Launch of EIT Regional Innovation Booster Pilot in Poland

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and the Polish Ministry of Economic Development and Technology of Poland have signed on 12 May 2025 a Memorandum of Understanding to launch the EIT Regional Innovation Booster (EIT RIB) pilot in Poland. The pilot aims to strengthen innovation capacity across the EU by helping reduce regional disparities and supporting high-potential startups in emerging innovation ecosystems.

The EIT RIB is a new flagship initiative of the EIT, offering targeted support to startups and scaleups in modest and moderate innovator countries, helping them grow towards commercial success, access international markets, and attract further investment. With a view to launching a broader pilot in at least four countries from 2026, followed by full roll-out from 2029, Poland will host the pilot phase of the EIT RIB in 2025. According to the EIT, the EIT RIB programme, developed together with national authorities, will simplify and connect Europe’s innovation support landscape. It will create country-specific support ecosystems by connecting existing funding and initiatives, offering the most promising start-ups a seamless path to commercial success and internationalisation. The EIT plans to invest at least €30 million in piloting the EIT RIB until 2028.

The pilot phase will focus on ecosystem mapping, startup selection and mentoring, internationalisation support, and strategic alignment with Poland’s smart specialisation priorities. A joint EIT–Poland Task Force will oversee the implementation of the programme.

The EIT Press release is here.