EU4Innovation East program has announced the launch of a new grant competition to develop incubation programs in Armenia across four strategic sectors: cybersecurity, aerospace technologies, agriculture, and financial technologies (FinTech).
“This initiative is an expression of the European Union’s readiness to support the development of innovation and entrepreneurship in Armenia,” noted Vasilis Maragos, EU Ambassador to Armenia.
According to him, “by supporting incubation programs, we contribute to creating a resilient and robust startup community that will promote technological advancement, attract new investments, and become an important factor for economic growth.” He added that simultaneously, Armenia’s role is being strengthened in developing technologies that can enhance the country’s economic competitiveness and contribute to diversification. “This is particularly important in terms of strengthening regional connections, which the European Union supports within the framework of its ‘Global Gateway’ initiative,” the ambassador emphasized.
The program is expected to provide a total of 800 thousand euros in funding, up to 200 thousand euros for each incubation program.
According to the program conditions, each sector is expected to support up to 27 startups during a 24-month incubation period. Startups will receive mentorship, technical support, progress monitoring, and market access opportunities.
The startup incubation phase is a crucial guarantee of successful development, when ideas gradually transform into practical steps, teams are formed, business models are tested, and entrepreneurial skills are refined. Although financial revenues may be limited in the initial phase, their long-term impact on startup sustainability, innovative potential, and ecosystem maturity will be significant.
“Through this program, we contribute to the development of Armenian startups in priority sectors such as cybersecurity, space technologies, agriculture, and financial services,” added Julien Schmitt, Head of the EU4Innovation East program.
He emphasized that “our priority is to provide startups with the necessary tools, mentorship, and international connections to promote their sustainable development and ecosystem growth.” According to him, thanks to cooperation with leading European partners, expanding the capabilities of Armenian incubation programs will contribute to increasing startups’ accessibility to international markets.
The program also envisages cooperation with European partners and local ecosystem actors for the purpose of exchanging experience, aligning with EU standards, and expanding international connections. In addition, post-incubation support will be provided, which aims to ensure the transition of startups to the phase of accelerator programs, attracting investments, or forming strategic partnerships.
Applications to the program are possible until March 23, 2026. Call for Project Proposals: Incubation Programmes in Armenia – EU4Innovation East
EU4Innovation East is a regional program funded by the European Union, co-financed by the Government of France, and implemented by Expertise France. The program aims to increase the competitiveness of startup ecosystems in five Eastern Partnership countries.