale Gunma'' program.
Mandatory Criteria
  • Demonstrated ''EU or Horizon Europe dimension'' is a mandatory requirement for eligibility.
Bonus Points
  • Up to 5 bonus points awarded for applications from ''Underrepresented groups''.
Selection Process Overview
  • Applications are reviewed and scored based on eligibility and alignment with program goals.
  • Eligible candidates proceed to an interview stage.
  • Final selection of the highest-scoring candidates is made after all interviews are completed.

Compliance & Special Requirements

Regulatory Compliance
  • Applicants must demonstrate compliance with the ''EU or Horizon Europe dimension'' requirements.
Program Specifics
  • The program involves a blend of virtual activities and an in-person ''Immersion Lab'' conducted in Gunma, Japan, requiring travel and physical presence for portions of the Bootcamp.
  • A key focus is on facilitating ''Proof of Concept (PoC) opportunities with Gunma-based corporates'', requiring active participation in such engagements.
  • This Bootcamp represents a strategic opportunity for European startups seeking to enter or expand into the Japanese market.
Cross-Cutting Considerations
  • The grant program explicitly encourages applications from ''Underrepresented groups'' by offering bonus points in the evaluation process, emphasizing an inclusivity aspect.

Grant Details

japan market entry european startups bootcamp market penetration proof of concept poc gunma innovation technology scaleup internationalization business development eit horizon europe cross-kic outreach asia market corporate collaboration access to funding mentorship networking capacity building underrepresented groups
Calling2Scale Gunma - Gateway to Japan
11362COMPETITIVE_CALLen
EIT Cross-KIC Strategic Outreach
STARTUP
AT BE BG HR CY CZ DK EE FI FR DE GR HU IE IT LV LT LU MT NL PL PT RO SK SI ES SE
TECHNOLOGY
GROWTH
OTHER
NETWORKING CAPACITY_BUILDING PILOT_PROJECTS MARKET_EXPANSION
30800.00
None
None
EUR
None
Sept. 15, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
Rolling basis, from July 2025 to conclusion after September 2025 deadline.