European ‘Champions League’ for Startups: A New Avenue for UK Innovation
For many UK founders, the phrase "Champions League" conjures images of elite football capability. However, the European Commission (EC) is borrowing the terminology for a new business initiative that could score significant goals for the UK startup ecosystem.
The EC has recently announced a €10 million fund to develop a network of "leading and emerging startup and scaleup hubs" across the continent. Dubbed the "Champions League of Startup Hubs," the programme is designed to connect innovation centres, fostering a cross-border exchange of talent, investment, and deep-tech expertise.
At Zyla Accountants, we know that despite Brexit, the UK remains a powerhouse of innovation. The good news? UK businesses are not sitting on the bench for this one.
What is the ‘Champions League’ Initiative?
The primary goal of this EC project is "enhanced interconnectivity." The vision is to select between 10 and 18 elite hubs that will receive financial support to share resources.
The deadline for hubs to apply is 10 March 2026, giving interested parties time to prepare. The initiative is specifically targeting hubs with:
Strong research capabilities.
Sectoral expertise in deep tech.
A focus on the early stages of the startup journey.
By linking these hubs, the EC hopes to create a "Lab to Unicorn" pathway, allowing startups in one country to easily access mentors, infrastructure, and investors in another.
Can UK Startups Participate?
Yes. Despite the UK’s departure from the EU, UK ventures can still tap into these benefits through association with Horizon Europe funding streams, such as the EIC Accelerator.
The EC’s strategy aims to make Europe (including its neighbours) the best place to launch global technology-driven companies. For UK deep-tech firms, this means that accessing a participating UK hub could open doors to a continental network immediately, rather than having to build those relationships from scratch.
Why Look to Europe Now?
The timing of this initiative is crucial. Domestically, UK entrepreneurs are navigating a shifting landscape.
1. The Tax Environment Recent government decisions have altered the financial terrain. The scrapping of special tax privileges for non-domiciled residents and the upcoming changes to Capital Gains Tax (rising to 18% for the higher band in April 2026) have prompted some founders to reassess their growth strategies.
2. Increasing Bureaucracy From the implementation of Making Tax Digital to stricter ID mandates from Companies House, UK compliance is becoming more rigorous. In contrast, part of the EC’s new strategy involves slashing red tape to prevent businesses from relocating outside the region—including controversial decisions like postponing certain aspects of the EU AI Act to foster growth.
The Natural Next Step
For many of the UK’s most exciting companies—particularly in sectors like health-tech and aerospace—Europe is the natural first step for expansion.
Winning clients on the continent or collaborating with bodies like the European Space Agency is already a reality for top UK startups. This new "Champions League" network could act as a catalyst, providing the "leg-up" early-stage ventures need to turn a great British idea into a pan-European success story.
How Zyla Can Help
Whether you are looking to secure funding, navigate the complexities of Horizon Europe grants, or simply ensure your business is tax-efficient amidst the new UK fiscal rules, you need a strong financial partner.
We help startups and scaleups keep their eye on the ball so they can focus on growth.