Launching a startup is a complicated venture, to say the least. According to multiple studies, more than 90% of startups are not successful and there are many reasons for that, such as not being able to find product-market fit, failure in building the MVP, not pricing it right or failure in the execution, to name a few.
Given their dynamic nature and turbulent business environment, they do not only need to do things right, but also execute them quickly. Furthermore – as we saw in previous articles about impact startups funding – it is critical for startups to get the right type and amount of funding that can accelerate their growth and bring them from Seed stage to a Startup stage.
Fortunately, there are multiple Accelerator programs – intended for supporting entrepreneurs in the early stage of their startup development – that are built precisely for this purpose. In fact, such programs are continuously being launched also in the Impact, Sustainability and Climate space.
What is an Accelerator?
Startup accelerators are fixed-term programs of different duration, which provide early-stage companies with the education, resources and mentorship needed to launch their product to market and accelerate their growth.
Considering all the educational components that Accelerator programs manage to compress in just a few months, they achieve what otherwise might take startups several years of hard work and struggle. At its end, the programs usually culminate in a public pitch event (a.k.a. Demo Day), where investors have the opportunity to get investment from outside investors.
Accelerator programs can be paid or free. Some of them provide seed-investment, too, although this is not always the case. What makes Startup accelerators even more valuable, however, is that their value extends far beyond the duration of the program, becoming the participants part of the accelerator’s network, connecting them to other founders, investors and potential business partners.
Participating in a suitable accelerator program can be the catalyst that fuels startup’s growth not only financially but also technically, from product and business development perspective.
Accelerator programs are proliferating in the recent years, becoming increasingly more niche. As consequence, Impact accelerator programs are continuously emerging, both, from organizations focused on impact specifically, as well as from those established players in the accelerator space, that are tapping into the emerging trend of sustainability and impact.
In this article, we are going to highlight the Accelerator programs in Europe – which are currently open (or opening soon) – with the intention to provide a detailed overview of the different options for Sustainability & Climate-tech startups from the region looking to accelerate their growth and impact.
Impact Accelerator programs in Europe in 2024-2025
Overview
remove Carbon Removal Accelerator
What: remove is Europe’s premier accelerator program designed to support early-stage carbon dioxide removal (CDR) startups. It offers a two-stage accelerator program that introduces early-stage CDR founders to the CDR space, connects them with relevant ecosystem stakeholders, and addresses individual challenges on their entrepreneurial journeys. It includes non-dilutive funding and the opportunity to profit from remove’s vast network of CDR domain experts.
Who: Bold innovators in the CDR space, located in Europe.
When: Applications for the Europe Program are open until September 09, 2024. Apply here.
Where: Virtual
Terms: Two-Staged 6 Month Accelerator Program. € 20.000 non-dilutive funding. For more information on the program structure and benefits, check here. Check the FAQs.
RESPOND
What: The RESPOND Accelerator program supports founders from across the globe to accelerate and scale businesses that contribute to the transformation of our economic system. They center their efforts on leadership development, providing entrepreneurs with the space they need to take a long-term, systemic perspective to building businesses that positively impact planet and people. The program is delivered with the support of the BMW Foundation.
Who: Sustainable businesses founders.
When: Applications for the next cohort will open in Fall 2024.
Where: Hybrid
Terms: Check out more information about the program here.
EBRD Star Venture programme
What: Through its Star Venture programmes, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) helps young companies remove some of the systemic barriers to accessing finance by connecting them to a network of investors with a strategic interest in the early-stage space. EBDR runs different programs throughout the year, some of them specifically targeted at climate- and impact- driven businesses, such as the Green Star Venture Programme and AgVenture. Furthemore, they have specific country and region’s programs.
Who: Early-stage companies from 23 countries, spanning the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean region (SEMED), the Western Balkans, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Türkiye.
When: Different starting dates, depending on the program.
Where: Hybrid
Terms: Check out the terms of conditions for each individual program.
Deep Tech Lab — Quantum
What: Deep Tech Lab — Quantum is a new initiative from BioInnovation Institute (BII) https://bii.dk/ in Copenhagen to leverage Denmark’s world-leading research in quantum physics with BII’s recognized excellence in creating, fostering, and maturing start-up and spin-out companies within Life Science. They support early-stage companies based on quantum and quantum-enabling technologies with tailored programs, and with the same goal of ensuring that they too can realize their full commercial potential.
They are currently working with quantum startups in the following programs:
Who: International startups with a positive impact on life sciences and the green transition.
