On July 28th, applications for the Open Call #2 for the BlockStart Acceleration Programme opened. Startups across Europe and H2020 Associated Countries that work with DLT/blockchain technologies in the fields of fintech, ICT and retail can apply to participate in this programme. You have until September 30th at 5pm CET (Brussels Time) to apply.

This accelerator programme will provide startups with access to a varity of perks, including: equity-free funding (up to €20,000 for DLT/blockchain solution providers), piloting opportunities to help developers explore new value streams for market ready blockchain-tech, support from BlockStart team and network of fellow participants, intermediaries and advisors, individualized coaching/mentorship from Bright Pixel, CIVITTA and F6S teams and networking with industry leaders, technology pitching and showcase opportunities at blockchain events and industry conferences.

The selected startups will go to a 6-month programme that starts with the Ideation Kick-off (a match between SMEs and DLT solution providers), after which the most successful DLT/blockchain solution providers are admitted to a 4-month Prototype phase aimed at supporting the product/market fit. Finally, during the 2-month Pilot phase, startups/SMEs working with blockchain and other DLTs will have a unique opportunity to validate their solutions, pilot their innovations with end-users and work toward product/market fit. A selected company could obtain up to €20,000 of non-refundable financing if it reaches the end of the programme.

Any startup that works with DLT/blockchain technologies is eligible as a participant. To participate, startups should complete an application form and include all mandatory Annexes, that can be found here.

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. This collaboration is of upmost importance in the Pilot phase of the acceleration programme, where startups will have the chance to test their solutions together with end-user SMEs.

The 2nd Open Call for SME adopters will close on the 2nd of November at 5pm CET (Brussels Time). Only SMEs operating in the fields of fintech, ICT and retail are eligible and should apply here.

Selected SME adopters will benefit from up to €4,500 equity-free grants

Eligible SMEs will have the chance to implement DLT/blockchain pilot solutions together with DLT/blockchain startups, that have gone through the BlockStart Acceleration Programme.

We are also looking for Evaluators

For this Open Call #2, we are also looking for external evalutors experts in the fields of fintech, ICT and retail, experienced in blockchain, ICT and/or investment entrepreneurship. They should also be experienced in evaluating EC proposals or similar.

The deadline for Expressions of Interest is September 21st at 5pm CET (Brussels Time) and submissions must be made through the F6S online form.

About the 1st Open Call

The 1st Open Call had 90 applications of which 20 startups were selected and 10 of them have passed to the Prototype phase. This phase is in process and will end in a couple of weeks with the selection of top 5 startups who will go to the Pilot phase.

 

Apply by September 30th at 5pm CET (Brussels Time) and don’t miss the opportunity to participate in our Acceleration Programme that will help you boost the go-to-market of your DLT/blockchain technology.

Read the Guidelines for Application to ensure you know everything there is to know about BlockStart before applying!

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