INNOVA Europe is a premier international entrepreneurship competition designed to spotlight and support responsible innovation aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Established in 2023, it is co-founded by leading European institutions—EDHEC Business School (France), ESMT Berlin (Germany), and Polimi Graduate School of Management (Italy). The competition brings together emerging ventures from across Europe and India to showcase impactful solutions in the areas of environmental sustainability, societal progress, and well-being. INNOVA Europe offers participants access to global recognition, mentorship, strategic networks, and significant financial support.
INNOVA Europe (India edition)
Supported by the Sunil Bhatia Start-up Resource Hub, WISE Tech is honoured to host the INNOVA Europe (India edition), providing start-ups with a prestigious platform to drive sustainable and inclusive innovation. SPJIMR has partnered with 10 European business schools, and it is the only Asian business school to bring INNOVA Europe to India.
We are inviting applications from innovative start-ups and entrepreneurs with the potential to drive meaningful change and shape a better future. Selected start-ups will participate in a programme consisting of mentoring, coaching and workshops. The programme winner will earn a spot in the INNOVA Europe Grand Finale to be held in Berlin in September 2025.
Eligibility criteria
To participate in the INNOVA Europe (India edition), start-ups must meet the following requirements:
- Start-up stage: Classified under the ‘Rising Stars’ category, indicating the presence of a functional prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
- SDG alignment: The start-up’s mission and operations should correspond with one or more of the UN SDGs covered under the themes below.
- Environmental transition: Initiatives focusing on clean energy, sustainable cities, climate action, and biodiversity.
- Empowerment and inclusion: Projects aimed at eradicating poverty, enhancing education, promoting gender equality, and reducing inequalities.
- Healthy living: Solutions that advance healthcare, well-being, and overall quality of life.
Format
The initial phase involves:
- Start-up programme: Shortlisted start-ups will engage in a comprehensive week-long virtual programme that includes:
- Workshops on start-up fundamentals: Comprehensive insights into key areas such as product-market fit, go-to-market (GTM) strategies, funding, valuation, and scalability.
- Pitch readiness sessions/mock pitches: Interactive sessions providing hands-on guidance and constructive feedback to refine and enhance start-up pitching skills.
- Mentoring: A unique opportunity for start-ups to engage with industry leaders and subject matter experts for guidance on overcoming key challenges.
- India Pitch Day: Post workshop, participants will present their ventures to a distinguished jury panel. Top-performing start-ups will be chosen to represent India at the INNOVA Europe Grand Finale in Berlin.
The Grand Finale, which will be conducted at ESMT Berlin, will encompass:
- International pitching event: Finalists will showcase their start-ups to an international audience comprising investors, industry experts, and academia.
- Winners will receive substantial cash prizes and gain access to incubation support.
Benefits for start-ups
Monetary awards: Winners in the ‘Rising Stars’ category will be awarded €20,000.
Incubation support: One-year incubation assistance to foster business growth and development.
Global exposure: An opportunity to present on an international platform, enhancing visibility and credibility.
Networking opportunities: Access to a network of global entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. Opportunity to build strategic partnerships with leading institutions and innovation hubs worldwide.
Tailored feedback: Receive expert critique on pitch and business model from an esteemed international jury.
Partner institutions
