From AI to SpaceTech: 10 European accelerators and programmes accepting applications this autumn

Deadline: 23 October 2026

The European Space Agency's business incubator in Poland is accepting startups that develop space technologies or apply them in other industries.

The programme offers up to €50,000 in funding, technical expertise, business mentoring and access to the international ESA BIC network. Two startups each year can also receive up to €100,000 in additional BOOST funding.

The company must be registered in Poland or in the process of being established, and no more than five years old. Team members must have the necessary residence and work permits in Poland.

Terms and application

Deadline: 26 October 2026

Berlin-based NXT LEVEL is recruiting its seventh cohort. The ten-week accelerator is designed for founders building projects with a social or community-oriented mission.

Startups at the idea, validation or early MVP stage can apply, as can teams and solo founders. Participants receive coaching and support with their product, sales and go-to-market strategy.

Terms and application

Deadline: 31 October 2026

European accelerator imec.istart, which has supported more than 360 startups, has opened calls in two countries: the Netherlands and Spain.

In the Netherlands, the programme runs with university incubator Novel-T and offers €100,000–€250,000 in pre-seed funding. The initial €100,000 consists of a €50,000 investment for 6% equity and a €50,000 convertible loan.

In Spain, the accelerator runs with imec, a European R&D hub for nano- and digital technologies. Startups can receive €250,000 in pre-seed investment and join an 18-month acceleration programme.

Both programmes are aimed at technology products, including software, deeptech and hardware, with a working proof of concept and a founding team with complementary skills. The company's headquarters must be in the relevant country.

Terms and application in the Netherlands · Terms and application in Spain

Deadline: 31 October 2026

Polish accelerator Łódzka Specjalna Strefa Ekonomiczna is accepting startups developing circular-economy technologies: solutions that reduce resource consumption, waste and emissions, support ecodesign and address related challenges.

Participants can receive a grant of up to PLN 350,000 to develop and test products, run pilot projects with corporate partners and access expert support. Funding can cover up to 100% of eligible costs.

Terms and application

Deadline: 1 November 2026

AgriFood Lithuania DIH is selecting ten European startups for an online accelerator for teams working in agrifood, agritech and food biotech.

The programme runs on 12–18 November and includes practical sessions on business models, positioning and preparing an investment pitch. The three best teams will pitch to investors at the Agrifood Forum in Vilnius on 25 November. Two months of individual consultations follow the programme.

Terms and application

Deadline: 2 November 2026

European accelerator Startup Wise Guys is accepting applications to its Flagship Accelerator from B2B startups in the following areas:

• AI and automation: agents, copilots, edge AI and synthetic data.
• Cybersecurity and data privacy: zero trust, post-quantum cryptography and regulatory compliance technologies.
• Sustainability and energy technology: carbon-footprint optimisation and green technologies.
• Next-generation connectivity: 5G+, IoT and digital twins.
• Human–machine interfaces: AR/VR and spatial computing for industry.
• Industry-specific solutions: specialised tools for healthcare, logistics, manufacturing and other sectors.

Teams must have a working MVP, at least two members and early evidence of customer demand.

The accelerator offers a convertible investment of up to €100,000, with a programme fee of €35,000, and an opportunity to secure follow-on investment of up to €250,000. The hybrid format combines online sessions and in-person modules over 3.5 months.

Terms and application

Deadline: 16 November 2026

EIT Culture & Creativity is recruiting for an incubator for technology projects at the intersection of the creative industries, fashion, architecture and new materials. Areas include textile recycling, sustainable and innovative materials, digital design tools, hardware, and technologies for construction and urban environments.

Up to 35 projects will be selected. Each can receive up to €30,000 to develop and test a product, validate its business model and establish a company. Funding covers up to 100% of eligible costs and requires no co-financing.

The programme starts in March 2027 with a two- to three-day in-person bootcamp in a European city. This is followed by nine months of online incubation with mentors, industry experts and access to a European network of partners and investors.

Individual founders and teams from the EU and countries associated with Horizon Europe can apply. The project must already have initial test results or a prototype, but a company for its implementation must not yet be registered. Participants will need to establish a legal entity within the first three months of the programme.

Terms and application

Deadline: 16 November 2026

European programme EUDIS has opened applications for the fourth cohort of its accelerator for startups developing defence technologies and dual-use solutions: civilian developments that can also be used for military purposes.

Twenty selected startups and scaleups will join an eight-month programme with five in-person bootcamps, work with defence-industry experts and access to testing infrastructure.

Each participant can receive a €120,000 funding voucher without giving up equity. Companies from the EU and Norway can apply, subject to additional requirements concerning control of the business.

Terms and application

Deadline: 16 November 2026

European investment programme EIT Urban Mobility is accepting applications from startups working on urban mobility. It focuses on five areas: urban logistics, public and shared transport, transport-data management and AI, electrification and alternative fuels, and solutions at the intersection of mobility and health.

Startups can raise up to €2.5 million in investment. EIT Urban Mobility co-invests alongside venture funds and other private investors, targeting a 5–10% equity stake. Beyond funding, companies receive support with scaling, entering European markets and building relationships with corporate partners and city administrations.

Startups registered in the EU and countries associated with Horizon Europe, from pre-seed to Series A, can apply. The company must have a prototype, pilot or MVP, an active funding round and a valuation of up to €50 million. Founders and members of the management team must jointly hold more than 40% of the company before the current round.

Terms and application