ExcellEnt Soft-Landing Missions
Empowering Entrepreneurs
ExcellEnt
Soft-Landing Missions are at the heart of the ExcellEnt Project, offering startups, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem builders a unique opportunity to explore, connect, and thrive in new markets. These carefully curated missions help participants gain insights into local business environments, establish valuable networks, and access resources to grow and scale internationally. By bridging gaps between diverse ecosystems, the missions drive collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth across Europe.

Our Mission
The ExcellEnt Project envisions a thriving, interconnected European entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through tailored discovery missions, the program:
Support
Supports startups and ecosystem builders in navigating new markets.
Innovation
Promotes sustainable business growth and innovation.
Collaboration
Encourages knowledge exchange and collaboration among diverse regions.
Cross-border learning
Enables cross-border learning to empower underrepresented regions in Europe.
Program Details
The program facilitates:
120 participants (20 per country across six nations) to engage in exchanges.
Missions for 30 entrepreneurs and 30 early-stage startups across Greece, France, Bulgaria, and Ukraine.
Opportunities for 25 incubator/accelerator representatives to visit Ireland and share expertise.
Engagement for 25 Higher Education Institution (HEI) representatives to explore Turkey’s ecosystem.
All travel costs are reimbursed (up to €1000), and travel vouchers are provided by project partners.
Networking opportunities
Connect with local industry leaders, investors, and potential partners.
Growth resources
Learn about scaling processes, available resources, and strategies to adapt to a new market.
Market insights
Understand market dynamics and opportunities.
Market validation
Test solutions and pitch to local investors and stakeholders.
Soft-Landing Missions
Soft-Landing Missions are customized programs designed to assist startups and ecosystem builders in exploring and integrating into new ecosystems. These missions provide:
Selection Criteria
To participate in the ExcellEnt missions, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Startups
Must be early-stage startups with a defined market focus.
Entrepreneurs
Must demonstrate a clear vision for leveraging international collaboration.
HEIs and Incubators
Representatives must be active contributors to their respective ecosystems.
Applicants will be selected based on their readiness to engage in cross-border collaboration, the potential for ecosystem impact, and alignment with the program’s goals.
Apply Now to Your Preferred Mission
Discover the unique opportunities offered by each mission and find out how they align with your goals. Learn more about the locations, themes, and activities tailored to help you expand your entrepreneurial horizons. Each mission offers curated programs to help you connect with local industry leaders, explore market opportunities, and expand your network. Ready to embark on your next entrepreneurial journey?
Organizing Consortium
The ExcellEnt missions are powered by a diverse consortium of leading organizations, each contributing their unique expertise to support innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship across Europe.
Institute of Entrepreneurship Development (iED)
Larissa, Greece
iED is a non-profit organization established in 2005, recognized as a certified Center of Excellence in European entrepreneurship. The institute promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development to foster cohesive societies.
Big Data for Smart Society Institute (GATE)
Sofia, Bulgaria
GATE, established in 2019 as the first research institute of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski,” focuses on applied Big Data and AI research. Its mission spans innovations in Future Cities, Digital Health, Intelligent Government, and Smart Industry, while fostering collaboration among government, industry, and entrepreneurs.
International Development Ireland (IDI)
Dublin, Ireland
Established in 1989, IDI is a consulting organization offering world-class services in Research and Science Development, Innovation Management, Technology Transfer, and Private Sector Development. With operations in over 80 countries, IDI is a global leader in supporting governments and fostering development.
Sabancı University
Istanbul, Turkey
Sabancı University, founded in 1999, is Turkey’s leading research university, producing globally recognized research and fostering connections with industrial partners. Its state-of-the-art facilities and faculty have made it a hub for academic and industrial innovation.
Each organization in the consortium plays a vital role in realizing the ExcellEnt Project’s mission of building an interconnected, innovative European entrepreneurial ecosystem. Visit the ExcellEnt Project website to learn more.