EIT Cross-KIC Strategic Synergies
Call for start-ups in the EU to participate in the Catalyse NEB 2026 accelerator program with €22,000 cash funding, coaching, and access to the NEB ecosystem. Applications accepted until 19/01/2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for innovative start-ups aiming to implement sustainability, inclusion, and design principles of the New European Bauhaus in Europe. Selection of 20 companies, each receiving a €22,000 grant as well as business and entrepreneurship support.
Eligible to apply
- Founders
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Founded after 01/01/2021
- TRL/BRL ≥ 4
- Proof of financial capability (revenue, investments, or participation in the Grow NEB program)
- Commitment to sign a SAFE before program start
Documents required for application
- Application via Award Force platform
- Project description
- Financial plan
- Evidence of TRL/BRL
- SAFE agreement
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the business model
- Alignment with NEB values (sustainability, inclusion, design)
- Scalability of the concept
- Demonstrable social and ecological impact
Description
The “Catalyse NEB 2026” accelerator program of the EIT Community New European Bauhaus supports 20 innovative start-ups in Europe that integrate sustainability, inclusion, and design according to the principles of the New European Bauhaus into their business models. Selected participants each receive a grant of €22,000, several months of coaching by business and entrepreneurship experts, as well as access to the extensive NEB ecosystem. In a seven-month program, scalable concepts are further developed and a demonstrable socio-ecological impact is pursued. The initiative thus makes an active contribution to the green and digital transformation and serves as a springboard for technological and operational innovations in the EU.
Eligible for funding are young start-ups (Pre-Seed to Series A) founded after January 1, 2021, that have reached a maturity level of at least TRL/BRL 4. For application via the Award Force platform, a project description, a financing plan, and evidence of TRL/BRL must be submitted. A SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) must be signed before the program starts. The call opens on October 27, 2025, and closes on January 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM CET. The program start is scheduled for May 25, 2026. Selection is based on innovation content, NEB values, scalability, and impact. This funding offer is aimed at founders and companies with a clear focus on sustainable, inclusive, and design-oriented solutions who want to shape Europe’s future viability.