The EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) Annual Activity Report 2025 highlights strong progress in strengthening regional innovation ecosystems, with supported ventures attracting €579 million in external investment in 2025 – a 147% increase compared with 2024.
The newly released report showcases how this key programme of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) continues to boost innovation capacity across countries and regions with lower innovation performance, supported by the EU through Horizon Europe.
Since its launch in 2014, the EIT RIS has evolved into a key instrument for bridging Europe's innovation gap, connecting local talent, businesses and research organisations with opportunities across the EIT Community. In 2025, the programme continued to expand its reach, supporting entrepreneurs, developing skills and strengthening connections between regional innovation ecosystems.
2025: A year of strong results
The achievements of the EIT RIS in 2025 demonstrate its growing contribution to Europe's innovation landscape:
- €579 million in external investment attracted by EIT RIS-supported ventures, up 147% compared with 2024;
- 910 startups and scaleups created or supported;
- 71 445 people participating in EIT education programmes;
- 1 680 partners contributing to stronger regional innovation ecosystems.
These results build on more than a decade of impact. Between 2014 and 2025, the EIT RIS helped upskill approximately 400 000 people, supported the creation or development of 7 410 ventures and contributed to attracting €3.81 billion in external investment.
A growing contribution to the EIT Community
The report also highlights the significant contribution of RIS-eligible countries to the EIT Community's overall results. In 2025, these countries accounted for 75% of participants in EIT education activities and 54% of innovations launched on the market across the EIT Community. They also made a substantial contribution to startups created or supported and external investment attracted.
These figures underline the important role of RIS-eligible countries in driving innovation across Europe. RIS-eligible countries account for approximately 60% of participation in EIT activities, compared with around 40% across Horizon Europe.
Connecting innovators with opportunities
The EIT Community Hubs have further strengthened the programme's regional presence, with six new hubs opened in 2025. Each EIT RIS country now has a local entry point to the wider EIT Community, helping innovators access expertise, partnerships and support. In 2025 alone, the Hubs brought in 112 new partners, scouted more than 335 applicants and referred 166 startups to EIT opportunities.
The report also showcases inspiring examples of innovation, including Romania's .lumen, which has developed AI-powered navigation glasses to help people with visual impairments navigate their surroundings. The technology has been tested by more than 300 users in nearly 30 countries.
Looking ahead
As Europe advances its green and digital transitions, strengthening innovation capacity across all regions remains essential. The 2025 EIT RIS Annual Activity Report demonstrates how the EIT and its Knowledge and Innovation Communities are helping regional ecosystems unlock their potential, support entrepreneurs and contribute to a more competitive and inclusive European innovation landscape.