context
Business Support Organisations and Social Innovation Support Organisations are increasingly called on to turn the EU Missions into real change on the ground. Yet many struggle to move from high-level Mission ambitions to concrete programmes that effectively support innovators and entrepreneurs.
The SI-Mission-Facility offers a training and scaling lab programme for BSOs and SISOs that want to strengthen their role as mission enablers. It equips you with practical tools, proven methods and peer exchange to identify, support and scale social innovations that directly contribute to the EU Missions:
KEY FACTS: Training and Scaling Lab Programme for BSOs/SISOs
WHO: BSOs & SISOs in EU & Horizon Europe associated countries
COST: Free of charge (Horizon Europe funded)
PLACES AVAILABLE: 30 organisations (from at least 20 countries)
WHAT: Training programme to support and scale EU Mission-aligned social innovation
WHEN: May–June 2026 (online) · Sept 2026 (optional bootcamp)
HOW: 6 online sessions + in-person bootcamp (15 spots, travel covered)
APPLY BY: 06 March 2026
Delivered by the Impact Hub Network together with mission-focused hubs across Europe*, the programme combines practical learning with real Mission insight. Participants build the skills, confidence and networks to design stronger support programmes, position themselves as credible ecosystem partners, and connect local innovation efforts to European Mission opportunities.
Designed for diverse local and regional contexts, the programme focuses on what actually works in practice and relevant tools to deliver more effective support programmes — translating EU Mission priorities into adaptable approaches you can apply immediately within your existing support structures.
*Read more about the mission related expertise of the Mission Hubs below in FAQ.
your benefits and role
Your benefits
- A practical toolkit and online training programme (6 live webinars, Tuesdays 10:00–12:00 CET, May 5 – June 9) to scout, support, and scale Mission-relevant social innovations.
- An international in-person bootcamp in Bucharest, Romania (15 spots available; travel and accommodation covered under Horizon Europe rules).
- Strengthen your organisation’s strategic positioning and operational capacity to design and run mission-aligned social innovation and scaling programmes, aligned with EU Missions.
- Gain access to proven methods, peer learning, and a European community of practice, connecting you with partners, investors, and the wider ecosystem.
- Unlock clear pathways to further SIMF opportunities, including funder and investor networks, training and scaling programmes
- Additional benefits for bootcamp participants:
- meet in person,
- co-design advanced programmes,
- strengthen train-the-trainers skills
Your role in the programme
The capacity building programme offered by SI-Mission-Facility is designed as a collaborative journey. To get the most out of the programme, we expect participating organisations to:
- Engage actively in the online sessions and learning activities, bringing in questions, reflections, and examples from your own practice.
- Apply the tools and approaches introduced in the programme to your existing or planned support activities, testing how they work in your local context.
- Reflect critically on your current support models and how they align with the logic and ambitions of the EU Missions.
- Share learning and insights within your organisation and, where possible, with social innovators and peers in your wider ecosystem.
- Contribute to peer learning by exchanging experiences, challenges, and lessons learned with other participating organisations.
These expectations are not about perfection, but about active participation, experimentation, and openness to learning. The programme is designed to support organisations at different starting points and to help translate Mission-oriented thinking into practical action.
Calendar of activities
| Activity | Host | Period | Date/time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Kick off and Toolkit Intro Webinar | Impact Hub Network | May 5th 2026 | 10-12 CET | Zoom |
| 2 Mission Cancer Webinar | Impact Hub Ljubljana | May 12th 2026 | 10-12 CET | Zoom |
| 3 Mission Cities Webinar | Impact Hub Stockholm | May 19th 2026 | 10-12 CET | Zoom |
| 4 Mission Climate Webinar | Impact Hub Bucharest | May 26th 2026 | 10-12 CET | Zoom |
| 5 Mission Water/Oceans Webinar | Impact Hub Athens | June 2nd 2026 | 10-12 CET | Zoom |
| 6 Mission Soil Webinar | Impact Hub Torino | June 9th 2026 | 10-12 CET | Zoom |
| 7 Bootcamp for codesigning effective support programmes | Impact Hub Bucharest | 5-9 September 2026 | 2.5 days (6-8.09) + 2 travel days | Bucharest, Romania (travel expenses covered under Horizon Europe rules) |
programme timeline
how to apply?
