November 2025 update
1. €204 Million in EU Funding to Boost Digital Innovation
The European Commission has announced over €204 million in new funding for projects that promote business digitalisation, digital skills, and innovation across Europe. Estrategia Digital Europea
- The calls (through the Digital Europe Programme) target AI and big data use, the expansion of European Digital Innovation Hubs, and digital solutions in the public and automotive sectors.
- There’s also a €15 million call specifically for the development of the European Digital Identity Wallet and digital driving licenses.
Why it matters for digital entrepreneurs: This funding drives access to cutting-edge digital technologies and support infrastructure, making it easier for startups to innovate, scale, and build digitally-enabled businesses.
2. EIB Commits €70 Billion to European Tech Startups (2025–2027)
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is launching a massive €70 billion investment drive to support the continent’s tech sector over the next three years. Reuters
- The funding will be split into equity, loans, and guarantees, and is expected to pull in a further €250 billion in private investment.
- Key target areas include AI, digital infrastructure, robotics, green tech, and other strategic sectors.
Why it matters for digital entrepreneurs: This is a major boost for high-risk, high-reward startups—especially in deep-tech fields. It can help startups secure growth capital and scale faster in Europe.
3. EU Council Backs Innovation Through Research & Startups
On 30 September, the Council of the EU adopted conclusions supporting the EU Startup & Scaleup Strategy, emphasizing the role of research institutions in driving startup growth. Consilio
- The Council calls for a regulatory and financial environment that supports collaboration between research organizations and scaleups.
- It also stresses the need to simplify administrative burdens, clarify definitions for startups and scaleups, and improve access to research infrastructures.
Why it matters for digital entrepreneurs: This push could make it easier for startups to partner with universities, access advanced research, tap into talent pools, and benefit from research-driven innovation.