As a part of the project activities under Work Package 3, titled “Supporting green-tech innovators”, and more specifically under Activity 3.3, “Startup support and private investment attraction.”, CREDIT4CE project launches the “CREDIT4CE Startup Accelerator” programme for startups.
The CREDIT4CE Startup Accelerator is a three-month support programme aimed at early-stage startups developing technologies for decarbonisation. The programme aims to help founders scale their solutions and enable them to launch their products in Central Europe and beyond.
By combining tailored business coaching, peer-learning opportunities, relationship-building activities, and engagement sessions with investors and potential customers, the programme addresses common challenges faced by early-stage ClimateTech entrepreneurs in the Central European region.
The programme seeks to welcome 20 promising startups, helping them strengthen their customer appeal, improve their fundraising capabilities, attract venture capital within Central Europe and, ultimately, contribute to the decarbonisation of the manufacturing sector.
Target participants:
The call is open to startups legally registered in Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovakia or Slovenia, developing innovative ClimateTech solutions with the potential to drive decarbonisation.
The startup must have a TRL level of 4 or higher, demonstrating a validated concept and the availability of an initial prototype.
Deadline and application procedure:
Applications may be submitted until 31 January 2026 by completing the online application form and uploading all required documents in English (signed declaration of honour and pitch deck).
The required documents are available and downloadable on this page -> link
Participation in the initiative is free of charge.
All sessions will take place online and will be held in English.
Evaluation criteria:
Applications will be assessed on the basis of three main categories: Team (max 5 points), Excellence and Innovation (max 5 points), Impact (max 5 points).
Additional points may be awarded to start-ups that meet the following criteria:
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The solution qualifies as DeepTech (according to the EIT definition)
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The solution has a demonstrable application in the manufacturing sector
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The start-up demonstrates the capacity or intention to raise funds
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The pitch deck is of exceptional quality
For further information, please visit the official website dedicated to the initiative.