- Submit one online application form by March 6, 2026.
- Applications are reviewed for eligibility and selection criteria by the Impact Hubs leading the missions (Mission Hubs). Mission hubs coordinate to ensure balanced Mission coverage and confirm participation for Mission-relevant applicants.
- The results of the application process will be announced by March 31st 2026.
- Selected organisations will be requested to confirm participation by signing the Letter of Commitment by April 15th.
- If the number of applicants confirmed is not reached, organizers will reach out in similar manner to participants on the reserve list.
- We will select 30 organisations across at least 20 countries. A reserve list (up to 10 organisations) will also be established; reserve-listed organisations may be offered a place if selected organisations are unable to confirm participation by the deadline.
- From the organisations joining the online programme, a list of 15 will be selected for the in person bootcamp.
- Selected participants will be informed of the result of the selection process by June 22nd.
- Selected organisations will be requested to confirm participation by June 30th along with the named Bootcamp representative, including their role in the organisation and the relevant experience supporting social innovators/entrepreneurs.
Selection criteria (online programme)
Eligible applications (see point 3 above) will be assessed based on:
- Geographic spread and diversity (countries/regions represented)
- Experience supporting social innovators/entrepreneurs (minimum 1 year preferred)
- Interest and readiness to engage with one or more EU Missions (experience is an advantage but not required)
- Multiplier potential (e.g., ecosystem reach, networks, ability to train/support others, cross-sector collaborations with public authorities, researchers, civil society or investors)
- Commitment to participate in the online training programme and apply learning in practice
- Commitment to disseminate learnings to local social innovators and/or peer support organisations
Applications will be assessed by the mission hubs using a common scoring framework, and the final selection will be validated centrally to ensure eligibility is met and there is a balanced representation across countries and Missions.
Selection criteria (bootcamp*)
*only 15 spots available
The mission hubs will select a group of 15 organisations from the participants of the online programme based on the following criteria:
- demonstrate active participation in the online programme, including attendance in at least 4 of the 6 webinars (strong preference will be given to organisations attending all webinars)
- willingness to contribute as trainers/facilitators/ guest speakers in subsequent activities for SIs in 2027
- geographic and thematic diversity (Mission mix)
- clear intention and motivation to apply learning in practice (new/improved programmes, scouting methods, support services)
- high multiplier potential (ability to cascade learning internally and to the ecosystem)
Selection will be based on the interest in attending the Bootcamp indicated in the application form, and the information provided there, along with attendance lists and trainers observations during the online programme.
who can apply
Eligibility criteria:
- Be support organisations, such as:
- Business/Entrepreneurship Support Organisation (BSO/ESO)
- Social Enterprise Support Organisation (SESO) / Social Innovation Support Organisation (SISO)
- Be legally established in:
- an EU Member State, or
- a Horizon Europe Associated Country
Organisations established outside these locations may be considered for the online program, only after the minimum participation threshold in eligible countries is reached and if capacity remains.
- Have a good working level of English, as all activities and materials will be delivered in English.
- Have access to basic computer facilities and a stable internet connection, including the ability to join live webinars via Zoom and use shared online collaboration tools.
Not suitable for organisations that:
- Have no current role in supporting innovators, entrepreneurs, social innovators, or social enterprises (e.g., scouting, incubation/acceleration, mentoring, advisory services, ecosystem building).
- Have no interest in engaging with the 5 EU Missions and/or their thematic focus and integrate the learnings into existing or planned support activities beyond the duration of the programme.
- Cannot commit time and staff capacity for active participation (webinars and follow-up engagement), and for applying and disseminating the learning within their organisation and wider ecosystem.
- Are primarily looking for funding opportunities (grants/investment) rather than a capacity-building offer focused on skills, tools, peer learning, and programme design support.
frequently asked questions
1) What is the SI Mission Facility?
Social Innovation Mission Facility is a project funded under Horizon Europe (project ID: 101216478; duration: May 1, 2025 – April 30, 2029) which aims to unlock the untapped potentials of social innovations (SIs) to boost the EU Missions by promoting, activating, scaling and mainstreaming SIs and by engaging and advising SI funders, investors, social innovators and R&I policymakers at European, national and local level through a series of interconnected measures.
