Visa Everywhere Initiative is a global startup engagement program from Visa that challenges growth-stage startups to develop innovative payment and digital commerce solutions. The Latin America and Caribbean edition focuses on two challenge areas: Small Business Recovery — digital payment innovations to support SME economic recovery — and Frictionless Mobility — contactless and mobile payment solutions for mass transit and micro-mobility services. Up to $50,000 in total prize money is awarded, with $25,000 to the winner, $15,000 for second place, and $10,000 for third. In addition to cash prizes, finalists participate in a three-week virtual immersion program with Visa experts, mentorship from the Finnovista network, and potential pilot collaboration with Visa. Eligible applicants are growth-stage startups operating in Latin America and the Caribbean focused on fintech and payments innovation.

Visa Foundation Grantmaking is a program from the Visa Foundation that funds financial inclusion initiatives and economic opportunity programs, with a focus on supporting small and micro businesses, particularly in underserved and developing markets. The Foundation's grants address barriers to financial access and support innovative payment solutions to build more inclusive economies. Special emphasis is placed on driving inclusive growth in Asia and rebuilding communities affected by disasters through data-driven economic insights. Eligible grantees are typically nonprofits and social enterprises working on financial inclusion, economic resilience, and access to financial services for underrepresented populations.

EIT Digital Open Innovation Factory 2026 is a grant from EIT Digital that funds collaborative innovation projects advancing Europe's digital transformation through open partnerships between industry, academia, and research organizations. The program supports development and deployment of digital technologies — including AI, data, and cybersecurity solutions — aimed at solving key market and societal challenges. Awards are available up to €400,000 per project. Eligible applicants are consortia of at least two partners (SMEs, large enterprises, or research organizations) from at least two different countries in the EU or countries associated with Horizon Europe. The application deadline is May 15, 2026.

EIC Accelerator (2024) is a grant from the European Innovation Council (European Commission) that provides blended finance — grants up to €2.5 million combined with equity investments of €0.5 million to €15 million — to for-profit SMEs and start-ups from EU member states or Horizon Europe-associated countries. The 2024 work programme opens over €1.2 billion in funding for strategic technologies with high market potential and innovation impact. The EIC Accelerator targets deep-tech and breakthrough innovations that are too risky for private investors alone, enabling high-growth companies to scale across Europe and global markets. Eligible companies must demonstrate a disruptive technology concept and credible commercialization pathway.

Call for applications to support women-led deeptech and digital startups through funding, mentorship, and collaboration with European corporates is sponsored by EU Funding Portal (Aggregator - Original Funder details not provided in snippet for this specific grant, but described as a specialized open innovation program). Call for applications to support women-led deeptech and digital startups through funding, mentorship, and collaboration with European corporates is sponsored by EU Funding Portal (Aggregator - Original Funder details not provided in snippet for this specific grant, but described…

EIT Digital Mentor Me Program (Batch 2) is a mentorship and acceleration program from EIT Digital that funds early-stage European tech startups through expert guidance and network access. Delivered by 28DIGITAL, the program supports angel or pre-seed stage startups with a working prototype or MVP that are planning a funding round. Participants receive tailored mentorship from experienced startup operators, investor introductions across Europe, workshops on strategy and pitching, and ongoing coaching. Program participation requires either a €33,000 fee or a 3% equity stake. Applicants must be English-speaking and available for at least four months. Eligible startups must be based in Europe. The deadline for Batch 2 is May 20, 2026.

MedTech Innovator is the world's largest accelerator for medical device, digital health, and diagnostic companies, selecting over 50 startups annually from seed through Series C stage. Selected companies receive high-profile showcase opportunities at major industry conferences, access to corporate executives and investors, mentorship, and membership in an alumni network of 500+ medtech startups. Early-stage companies (pre-Series B) compete for up to $500,000 in non-dilutive funding and receive corporate partner mentors. The program features regional and virtual pitch events judged by executives from companies including Johnson & Johnson, Becton Dickinson, and Edwards Lifesciences. The accelerator operates as a remote-friendly virtual program with in-person events at key conferences throughout the year.