Your exclusive chance to join our Accelerator!

Over the last nine years, the EIT Climate-KIC Accelerator Programme has supported early-stage climate positive ventures in 32 locations across Europe working with 33 Climate-KIC partners. The programme has supported over 2,000 start-ups helping them to mature into scalable businesses.

We know that the entrepreneurial landscape keeps changing and that business as usual is no longer an option, and that the climate emergency needs a rapid transition to net carbon zero economies.

The future Accelerator Programme will focus on building stronger ecosystems to help our start-ups grow, moving to a demand-led model, and synergies across the Climate-KIC partnership community. Finally, we want to enhance our focus on climate impact.  

Our next Accelerator Call for Applications will be announced in Q3 of 2020. However, you now have the chance to apply for participation in the Winter Batch 2020 (starting 1st of October 2020) as an exclusive Munich Re/ERGO Side Call participant.

What EIT Climate-KICs Accelerator offers

• Financing with no equity taken:Stage 1: €20.000, Stage 2: €25.000, Stage 3: €40.000 (additional €10.000 as Side Call Startup in Stage 3)
• Coaching, workshops, pitch opportunities and matchmaking with partners & investors
• Focus on Cleantech and Smart-Greentech, including software and hardware and intelligent technology solutions around energy, mobility, resources, smart buildings, climate etc.
• Exclusive partnership and mentoring programme with Munich RE and ERGO
• An extensive international network and long term support through our alumni community
• Four locations: Zurich, Vienna, Munich & Berlin (with the offer of a free physical office in some locations)

Learn more about our programme, the different stages and our locations here..

About the Munich Re and ERGO Side Call

Munich Re and ERGO jointly with EIT Climate-KIC invite you to submit your solution to fight climate change and its effects. Whether you are in the first steps of founding your own business or already running your own venture – we are interested to learn about your plans and can help you to bring it to the next level. This cooperation is open to all startups, and those that have already found a link to insurance in their business model are particularly welcome.

Munich Re and ERGO currently focus on the topics mobility, energy and digital solutions, but any solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or adapt to a changing climate are welcome to apply! The broad and in-depth expertise and shared value approach of Munich Re and ERGO present an ideal match with Climate KIC as an innovation community that focuses on climate change.

Learn more on the Side Call and benefits for startups here.

How to apply

Your path into the EIT Climate-KIC Accelerator starts with an online application. Convince our experts and we will invite you to an Online Pitch Day where you can present your business and answer questions from a jury made up of researchers, investors and experts from inside and outside of EIT Climate-KIC, Munich Re and ERGO. Applications for the participation in the Winter Batch 2020 are open until August 23rd (23:59 Central European Time). Please find more information and the application link on www.climate-kic-dach.org/#apply.

Most asked questions

Does my solution need to be tech-based?

We are not an exclusively tech startup accelerator although we do focus our evaluation on innovative and scalable solutions. Munich Re and ERGO currently focus on the topics mobility, energy and digital solutions, but any solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or adapt to a changing climate are welcome to apply!

Do I need to be located in the DACH region to be eligible for the program?

Teams need to either have their company foundation (or planned founding) in the region they are applying to or have an established upcoming intention to enter the regional market.

What does two full-time founders mean exactly?

It means 2 founders 100% dedicated to developing the venture full-time at the onset of the programme (1st October). We understand that up until now, you may have employment, or other commitments, so this pertains to the start of the accelerator programme. That is the perspective you should consider when you answer this question in the application.

Example, you are a founding team of 3: 1 person 80 percent, 1 person 100 percent, 1 person 50% (still does not count).

Example, you are a team of 2 FT team members, but only 1 is a founder (does not count, you have to be a founding team member).

Example, you are a founding team of 2: both 50% now but will be 100% at the start of the programme (yes, this counts!).

Take Action!

Encouraged to sign up or do you still have questions? Check out our Website and FAQ. The application is open until 23. August (23:59 Central European time). Additionally, we are hosting an Online Open Day on 29 July from 3 to 4.30 pm (CET). The Open Day gives interested applicants the chance to learn more about the programme, meet our Accelerator team and ask questions in person. To sign up for the Open Day, please register here for free.