As an EU resident, you can explore the following options for startup capital without involving investors and minimizing payback obligations:

*Grants:*

1. Horizon 2020 (EU's research and innovation program): Up to €2.5 million.
2. European Regional Development Fund (ERDF): Supports regional development projects.
3. EU's Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) Instrument: Up to €2.5 million.
4. National and regional government grants (e.g., Germany's EXIST program).

*Loans with favorable terms:*

1. European Investment Bank (EIB) loans: Low-interest rates, long repayment periods.
2. EU's COSME program: Loan guarantees for SMEs.
3. Microfinance institutions (e.g., European Microfinance Network).
4. National and regional development banks (e.g., KfW in Germany).

*Crowdfunding:*

1. Platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and Seedrs (reward-based).
2. Equity crowdfunding (e.g., Crowdcube, Companisto) with revenue-sharing models.

*Government-backed loans and guarantees:*

1. EU's Guarantee Facility: Supports SME loans.
2. National and regional government-backed loans (e.g., UK's Start Up Loans).

*Incubators and accelerators:*

1. EU-funded programs (e.g., EIT Digital, Startup Europe).
2. National and regional incubators (e.g., Berlin's Startupbootcamp).

*Tax incentives and credits:*

1. Research and Development (R&D) tax credits.
2. VAT exemptions or reductions.

*Other options:*

1. Bootstrapping (self-funding).
2. Friends and family funding.
3. Business plan competitions.

*Eligibility criteria and application process:*

1. Review program requirements and eligibility.
2. Prepare a solid business plan and financial projections.
3. Submit applications through official websites or partner organizations.

*Maximizing chances of no payback:*

1. Focus on grants and government-backed programs.
2. Explore revenue-sharing models or convertible notes.
3. Negotiate loan terms with favorable interest rates and repayment periods.

*Resources:*

1. European Commission's funding opportunities portal.
2. EU's Startup Europe initiative.
3. National and regional government websites.
4. Business associations and industry networks.

Some popular EU-wide programs:

1. Horizon 2020: (link unavailable)
2. COSME: (link unavailable)
3. European Investment Bank: (link unavailable)

*Country-specific resources:*

Germany:

- EXIST program: (link unavailable)
- KfW: (link unavailable)

UK:

- Start Up Loans: (link unavailable)
- Innovate UK: (link unavailable)

France:

- Bpifrance: (link unavailable)
- France Num: (link unavailable)

Research and review programs specific to your country and region.

Please consult with a financial advisor or business expert to ensure the best approach for your startup.