When: Different starting dates, depending on the program – currently, both DIANA and BII Venture Lab are receiving applications. The Residence program consists of becoming part of their entrepreneurial hub for a period of 12 or 24 months.
Where: Hybrid
Terms: Check out the terms of conditions for each individual program.
Rural ClimAccelerator Iberian
What: Supported by EIT Climate KIC and launched by INNOBOUND.EU, Rural ClimAccelerator Iberian is dedicated to tackling the urgent issue of climate change by advancing innovative sustainability solutions in rural areas. The first pilot edition, Rural Spain ClimAccelerator, which took place earlier in 2024 had a focus on four thematic areas: Service of Nature, Rural Connectivity, Rural as a service and Wellbeing & growth and provided support to 12 startups in an intense period of 5 months. The second edition has a more ambitious target and will accelerate 18 startups during 7 months.
Who: Innovators from the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) with the mission to make more sustainable and connected Rural Areas.
When: The second edition is programmed to take place between November 2024 to June 2025, and the application period will start in September 2024.
Where: Hybrid
Terms: Stay tuned for the publication of the terms of the new edition Rural ClimAccelerator Iberian.
Beamline Accelerator Energy | Climate Focus
What: Originated in Estonia, Beamline Accelerator is a laser-focused cleantech accelerator delivered by world-reckoned mentors. The 6th edition of Beamline Accelerator will be focused on Energy, Construction, Climate resilience
Who: Energy, construction and climate resilience startups
When: The program will comprise 1-month pre-acceleration support and 6-months intensive program with 6-months extra program for the most potential teams. Open for applications until the 15th September 2024.
- 2-week pre-accelerator
- 3-month hands-on program
Where: Hybrid
Terms: Among other benefits, participating startups receive 60k€ investment (including 25k€ worth business development services) + 100k€ direct follow-on investment to the best teams. Check all the terms here.
Sustainability Accelerator (Startup Wise Guys)
What: Intense, 5 months long, hybrid acceleration program to shape a sustainable world beyond the climate crisis.
Who: The focus is primarily on startups from the Nordics and Eastern Europe offering B2B software or services that capture, store, or reduce CO2 emissions. Check all the criteria here.
When: TBA soon
Where: Hybrid accelerator program, where 80% of the program content will take place online, and 20% of the program will take place in person in Bilbao, Spain.
Terms: Successful candidates get up to €120K convertible investment (85K cash + 35K program) with a €250K follow-on possibility. Stay tuned for the 2025 edition announcement.
Ship2B Foundation
What: Spanish startup accelerator that solely focuses on impact-led businesses. Among others, there run following programs: S2B Health&Care (integral health and quality of life), S2B Tech4Climate (sustainability and the environment), Scale4Impact (social inclusion) and B-Value (social sector).
Who: Ship2B Foundation selects the best innovative and technology-based startups in those key fields.
When: Different starting dates, depending on the program.
Where: Spain
Terms: Check the terms of each program in their website.
Katapult Accelerators
What? Accelerator programs for tech impact-driven startups with focus – among others – on Climate (Katapult Climate Accelerator) and Ocean (Katapult Ocean Accelerator).
Who? Tech start-ups with a positive impact on the world
When? Several thematic programs, each with different starting dates.
Where? Norway
Terms: 90 days programs. Check out the terms of each of the individual programs. You can apply for the Katapult Ocean Accelerator, currently open for applications, here.
Impact Shakers Accelerator
What: 6 month accelerator for underrepresented founders in Europe to scale their impact startup. Selection is based on four main criteria: Founder team, Problem & Market, Impact & User focus. Businesses shall have a scaleable business model.
Who: Any early or growth stage for-profit company, registered in the continent Europe (including the UK), that has social and/or ecological impact with at least one underrepresented founders.
When: Next cohort to be announced by Fall 2024. You can apply early here.
Where: TBA
Terms: Impact Shakers will invest 25k Eur in the selected businesses through their own microfund.
Brinc Climate-tech program
What: Brinc runs global accelerator programs to help founders solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. This 12-week climate-tech specific virtual program offers tailored support to founders across specialized tracks. Brinc works with founders to align on customized fundraising, commercial, and technical objectives.
Among the focus areas are: Direct air capture, utilization, and storage; Mineralization; Ocean carbon removal; Biomass carbon removal and storage (BiCRS) including biochar and bio-oil; Frontier biotech; Enabling technologies including MRV tools.
