Office of Global Business

European Innovation Academy

The European Innovation Academy (EIA) is a 3-week startup program in Porto, Portugal, where you form a team with students from other universities to develop a product in a startup environment. 

Whether you come with your own idea or apply without one, you have the flexibility to either choose a team with a concept that inspires you or persuade others to join your own company. You will collaborate with students from universities around the world and receive weekly guidance from 75+ mentors from companies like Google, TikTok, and Microsoft. Throughout the program, you will have the chance to network with Silicon Valley professionals, gain valuable insights into entrepreneurship, and pitch your project to investors, venture capitalists, and an audience of over 1,000.

Final Application Deadline: January 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM
Program Fee: $3900
Info Sessions: Register for December 4, 2025, at 1 PM or 7 PM (Zoom)

Porto, Portugal: CLOSED

Global Location

EIA will be hosted in-person in Porto, Portugal for Summer 2026!

SessionAccess
Attend an EIA 2026 Info SessionComing November 2025!
Watch the EIA 2025 Recorded Info SessionRecording
Read the EIA 2025 Info SlidesSlides
Watch the EIA 2024 Top 10 PitchesYouTube
Watch EIA Participant TestimonialsYouTube

What are the important deadlines?

  • Final Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 11:59 pm
  • Application Fee: Paid Online at Time of Application Submission
  • Deposit Due: Ten Days after Notification of Acceptance
  • Final Payment Due: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 11:59 pm
  • OIA Fees: Posted to Statement of Account in Spring Semester

How do I know if I am eligible?

Do you have...?

  • GPA of 2.75 or greater - Freshmen and first-semester are welcome to apply, but you must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA at the end of the Autumn term in order to remain eligible for the program.
  • English Language Proficiency - TOEFL Score of 90 or above preferred for international students.
  • Good Standing with the Office of Student Conduct
  • Enrolled OSU student status throughout the duration of the program - This program is not available to graduating seniors.
  • Valid Passport - A passport is not required for application, but you must have a passport at the time of the visa application for departure, whichever comes first.

All program participants must...

What do I need to know about health & safety abroad?

The following links are provided as reference when considering education abroad programs:

External Resources

Conditions for Global Program Participation

You must meet all entry, exit, and visa requirements of your global education program destination, any countries while in transit, and the U.S. upon return, including but not limited to possessing a valid passport, obtaining the appropriate visa (if applicable), and providing proof of any required vaccinations (if applicable) and/or any testing requirements and other protocols (if applicable). Entry, exit, and visa requirements are established by each individual country and the Office of International Affairs, The Ohio State University and its visa provider, TraVisa, have no control over visa denials, immigration and visa regulations, and/or any changes in the Embassies/Consulates’ policies. Please refer to travel.state.gov and the respective Embassy or Consulate websites for the most up to date travel information.

How can I learn more about the program?

If you're still not sure whether EIA is the program for you...

  • Read more about specific consulting project locations on the OIA website by searching for "European Innovation Academy" (with double quotes) in the Program Name field.
  • Submit Student Interest Form to ensure your questions are answered, and our office can update you on important deadlines.
  • Attend an Information Session to learn more about the program and hear from past participants.
  • Read more about the OSU Cancellation Policy.

I'm ready to apply! What do I need to prepare?

Applications will open on August 26, 2025.

  • The Application Fee of $150 is refundable if an applicant is denied from the program or withdraws prior to the Final Application Deadline, or if the program is cancelled.
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered!
  • There are three parts of the application including a questionnaire, resume, and advising report.

I've been accepted! What's next?

Program Fees

The program fee covers in-country program activities and networking events, shared housing accommodations, program orientation both pre-departure and in-country, and 24/7 onsite health and safety support. It does not cover costs associated with meals or transportation in-country. Airfare will NOT be included. Students accepted into the program will be responsible for their own airfare. 

  • Deposit ($1000 non-refundable):
    • Due 10 days after acceptance email is received
  • Program Fee (remainder after deposit):
    • Due Wednesday, January 28, 2026
  • OIA Fees (variable based on program length):
    • $50 Administrative Fee ("OIA Admin Fee")
    • $50 International Accident and Sickness Insurance ("OIA Study Abroad Program Fee")
    • Posted to your Statement of Account at the end of Spring term
  • The Budget Sheet (Coming Soon!) has information about program and miscellaneous costs for EIA!

International Students

CPT documentation is typically not required for international students to participate in the European Innovation Academy. However, all international students should be aware that their entry/exit requirements for Portugal may differ than the entry/exit requirements for US passport holders. It is each individual student's responsibility to check with their consulate for guidelines on the type of visa required and the procedure for visa application.

How can I fund my global experience?

College and University Scholarships:

How can I strengthen my application?

  • Language Courses
  • QUIC Certification (Fisher only)
  • Resume Resources
    • Please review the Fisher Resume Guide that outlines the qualities of a great resume. This guide provides a comprehensive guide on formatting, verbiage, and strategies to highlight relevant experiences.
    • Resume Help (Fisher): It is recommended that all student resumes be evaluated by the Office of Career Management. You can bring a printed copy of your resume to be reviewed during. Fisher's Office of Career Management Peer Career Coaches Hours
    • Resume Help (Non-Fisher): For those students outside of Fisher, there are college specific resources like the Engineering Career Services for engineering students, Arts & Sciences Career Success for Arts & Sciences students, and Buckeye Careers, who provide career coaching and resume assistance to all Ohio State students.
  • Involvement with Student Organizations
  • Participation in Case Competitions

More Frequently Asked Questions

Q: "When will I receive a decision letter?"

A: All students will receive an application decision by the final decision date in the end of January.

Q: "What if I don’t speak the native language of the country?"

A: No language other than English is required for this program, but having some skill with other languages and familiarity with other cultures will make students more competitive to be selected for the program.

Q: "Will airfare be included in the program fee?"

A: For the European Innovation Academy program, airfare will NOT be included. Students accepted into the program will be responsible for their own airfare. 

Q: "Am I able to pay the program fee in installments?" 

A: No, your deposit is due two weeks from your acceptance letter. However, your final program fee is due by the date listed in your acceptance letter or by the final payment due date listed on the website (whichever one is later). The final payment due date is listed on the website when applications open in August. This is so students who are serious about committing to the program can begin preparing for finances early on. If you are accepted and committed to the program early, the payment portal will allow you to make payments in installments. However, you must complete your final installment by the final payment due date listed on the website. 

Q: "Am I able to pay the program fee with money from a 529 account?"

A: Yes, payment with a 529 account is accepted and must be done via check through the following steps:

  1.  On the envelope, please note the recipient as Anthony Kozlowski using the address and information below: 

    Anthony Kozlowski
    Fisher Shared Services
    2100 Neil Avenue - 100 Fisher Hall
    Columbus, OH 43210

  2. On the check itself, please include the following information:
    1. Payable to: The Ohio State University
    2. Memo: [Ohio State name.#, Program Name, Location]

Megan Avellana

Program Manager

Office of Global Business
Mason Hall 230A
250 W. Woodruff Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA