The first ever edition of the 100-to-watch most innovative ventures stemming from Europe’s cultural and creative sectors and industries (CCSI) launched this week in Germany. Released by institutional partnership body, EIT Culture & Creativity, which is backed by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), the new ecosystem reveals the wealth of untapped investment opportunities in CCSI.
Weaved into the DNA of green and digital innovations, from bio-based materials, AI applications, to carbon slashing breakthroughs in architecture, the work of these creative pioneers is shaping an exciting future for Europe’s environment and its citizens.
“The European cultural and creative sectors and industries are producing some of the most transformative innovations to address our greatest challenges. Yet these ventures are still underfunded, which holds back not only the sector but Europe itself. The 100-to-Watch demonstrates that high-impact-investment in the CCSIs is not just possible, it’s a crucial opportunity to shape our future”, stated Anette Schaefer, CEO of EIT Culture & Creativity.
Selected from EIT Culture & Creativity’s incubation and innovation programmes, designed to support startups reach the investment-ready, commercially-viable stage, many of the ventures are now at pre-seed or seed stage, some also with €500,000 in early-stage financing already banked.
By 2030 CCSIs are predicted to contribute 10% of global GDP, in Europe that figure is currently 5.3%, so the investment opportunity is clear. Check out the 100-to-watch for a flavour of what’s to come.
