ClimAccelerator

ClimAccelerator (ESO Network Access)

Connects climate innovators to partner programs delivering climate, AI, energy, and built-environment acceleration.

Eligibility · Global — open worldwide

ClimAccelerator is Climate-KIC's globally distributed accelerator framework for climate-tech start-ups, delivered not directly by Climate-KIC but by a network of over 400 Entrepreneurship Support Organisations (ESOs) — accelerators, incubators, and innovation hubs — that license the ClimAccelerator methodology, branding, and tools. Startups do not apply to Climate-KIC directly; they apply to individual ESO-run local ClimAccelerator programmes, each with its own selection criteria, cohort timing, and geographic focus. The 2026 ESO partner recruitment call, titled ClimAccelerator 2026 for Entrepreneurship Support Organisations: AI and Deep-tech for Climate Impact, closed 28 February 2026 at 12:00 CET. A 2027 ESO recruitment call is expected in Q4 2026.

Climate-KIC provides no direct cash grants to startups through this programme. The value to participating startups is structured mentoring, climate and social impact assessment tools, connections to investor networks, and the credibility of Climate-KIC affiliation. The ESO network spans all regions globally with no geographic restrictions on startup participation. For-profit ventures and non-profits may participate; individuals without an incorporated entity are generally not eligible, as programme participation typically requires a legal entity. No minimum or maximum TRL applies. Individual ESO programmes set their own eligibility requirements, cohort sizes, and timelines.

Startups seeking to access ClimAccelerator should identify active ESO partners in their geography at the Climate-KIC website or directly through partner ESOs rather than waiting for a central Climate-KIC call. The programme focuses on AI and deep-tech solutions for climate impact, making it most relevant to technology-driven climate ventures rather than advisory or services businesses. ESOs that wish to run ClimAccelerator programmes in 2027 should monitor Climate-KIC's open calls page for the next ESO recruitment call, expected in Q4 2026.