The CREDIT4CE Accelerator supports early-stage startups developing solutions that enable decarbonisation, helping them roll out their products across Central Europe and beyond. By combining tailored business coaching, peer learning opportunities, community- and relationship-building activities, and engagement sessions with investors and potential customers, the programme addresses common challenges faced by early-stage ClimateTech entrepreneurs in the region, such as a fragmented market, limited access to capital, insufficient business experience, and a lack of targeted support structures.
The Accelerator aims to onboard 20 promising startups, divived in two Cohorts, helping them strengthen customer traction, enhance fundraising capabilities, attract venture capital to the CE region, and contribute to decarbonising the manufacturing sector.
Selected startups will benefit from:
- 1-to-1 Business Coaching Sessions with experts from the Credit4ce consortium
- Deep-dive workshops on strategy, customer discovery, business development, intellectual property, and funding strategies
- Peer-to-Peer Sessions for know-how and experience sharing within the cohort
- Fireside Chats with Investors and potential customers/SMEs
- Progress Tracking through regular check-ins with assigned coaches
- Exposure & Promotion across targeted social media and partner channels
While the programme does not provide direct financial support, it delivers high value through personalised coaching, mentoring, peer-learning activities, and expanded access to investor networks and potential customer pipelines.
Duration and Format
- When: September – November 2026 (3 months)
- Time Commitment: 1–2 hours per week
- Language: English
- Delivery Mode: Fully online (individual and cohort-based sessions)
Who Can Apply
Startups must meet all of the following criteria:
- Geography: Registered in a Central Europe country as defined by Interreg CE (Austria, Croatia, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia)
- Legal Status: Must be a registered legal entity
- Sector Focus: Must be a ClimateTech solution as defined under the EU Taxonomy regulation, contributing to climate change mitigation or adaptation and supporting a low-carbon, resource-efficient, climate-resilient economy
- Maturity: Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4+
How to Apply
Startups must complete the online application form: CREDIT4CE Accelerator (Cohort 2)
You can download the template of the application form to prepare answers here: download the template
Required Attachments:
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Signed Declaration of Honour – download, sign and upload as part of your application
-
Pitch Deck (.ppt/.pdf – standardized format) – upload as part of your application
Only complete submissions received before the deadline will be considered for review.
Application Deadline: July 19, 2026 (23:59 CET)