Who: Incorporated startups from one of the above-mentioned sectors with at least two full-time founders and at TRL 4+ stage.
When: Applications for the next cohort close on August 19, 2024.
Where: Virtual
Terms: Startups will be presented to Brinc’s funding partner for an upfront investment of US$100,000. Brinc charges US$35,000 as a program fee to provide the necessary resources and attention to each participating company. For more information on the terms and eligibility, check here.
Hello CleanTech 3.0
What: Powered by EIT InnoEnergy, the purpose of Hello Cleantech program is to support not only startups but also scientists or inventors who develop impactful tech solutions, accelerate the cleantech sector and make a real impact on the world’s energy industry. Startups selected to join the program will benefit from various invaluable opportunities, including commercial collaboration with industry leaders, professional business, technology, and fundraising support from experienced market experts.
Who: The applications are open for all innovative companies working in the following green tech verticals: energy storage, hydrogen, carbon tech, circular economy & bioeconomy, heat pumps & low carbon heat, digital solutions. Verticals will be detailed by October 2024.
When: The 3rd editon will officially open for applications by November 2024.
Where: Virtual
Terms: Stay tuned for the publication of the terms of the new edition here.
European Startup Prize for mobility
What: The European Startup Prize for mobility (EUSP) is an EU-founded acceleration and investment Programme for sustainable mobility startups. Created in 2017, as a public-private initiative, EUSP aims to support and scale up smart and sustainable mobility startups all across Europe. Each year, > 600 startups apply to its Acceleration and Investment programme. The EUSP helps the best startups in their European expansion, thanks to a 3-month remote acceleration program. Prizes are awarded to startups from 13 categories.
Who: Innovators in the Mobility space from EU and Horizon Europe associated countries.
When: Applications for the 6th edition open in 13 November 2024 until the end of the Winter. Top 50 announcement in Spring 2025. Acceleration programme: Fall-Winter 2025.
Where: Hybrid
Terms: The selected TOP 50 startups will benefit from visibility and access to a private Demo Day with EU institutions 50+ European VCs and CVCs, while the TOP 10 will benefit from a 3-month remote acceleration and investment program. Check out all terms of the program here.
G-Force
What: Pre/seed fund and investment program for climate tech startups accelerating our world to a net zero future. Powered by Founders Factory, this program focuses on five major areas: Decarbonising the grid, Fixing food and agriculture, Electrifying transportation, Cleaning up industry & buildings and Protecting nature & removing carbon.
Who: Startups from all over the world are welcome, although major focus is on Europe.
When: On-going
Where: in person (London) or virtually.
Terms: Three pilars of support: 250k Eur cash investment, 6 months hands on operational support and Grants support to help achieve equity free additional financing.
Sustainable Ventures Accelerator
What? Sustainable Accelerator stands out by offering a distinctive combination of equity investment and expert commercialization support. With over 40 investments across six funds to date, and the seventh currently being raised, it solidifies its position as the UK’s most active early-stage climate tech investor.
Who? Start-ups addressing climate change and resource scarcity.
When? On-going
Where? London (UK)
Terms: Investment in the range of 100-250k £, 12 months of hands-on growth support. The program is open for startups based in (or willing to move to) UK, eligible for SEIS & EIS programs. Check out the requirements of the program.
Norrsken Accelerator
What: Branding itself as the world’s leading accelerator for impact startups, with this program Norrsken (one of the most prominent impact VCs in the continent) has the mission to find and scale the world’s most promising impact startups.
Who: Pre-seed to early-seed startups that leverage technology to create and scale innovative solutions to new and old societal and environmental challenges.
When: Applications for 2024 are closed, applicants can register interest for 2025 program (July-September).
Where: in Stockholm
Terms: Program participation is free of charge. Selected companies receive upfront investment of $125k.
.WAVE
What: .wave is a professional accelerator program for start-ups based in the Central-Eastern Europe region aiming to build an eco-sustainable future.
Who: Startups that are environment-conscious & sustainability-focused, have some market validation already, and ideally with B2B focus. Open to startups from the extended Central-Eastern Europe region (Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgarian, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Montenegro, North-Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine).
When: Applications deadline 01 August 2024. Program will begin on 16 September (Orientation Day) and will conclude with its Demo Day on 22 January 2025.
Where: Hybrid (Budapest and online).
Terms: Check in detail the program plan.
