Initiated by Europa Cinemas with the support of Creative Europe/MEDIA in 2021, COLLABORATE TO INNOVATE is a flagship scheme which aims to reward outstanding innovative and collaborative projects implemented by Europa Cinemas Network members from the same country or at a European level. The projects supported must have a real impact on the film sector, promote the circulation and visibility of European films, develop their audiences, in particular young people, and increase the skills and competitiveness of cinemas. One of the main priorities of this scheme is also to encourage exhibitors to integrate inclusion and environmental sustainability into their approach. Europa Cinemas' financial contribution amounts to a maximum of €100,000 per project.
Since kick-off in 2021, 45 projects have been supported in the framework of COLLABORATE TO INNOVATE. In 2023, a record number of 17 new projects have been selected for the third edition of the programme!