2) Who are the Mission hubs?
The 5 local Impact Hubs are managing the 5 EU missions and the selection processes related to the missions, as follows:
- Climate – Impact Hub Bucharest
- Cancer – Impact Hub Ljubljana
- Water/Oceans – Impact Hub Athens
- Cities – Impact Hub Stockholm
- Soil – Impact Hub Torino
Impact Hub Athens – EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters
Impact Hub Athens is a key ecosystem actor for social innovation and impact entrepreneurship in Greece, with a strategic focus on ocean protection, marine litter prevention, and circular economy solutions aligned with the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters. Based in the historic centre of Athens, the hub operates as a multidisciplinary platform combining community building, capacity building, and applied innovation to mobilise citizens, entrepreneurs, and institutions around ocean-related challenges. Impact Hub Athens has strong expertise in activating citizen-led innovation and supporting early-stage entrepreneurs developing solutions for marine litter prevention, valorisation, and zero-waste practices.
The organisation designs and delivers hackathons, acceleration programmes, and tailored mentoring schemes that help transform ideas into scalable, impact-driven ventures contributing to Mission Ocean objectives. Through its role in flagship Mission-aligned projects such as REMEDIES, PHAROS, and TASC RestoreMed, Impact Hub Athens contributes directly to advancing solutions for marine pollution and sustainable blue economy transitions. Overall, Impact Hub Athens combines entrepreneurial support, community engagement, and ecosystem building to deliver tangible impact for the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters.
Impact Hub Ljubljana – EU Mission Cancer
Impact Hub Ljubljana is the national reference point for social innovation and impact entrepreneurship in Slovenia and a recognised regional actor in South-East Europe. Based in the centre of Ljubljana, the hub operates as a multidisciplinary platform combining co-working, training, incubation, and ecosystem building, supporting a diverse community of social innovators, NGOs, impact-driven startups, and public-sector partners. Impact Hub Ljubljana has strong expertise in designing and delivering capacity-building programmes that connect social innovation with public systems, particularly in the areas of health, prevention, education, and social inclusion.
Within the SI-Mission-Facility project, Impact Hub Ljubljana leads work related to the EU Cancer Mission, with a focus on prevention, early detection, equity of access, psychosocial support, and system navigation. Drawing on long-term collaboration with public health institutions, patient organisations, youth and education actors, and municipalities, the hub brings experience in scouting, selecting, and supporting social innovations that complement healthcare systems and address behavioural, organisational, and community-level determinants of cancer outcomes.
Impact Hub Torino – EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe” (Soil Mission)
Impact Hub Torino is one of the most active members of the national ecosystem in the field of social innovation and impact entrepreneurship and has a strong presence in the region of Piedmont as well as in the broader North-West. Based in Torino, the hub is a co-working, incubation and community-driven space that hosts a heterogeneous network of social innovators, NGOs, impact-driven start-ups, research actors and public-sector partners. Impact Hub Torino possesses a great deal of experience and knowledge when it comes to the conception and subsequent implementation of social innovation-territory relations capacity building and innovation support programmes and programmes of this nature are particularly geared towards sustainability, climate resilience and inclusive local economies.
Impact Hub Torino is leading the SI-Mission-Facility project work on soil under the EU Mission: “A Soil Deal for Europe,” focusing on soil health, regenerative practices sustainable land use, and resilient food systems. The hub boasts ongoing partnerships with municipal administrations, local impact networks, universities, foundations, and community organizations to bring together cross-sectoral actors and help translate technical solutions into implementations. Impact Hub Torino is contributing to accelerate soil regeneration pathways which can be prototyped locally and scaled in territories, finding them through matchmaking, activating the ecosystem and providing a structured support to innovators.
