BlockStart 2nd Open Call - funding opportunity for blockchain start-ups and end-user SMEs

DEADLINE: 30 September 2020

BlockStart is a pan-European distributed ledger technology (DLT)/blockchain partnership programme aiming 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 start-ups from all over the European Union (EU) and Horizon 2020 (H2020) associated countries.

This three-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 start-ups receiving up to €20,000 equity-free funding per pilot.

The offer

This Partnership Programme will provide start-ups with access to a variety of perks, including equity free funding, access to piloting opportunities, mentorship, and exposure to investors and advisors.

The selected start-ups will join a six-month programme that starts with the ideation kick-off (matching end-user SMEs and solution providers) after which the most successful technology providers are admitted to a four-month prototype phase aimed at supporting the DLT/blockchain product/market fit.

During the two-month pilot phase, start-ups 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 start-up 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 on the F6S platform. Deadline for applications is 30 September (5pm CET).

More information on application criteria and how to apply 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.

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.

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 start-ups that have gone through the BlockStart Partnership Programme.

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