Claudia Matera

EIT Digital is a leading European initiative dedicated to fostering digital innovation and entrepreneurial education, operating under the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). Its mission is to drive global impact through European innovation by creating, scaling, and accelerating digital ventures while developing entrepreneurial digital talent. As outlined in its Strategic Agenda 2021–2027, EIT Digital addresses major challenges in the European digital landscape, such as market fragmentation, underinvestment in digital R&D, and the need for a skilled workforce, by integrating education, innovation, and ecosystem-building activities. By creating a robust pipeline of digital ventures through its programs, which transform research-based technologies into market-ready startups, over €1 billion has been raised to date, with an annual goal of attracting €45 million in investment. These innovation efforts are complemented by a strong educational offering through its Master and Doctoral Schools, Professional School, and Summer Schools, all of which integrate technical and business skills to prepare T-shaped talent. EIT Digital’s activities are organized around five strategic areas essential for European digital sovereignty—Digital Tech, Digital Industry, Digital Cities, Digital Wellbeing, and Digital Finance—and implemented in collaboration with a growing pan-European ecosystem of over 300 partners.