EIT SCALE – RisingFoodStars
What: RisingFoodStars identifies the most promising aspiring Agrifood and FoodTech scale-ups and boosts their chances of business success. This scale-up program welcomes technological solutions within one of the 3 missions: Healthy lifestyles, Net Zero and Fair and resilient supply chain.
Who: Small sized companies (from the EU or Horizon Europe associated country) generating a minimum of €100k annual revenue, with a minimum of 10 FTEs and aiming to raise a Series A within the next 6-12 months.
When: New application dates will be announced in Autumn 2024.
Where: In person and online
Terms: Participation/membership fees for candidates onboarded in July 2024 are 2,250 euros. They are entitled to variety of support grants and opportunities to get funding. For more information, you can check the Full Terms and Conditions document.
Decelera Ventures Deceleration program
What: Branding itself as the “World’s First Startup Decelerator” is dedicated towards helping startups to find the best performing model to grow in a sustainable way and contribute towards a better future. Decelera was first launched in Menorca in 2015 and It consists of an intensive 10-day startup program in an exclusive location. The 8th edition will be celebrated in Riviera Maya, Mexico, including 1:1 and group experiences with a selected group of international investors, mentors, and connectors.
Who: While sector agnostic, Decelera’s only mandate is that the startups use technology to have a positive impact on the planet.
When: October 3 – 12, 2024. Apply now.
Where: Riviera Maya, Mexico.
Terms: The program is free of charge, while the selected startups are eligible for a €150K convertible note. Check the program’s FAQs for eligibility criteria and terms.
Big Idea Ventures Accelerator
What: Five-months accelerator program aiming for companies building the sustainable food system, falling within one of the following categories: Plant-based Product, Precision Fermentation, Cellular Agriculture, Ingredient Creator and Tech Enabler.
Who: Early stage companies with initial product created, market validated through early sales and ready to scale, with big idea and unique IP.
When: Rolling admissions, while the program runs twice per year.
Where: Option to participate in the program remotely or in-person in Paris (or in one of the other offices: Singapore and New York)
Terms: USD$125K Cash Investment and USD$75K In-kind Investment. In addition, they invest up to USD$3.5M + follow on funding for our top performing companies. You will also receive 5 months office space in Paris and access to a Test Kitchen facility to refine and adjust your product.
Plug And Play
What? Global startup accelerator, running thematic programs with focus on different sectors such as: AgTech, Energy, Food & Beverage, Health, Mobility and Sustainability. You can search the relevant programs for your organization among 25+ industries and 60+ locations.
Who? Start-ups and scale-ups in different stage of development (from seed to Series C).
When? Different starting dates, depending on the program.
Where? Multiple locations across the world.
Terms: Check out the requirements of each individual program.
Founder Institute Core Program
What? The world’s largest pre-seed startup accelerator. Its core program lasts 4-month and is split into tracks with unique milestones and sprints.
Who? Founders at pre-seed stage; both – solo founders or small teams – are welcome. Even though it is not Impact specific, impact-driven businesses are among the most encouraged to participate in the program.
When? Different starting dates, depending on the program.
Where? Multiple locations (celebrated virtually).
Terms: Different application deadlines, depending on location (check among the 100+ locations available in 2024/2025). Check their FAQ section for more information about terms, conditions and fees.
EIC Accelerator
What? Launched by European Innovation Council (EIC) – EU’s flagship innovation programme – EIC Accelerator supports individual SMEs, in particular Startups and spinout companies to develop and scaleup game-changing innovations. Acting more like a funding program, EIC selected companies receive coaching, mentoring, access to investors and corporates, and many other opportunities as part of the EIC community.
Who? The EIC welcomes applications from innovators in all EU Member States and countries associated to the Horizon Europe programme. It particularly welcomes applications from startups and SMEs with female CEOs. Impact is a huge component of the EIC program. Among others, the program is aimed at startups tackling several impact challenges: Biomarkers for cancer, Decontamination for pandemic management, Energy storage, New European Bauhaus, Resilient agriculture.
When? Apply anytime.
Where? N.A.
Terms: The European Innovation Council work programme 2024 opens funding opportunities worth over €1.2 billion. It provides blended finance, composed of direct equity or convertible loans and a grant component. The majority is dedicated to SMEs and start-ups to develop and scale up “deep tech” innovations in critical fields. You can apply for EIC Accelerator funding at any time through the EIC platform. Check out their web for more information.
Maze X
What: Previously an Accelerator, Maze X is reborn as a new investment programme designed to support newly founded teams to multiply their execution capacity by 3x ahead of their first round of funding. This is a 3-months program of customised support, delivered in a sprint methodology, covering Go-to-market strategy, Business development, Fundraising, Growth levers, Impact measurement.
