ExcellEnt Soft-Landing Missions

Empowering Entrepreneurs

About the Project

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.

soft-landing-missions-1
Goals and Vision

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: 

Participants
0

120 participants (20 per country across six nations) to engage in exchanges.

Entrepreneurs
0

Missions for 30 entrepreneurs and 30 early-stage startups across Greece, France, Bulgaria, and Ukraine.

Accelerators
0

Opportunities for 25 incubator/accelerator representatives to visit Ireland and share expertise.

HEI
0

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. 

What Are

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.

Booster Labs

Paris, France

Booster Labs supports DeepTech startups through a unique “collaborative acceleration” model. Established in 2021, the organization aligns innovation ecosystem forces to address the challenges faced by DeepTech startups.

Creative Cluster

Paris, France

Creative Cluster, founded in 2012, offers acceleration programs and a vast ecosystem of innovation centers, schools, and international networks. With over 150 experts and partnerships with universities, Creative Cluster is a hub for tech startup incubation.

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.

TechUkraine

Kyiv, Ukraine

TechUkraine, established in 2019, supports Ukraine’s dynamic tech ecosystem by fostering collaboration among government, business leaders, and donors. It connects Ukraine’s tech landscape with global technology centers, creating opportunities and driving growth.

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.