Impact Hub Stockholm – EU Mission Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities (Cities Mission)
Impact Hub Stockholm brings over 15 years of hands-on experience supporting social innovators and building collaborative ecosystems in Sweden and across Europe. The hub works at the intersection of innovation and systems change, facilitating partnerships between entrepreneurs, municipalities, businesses, and community organizations around sustainability challenges. Based in Stockholm, one of the EU’s seven Swedish mission cities, Impact Hub Stockholm operates as a multidisciplinary platform combining community building, capacity building, and applied innovation to mobilize diverse actors toward systemic change.
Within the SI-Mission-Facility project, Impact Hub Stockholm serves as thematic lead for the EU Mission Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities workstream. This role draws on the organization’s experience facilitating cross-sector partnerships and mission-oriented approaches in urban contexts, including work with municipalities on climate transition, inclusive development, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Impact Hub Stockholm contributes systems-oriented perspective and facilitation capacity relevant to supporting mission-driven innovation in diverse urban settings across Europe.
Impact Hub Bucharest – EU Mission Adaptation to Climate Change (Climate Mission)
Impact Hub Bucharest is a leading ecosystem actor for social innovation and impact entrepreneurship in Romania, with growing relevance as a climate hub focused on resilience, sustainability, and adaptation to climate change. Based in Bucharest, a city increasingly exposed to heat stress, flooding, and environmental pressures, the hub operates as a multidisciplinary platform combining community building, acceleration programmes, capacity building, and applied innovation to support entrepreneurs, NGOs, and institutions addressing climate-related challenges.
Impact Hub Bucharest has strong experience in supporting place-based and community-led solutions, nature-based and low-tech interventions, and organisational and behavioural change initiatives that contribute to climate adaptation. Through mentoring, pilot support, ecosystem partnerships, and collaboration with municipalities, corporates, and civil society, the hub enables social innovations to move from local experimentation to scalable and system-integrated solutions aligned with the EU Mission on Climate Change Adaptation.
The work done by the 5 Impact Hubs is led by Impact Hub Network
3) Who can apply?
Business Support Organisations (BSOs) and Social Innovation / Social Enterprise Support Organisations (SISOs/SESOs)—public, private, or non-profit—legally established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country, with a good working level of English.
4) Who is this programme not for?
It may not be suitable for organisations that do not support innovators/entrepreneurs, cannot commit time for active participation and dissemination, or are mainly looking for funding rather than capacity building.
5) Is this a funding call?
No. This is a capacity-building programme (training, tools, peer learning). It does not provide direct funding to participating organisations.
6) What is the time commitment?
Participants are expected to actively engage in the online programme (six webinars, amounting to ~ 12h) and apply and disseminate the learning within their organisation and ecosystem.
7) How many organisations will be selected?
30 organisations from at least 20 EU and associated countries will be selected. A reserve list of up to 10 organisations will also be created in case selected participants withdraw or cannot confirm participation.
8) Do we need prior experience with EU Missions?
No. Prior experience is an advantage, but not required. We welcome organisations with strong motivation and a clear interest in aligning their support work to one or more EU Missions.
9) What are the selection criteria?
Selection considers eligibility plus factors such as geographic balance, relevant experience supporting innovators/entrepreneurs, Mission interest/readiness, multiplier potential, commitment to participate, and balanced distribution across the five EU Missions.
10) How does the Bootcamp selection work?
All selected organisations can join the online programme. From that group, 15 organisations will be selected to the in-person Bootcamp. Priority is given to geographic/thematic diversity, strong engagement and attendance (minimum 4 webinars; full attendance preferred), and clear plans to apply and cascade learning.
11) Are travel and accommodation covered for the Bootcamp?
Yes—for Bootcamp participants, travel and accommodation are covered by the project in line with Horizon Europe rules. Practical details will be provided with the official invitation.
12) What technical requirements do we need?
You will need reliable access to a computer and a stable internet connection to participate in live online webinars (Zoom) and use shared online collaboration tools.
13) What do you mean by “willingness to contribute as trainer/ facilitator/ guest for SIs programme activities”?
In 2027 the programme will support social innovators with solutions in the 5 EU Missions to scale and become investment ready, thus we are interested in developing skills for participants who will contribute to the growth of the community and thus of the Missions, by supporting the activities for SIs as well – several contributions are welcomed, subject to expertise and availability.
Do you have a question?
Send it to lucia.radu@impacthub.net.
