If you are an EIC-backed start-up or scale-up with a clean technology innovation, the US market may be the next growth area in your global business expansion plan. The European Innovation Council (EIC) Immersive Programme is going to Austin and Houston, US, from 8 to 12 December 2025, and applications are now open!
Click here to Apply NOW!
Deadline: 15 September 2025 at 23:59 CET
The state of Texas has been instrumental in supporting the green tech sector in the US. Its highly favourable business and tax environment has been boosted more recently with planned incentives for companies investing in clean energy technologies and infrastructure, in a bid to drive innovation and talent into the sector. Austin is one of the most established, fastest growing tech hubs in the US, and the area has been seeing an influx of investment in green technologies.
The EIC Immersive Programme will feature networking and pitch events with investors and potential business partners, corporate site visits, coaching for the US cleantech market, business meetings and activities with established institutions such as the University of Texas, the Austin Technology Incubator, Rice University, Greentown Labs and more.
What’s in it for you?
Expanding to new markets outside of Europe is critical to scaling up, and the US is the biggest market. However, entering the US can pose challenges that include complex regulations and taxes, different business practices and culture, and it may be difficult to navigate the investment and innovation ecosystem.
The EIC Immersive Programme in Texas addresses these challenges by providing you with support to:
- Access key players in the Texas cleantech ecosystem
- Build strategic partnerships with investors, corporations, and innovation hubs
- Build your capabilities for the market through targeted mentoring and coaching, business development expertise and regulatory advice
- Finetune your value proposition and test your business model for the US cleantech market
Discover the Texan market for cleantech innovation
Austin and Houston are highly promising innovation ecosystems for European cleantech. Here’s why you should consider joining the EIC Immersive Programme 2025:
- Thriving cleantech ecosystem for European innovation: Austin and Houston are fast-growing hubs for cleantech start-ups, research organisations, and accelerators driving innovation in energy, mobility, water, and smart infrastructure.
There are 5 known high-level European and EU-Texas activities taking place this year alone, covering energy transition (EU and Germany), cleantech, sustainable chemistry and energy technologies (Belgium), and energy and clean technologies (Israel).
European Energy (Denmark) is opening a new office in Austin, while Maersk is opening a large logistics hub in El Paso.
- Access to capital and investors: More climate-focused VCs and angel investors have been relocating to Austin and Houston. Our team has been in contact with 35 interested investors, and securing contacts with corporate VCs and procurement bodies.
- Skilled and growing market: We are partnering with top-tier innovation institutions in Texas that will offer a tech-savvy talent pool and ideal conditions for piloting and scaling solutions.
- Supportive policy environment: Austin backs cleantech through its Climate Equity Plan, and Texas is leading in the wind and solar sectors, with existing and planned new incentives that will further lower barriers to market entry.
- Backed by global tech: Major players like Tesla, Meta, and Apple have made Austin or Houston a base for innovation, creating a collaborative environment for start-ups and corporates alike.
Join our webinar to learn more about the EIC Immersive Programme in Austin and Houston
We have organised a webinar to talk about market and investment opportunities in Texas and what to expect from the mission week. We will also provide tips to help you strengthen your application.
Register here to join
Save the date: Thursday, 4 September 2025
Who can apply?
You are eligible if you are:
- An EIC-backed start-up, scale-up, or SME
- With a plan to expand in the USA
- With an innovative technology in one or more of the following solution areas: circular economy, environmental and green technologies, sustainable chemicals, low/nearly zero &-energy positive buildings, renewable energy sources and infrastructure, sustainable transport, waste management and recycling, new materials and construction, semiconductors and photonics.
Your expected commitment: If selected, prior to the immersive week, you will be expected to attend an onboarding call, a 2-hour virtual pre-departure briefing, and up to three 1-hour online training sessions with our US market and venture mentors. You may also be invited to virtual preparatory business meetings.
Application and selection
To apply, complete and submit the online application form and upload a 4-slide pitch deck as part of your application (see instructions in the online application form).
The information you provide will be shared with our market and investment experts, who will assess the potential benefits and the impact of your participation.
You will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Excellence and readiness: you have a technology with a clear value proposition for the US market, high scalability potential, and your team is ready for a new market.
- US market entry plan: you have a clear strategy and objective for entering the US, and your business plan is aligned with the market.
- Impact and fit: there are clear potential benefits from your participation in the EIC Immersive Programme, and your technology fits with US market demand.
- European alignment: Your business and technology contribute to European strategic autonomy and competitiveness.
- Resource commitment: You have financial and human resources to fully engage in the programme.
If selected, you must cover your own costs for travel and accommodation.
Want to learn more about our previous missions?
See how our cleantech cohort made a real impact in San Francisco in December 2024.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations will only be considered in duly documented cases of “force majeure”. Unjustified cancellation can lead to exclusion from future EIC Business Acceleration Services initiatives.
About the EIC Immersive Programme
The EIC Immersive Programme (also known as the EIC Soft-landing Programme in Europe) is an initiative of the EIC Business Acceleration Services for companies who have launched and gained traction abroad and want to expand to a new big market globally without taking away their main operations in Europe. Selected EIC-funded SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups from EU Member States and Associated Countries have access to the Programme.
Any questions? Contact us through the EIC Community Helpdesk (select the category “EVENT – EIC ITF Programme – Soft Landing Texas 2025” as the subject).
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DISCLAIMER: This information is provided in the interest of knowledge sharing and should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission, or any other organisation.