BlockStart is offering to fund to blockchain partnerships targeting SMEs. The funding comes from the EU Horizon 2020 program, which invests in research to improve Europe’s competitiveness.
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BlockStart Announcement
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BlockStart is a pan-European DLT/blockchain partnership programme. Its main objective is to facilitate goal-oriented, business-focused, and mutually beneficial partnerships between DLT/blockchain solution providers and end-user SMEs.
In its 2nd Open Call, BlockStart is looking for seed-, early- and growth-stage DLT/blockchain startups from all over the EU and H2020 Associated Countries. This 3 stage-immersive partnership programme (Ideation Kick-off > Prototype > Pilot) will manage a fund of €265,000 aimed at financing DLT/blockchain technologies in the fields of fintech, ICT and retail, with selected startups receiving up to €20,000 equity-free funding per pilot.
The offer
This Partnership Programme will provide startups with access to a variety of perks, including equity free funding, access to piloting opportunities, mentorship, and exposure to investors and advisors.
The selected startups will go to a 6-month programme that starts with the Ideation Kick-off (a match between end-user SMEs and solution providers), after which the most successful technology providers are admitted to a 4-month Prototype phase aimed at supporting the DLT/blockchain product/ market fit. During the 2-month Pilot phase, startups working with blockchain and other DLTs will have a unique opportunity to validate their solutions and refine their products, grow their business, and work closely with potential customers (i.e. end-user SMEs) – to identify the DLT/blockchain solutions that best meet market demand.
How to apply
Any European or H2020 Associated Country startup that works with DLT/blockchain technologies in the fields of fintech, ICT and retail is eligible as a participant and should fill in an online application form at F6S platform. Deadline for applications is September 30th at 5pm CET (Brussels Time).
For more information on application criteria and how to apply, you can go to blockstart.eu and consult our FAQ section.
Collaborating with end-user SMEs
One of the main objectives of BlockStart is to encourage collaboration between end-user SMEs and potential DLT/blockchain specialists, as technology providers, and to promote knowledge about the benefits and opportunities of these technologies.
Only SMEs operating in the fields of fintech, ICT and retail are eligible and should apply through the F6S Platform to a dedicated open call for SME adopters, by filling in another online application form.
Selected SME adopters will benefit from up to €4,500 equity-free funding and will have the chance to implement DLT/blockchain pilot solutions with the startups that have gone through the previously described BlockStart Partnership Programme.
