ECONIC ACCELERATOR

Build Smarter. Scale Faster. Make an Impact.

econic is not just a startup accelerator – it’s a community of impact-driven and bold founders shaping a sustainable future in Energy, Mobility, CleanTech and Circular Economy.

With funding up to €1.2m, expert guidance and our pan-European network of investors and industry leaders, your success journey starts here!

We focus on high-potential startups from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), including Hungary, Poland, Czechia, Romania, and beyond.

A SHORT SUMMARY

Accelerating Innovation, One Stage at a Time

The econic accelerator, a leading European startup accelerator, is a carefully structured, 7-9 month program designed to guide and support startups and impact-driven founders through three progressive stages. At each stage, selected startups receive tailored services and optional capital to fuel their growth.

Program Features:

– Expert Guidance: Access seasoned mentors and industry veterans to refine your strategy and solutions in sectors like mobility, energy, and CleanTech.

– Gradual Selection Process: A milestone-driven, three-phase structure ensures focused growth and reduced risk, with only high-performing startups progressing to the next stage.

– Funding Opportunities: Convertible loans during the program and potential investment up to €1.2m.

– Early Investor Engagement: Selected VCs and business angels experienced in green business funding, are involved from the beginning, offering valuable feedback and potential follow-on funding.

– Pan-European Access: Leverage the networks of EIT Urban Mobility and EIT InnoEnergy to connect with corporate partners, municipalities, and industry experts for pilot projects and strategic collaborations.

Fast Track for High Performers! One unified application form and we let you join at the right stage that fits you!

Want to learn more about the program?

Watch our econic accelarator 2025 info session here:

WHY join the accelerator?

The Accelerator that works as hard as you do.

econic is designed for founders who are ready to scale their startups and make an impact. With our hands-on approach, we help you break through barriers and achieve your vision faster.

Whats in it for you?

Validation Opportunities: Launch pilot projects with support from leading industry organizations

Fast-Track for High Performers: Advance quickly if you meet key milestones—your growth, your pace.

Community of Success: Work alongside ambitious founders and alumni making global impact.

Industry expertise: Collaborate with mentors who have walked your path and succeeded.

Network with Decision-Makers: Get direct access to VCs, business angels and corporate leaders across Europe.

Funding Freedom: Financial support to grow your business, with up to €1.2m in investment potential.

WHAT SETS US APART?

Network

We are not just an ordinary business partner, but your gateway to a credible industrial network that will help you scale up your business.

FUNDING

We help innovators in mobility, energy, CleanTech, and the circular economy enter the domestic or international markets faster and with less risk.

ACCESS

We can help you access vital European resources, investors and corporations.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Innovative Founders: Problem-solvers passionate about tackling challenges in mobility, energy, CleanTech, or circular economy.
Committed Leaders: Founders dedicated to active participation in mentorship, training, and networking opportunities within the European startup accelerator and energy innovation program ecosystems.
Proven Solutions: Startups with TRL 4+ technologies, validated and ready to scale or enter the market.
Strong Teams: Multidisciplinary teams with the skills to drive sustainable growth and impact.

technolOgY READINESS LEVEL

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

A 3-Phase Journey to Success

The econic accelerator is a milestone-driven European startup accelerator program designed to guide startups from early validation to market entry, providing tailored support, expert guidance and access to optional funding.
Only startups that successfully complete each phase will progress to the next stage.
For more details, refer to the Guide for Applicants.

THE PROGRAM IS DIVIDED INTO 3 PHASES:

PHASE 1

Product & Business Model Validation
We focus on analyzing the viability of startups’ business models and action plans. Our goal is to help founders develop feasible strategies and actionable plans for success.

PHASE 2

Expert mentorship & Strategic Validation
Startups work with seasoned mentors from our pan-European network network to validate both business models and technical aspects of their solutions.

phase 3

Growth and Market Entry
Dedicated to supporting startups’ growth and preparing them for successful market entry. We expect participants to have addressed previous feedback and refined their strategies.

graduation

Graduates who meet all criteria will be presented to our investor network for funding and strategic opportunities to secure funding of up to €1.2m, subject to the decision of our investment committee.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU MOVE FORWARD AT A DIFFERENT PACE?

No problem! The econic accelerator is designed to accommodate startups at various stages of development:

Startups not advancing immediately will:

Retain access to learning materials.
Receive updates and guidance from asset managers.
Have the option to rejoin when milestones are achieved.
Exceptional startups may qualify for our Fast Track pathway. This allows teams that demonstrate exceptional progress—such as market-validated business models, quality solutions or meeting phase-specific milestones—to skip certain phases and move to the next stage earlier than the rest. The Fast Track option ensures that high-performing startups are not held back and can accelerate their journey to success.