EU announces funding support for SMEs
The European Commission has launched the FIWARE Accelerator programme, with €80m being made available for SMEs, start-ups and web-entrepreneurs using FIWARE technologies.
The FIWARE Accelerator is a network of European organisations that has already launched its first calls for proposals earlier this month. The remaining calls will be presented today and tomorrow in Munich at the European Conference on Future Internet.
Neelie Kroes, Vice-President of the European Commission with responsibility for the Digital Agenda, said: “Many apps have already been built using the FIWARE programme – from warnings of earthquakes to preventing food waste to Smartaxi apps. I am happy to put into your hands today a new tool for SMEs and entrepreneurs. Use this innovative technology to develop internet services faster and better.”
A series of large-scale trials have been running in companies working in energy, health, smart manufacturing, logistics, agriculture and creative industries to test the FIWARE technology. The FIWARE Accelerator will select, mentor and sponsor the most talented teams and business proposals building upon FIWARE technology. More than 1,000 enterprises and app developers using FIWARE will benefit from funding of up to €150.
FIWARE is part of the Commission’s Future Internet Public Private Partnership and the EU commitment to help entrepreneurs via the Startup Europe initiative.
