Iceberg+ connects EIT Urban Mobility with ADR Vest to Launch Joint Startup Funding Programme
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The Challenge
There was a need to create synergies and strengthen collaboration between European innovation initiatives such as EIT Urban Mobility and regional development agencies in Romania, to increase access to funding and support for startups in the field of urban mobility.
A key challenge was bridging the gap between the European-level opportunities offered by EIT Urban Mobility and the strategic priorities of Regional Development Agencies.
Beneficiary
Startups and innovators in the urban mobility sector willing to create companies or subsidiaries in the West Region of Romania, particularly those looking for funding and support to develop and scale their solutions.
Delivered by
EIT Urban Mobility and ADR Vest (West Regional Development Agency).
- Iceberg+ acted as a facilitator of the collaboration between EIT Urban Mobility and ADR Vest (West Regional Development Agency), enabling the creation and launch of a joint funding programme.
The
Solution
Major milestone
Towards collaboration with Regional Development Agencies, a major milestone was the successful facilitation of collaboration between EIT UM and ADR Vest, which resulted in the launch of a funding programme dedicated to startups in 2025.
Financing
This initiative, co-financed by both EIT Urban Mobility andFinancing ADR Vest, attracted €400,000 from each organization, resulting in a total of €800,000 in funding dedicated to supporting the urban mobility startup ecosystem in the West Region of Romania.
The stages
The joint programme was launched in two stages:
- The first stage, managed by EIT UM, was initiated through an open call for proposals: https://www.eiturbanmobility.eu/call-for-proposals/regional-innovation-scheme-joint-innovation-programme-with-adr-vest-in-romania-open-call-2025/
- The second stage will be implemented and managed by ADR Vest.
The
Impact
This initiative marked a major milestone in regional collaboration, setting a precedent for how European innovation bodies and local authorities can work together to support entrepreneurship.
It enhanced the visibility of opportunities in Romania within the EIT UM international network and opened a new funding channel for startups.
The
Timeline
2024
The collaboration began in 2024, and the joint programme was officially launched in 2025, with follow-up in 2026.
The
Results
Launch of a joint innovation funding programme co-financed by ADR Vest and EIT Urban Mobility.
contributed by each organization, resulting in a total of €800,000 to support startups in the urban mobility sector.
Strengthened collaboration between regional and European stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem.
Increased visibility and relevance of Romanian urban mobility initiatives within the international EIT UM network.
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