Who: Very early stage European impact ventures falling within following three broad categories: Healthcare and wellbeing, Future of learning and work, Sustainable production and consumption.
When: Apply anytime.
Where: Lisbon
Terms: 3-months of customised support and €100k through a SAFE (20% discount and €5m cap) investment to accelerate your product development, increase sales, and hire your first team members.
Rubik Garage
What: Equity-free Accelerator for Early-stage startups in CEE & SE. While not entirely focused on impact, most of the verticals are related to impact and sustainability themes, such as: MedTech, EdTech, Climate, Impact and Smart Cities. Program is divided into three parts: Bootcamp, Acceleration, Demo Day & Mentors Retreat, while the most advanced startups can continue with an Investment Readiness program.
Who: MVP stage tech startups based in Central Eastern Europe (CEE) or Southern Europe (SE).
When: Program kick-off with the Founders Bootcamp on September 25-27 2024, in Piatra Neamt. Demo Day – End of November 2024. Deadline for applications: 3rd of September 2024. Apply here.
Where: Hybrid
Terms: Programs are free of charge and equity free, providing access to Perks & Benefits worth of €150,000+.
ClimAccelerator
What? ClimAccelerator is a global programme giving start-ups access to innovate, catalyse and scale the potential of their climate solutions. Partnering with local organizations, they run both – theme-based and place-based acceleration programs.
Who? Environmental impact-driven, ambitious and scalable startups. Each program has different thematic focus and usually welcomes companies in three different development stages: Early Stage, MVP and Growth.
When? Different starting dates, depending on the program.
Where? Europe and Globally
Terms: Each program provides grants funding. Check their website for more information on available programs in your country and the application terms.
EIT Food Accelerator Network
What: EIT Food Accelerator Network (EIT FAN) is a 2-3 month, theme-based programme, delivered through five unique innovation hubs in Europe: Food bioprocessing (Helsinki Hub), Next generation of plant sourced solutions (Paris Hub), Sustainable food packaging (Bilbao Hub), Future proof agriculture (Munich Hub) and Food as medicine (Haifa Hub). The programme enables the most promising AgriFoodTech startups to accelerate, further validate their technology and advance their investment and commercial readiness to achieve the ultimate goal: a successful market adoption.
Who: Startups falling within one of the five EIT FAN themes listed above. Minimal traction required is having a prototype or a pilot project in place. EU Startups and those coming from Horizon Europe associated countries are welcome to apply.
When: You can currently express interest for 2025 program.
Where: In person and online
Terms: Selected startups will obtain up to € 50,000 funding + up to € 500,000 direct financial support from EIT Food through a SAFE instrument, among other benefits. For more information, you can check the Full Terms and Conditions document.
Startupbootcamp
What: Startupbootcamp is “the largest industry specific” bootcamp accelerator in the world. Since 2010, SBC has run over 150 accelerators in 20+ counties. They support early-stage tech founders to rapidly scale their companies by providing direct access to an international network of the most relevant mentors, partners, and investors in their industry.
Who: Early stage tech founders from a variety of industries including Food-tech, Renewable Energy, Mobility, Sustainability, among many others.
When: Different starting dates depending on the program.
Where: Italy, Netherlands, among others.
Terms: Tailored 3-month accelerator programs. Check more in detail about each particular program.
Rockstart
What? Rockstart is a startup accelerator founded in 2011 that empowers founders from 3 sectors: AgriFood, Energy and Emerging Tech.
Who? Ambitious founders with groundbreaking visions for a regenerative and sustainable future.
When? Different starting dates, depending on the program (For AgriTech and Emerging Tech Applications open usually between February-April, while for Energy by August).
Where? Denmark, The Netherlands and Colombia (balance between in person and remote).
Terms: Each one of programs has different requirements. The accelerator program fee is €65k. Startups accepted to Rockstart receive an initial investment with a SAFE. Rockstart also continues to invest in its portfolio companies, co-investing with a lead investor, which can continue up to Series B.
We will keep providing you up-to-date information on Accelerator programs in the areas of Impact, Sustainability and Climate. Keep checking back for regular updates, so you won’t miss any valuable opportunities to accelerate your startup journey.
Finally, make sure to explore our Investor Readiness Guide for valuable insights, complementing your journey through accelerator programs to elevate your investor readiness.
