Applications Open for the ELEVATE Acceleration Programme
The ELEVATE project has opened applications for the ELEVATE Acceleration Programme, a European programme designed to support high-potential entrepreneurial teams and early-stage startups developing innovative solutions. The programme focuses on four key innovation areas: Food & Food Biotechnology, Biomedicine & Health, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Creative & Cultural Industries. Through entrepreneurial training, international mentoring, and networking opportunities, selected teams will be supported in strengthening their business ideas, developing their ventures, and increasing their visibility towards businesses and investors. The programme includes 12 weeks of intensive acceleration, with online training and mentoring, as well as a one-week on-site immersion in Trieste, Italy.Programme overview
Programme title: ELEVATE Acceleration ProgrammeFormat: Online acceleration programme with one on-site immersion week
Duration: 12 weeks
Application deadline: 19 June 2026
Participation fee: Free
Target audience: Entrepreneurial teams and early-stage startups
Accelerating innovative solutions through entrepreneurship, mentoring and international collaboration
Main focus areas
🍏 Food & Food Biotechnology
🧬 Biomedicine & Health
🤖 Artificial Intelligence (AI)
🎨 Creative & Cultural Industries
What selected teams can expect
- 12 weeks of intensive acceleration
- 30 hours of entrepreneurial training covering business planning, business models, organisation, AI and digital strategy, finance, and intellectual property protection
- 40 hours of mentoring with international experts
- 1 week of immersion in Trieste, Italy
- Visibility opportunities towards businesses and investors
- Access to the ELEVATE partner network and international connections
Who can apply
Applications are open to teams of at least 2 people that meet at least one of the following conditions:- An entrepreneurial project with a clearly identified team and a concrete business development perspective
- An early-stage startup established for no more than one year
Programme benefits
- Final prizes of €5,000 for the best projects in each area
- Best prize for Women Entrepreneurs
- Visit to a top European Accelerator
How to apply
Applications should be submitted by consulting the call and regulation, completing the application form, and sending it to info@inspire-elevate.eu.This open call reflects ELEVATE’s continued commitment to supporting innovation capacity, strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems, and helping high-potential teams bring impactful solutions to the market.
Applications are open until 19 June 2026.
