For tech startup founders, participating in accelerator programs can be a good option for supporting their venture’s development. These programs typically offer a combination of capital investment and access to mentorship, alongside networking opportunities and various resources.
In a region like the CEE, where the tech sector is growing but still developing, accelerators can provide valuable connections to wider markets and industry knowledge.
To help you paint a picture of what are the options out there, if you are an early-stage founder from CEE, we asked our community to recommend the accelerators they would go to. Below is the list, ordered based on the application deadline.
When applying, keep in mind that most accelerators are equity-free, but it’s worth double-checking this aspect.
Do you have another accelerator in mind? Contact Elena.
Accelerators for CEE Tech Startups
AceON Accelerator
Fit for: Early-stage tech startups
Goal: Growth, mentoring, investments
Period: 2 months
Location: Online & Prague/Bratislava
Deadline: March 7
RubikEdu
Fit for: Tech startups wannabe
Goal: Get you from idea to MVP
Period: 2 ½ months
Location: Iasi
Deadline: March 10
SynergistEIC
Fit for: ClimateTech, CleanTech, Circular Economy, AgriFood
Goal: Growth, mentoring, investments
Period: 6 months
Location: Online
Deadline: March 13
Bulgaria Innovation Hub
Fit for: Tech Startups
Goal: US market entry
Period: 3 weeks
Location: Online & San Francisco
Deadline: March 15
UK Fintech Bootcamp
Fit for: Female-led Fintech startups
Goal: UK understanding & exposure
Period: 1 week
Location: Online & London
Deadline: March 30
Start it @ČSOB
Fit for: FinTech startups
Goal: Growth, mentoring, investments
Period: 5 months
Location: Prague
Deadline: March 28
LevelUP Accelerator
Fit for: Health & Life Science startups
Goal: Growth, mentoring, investments
Period: 6 months
Location: Online & Cluj/Bucharest
Deadline: April 2
Labena Ventures
Fit for: BioTech, Pharma, HealthTech startups
Goal: Expansion in Europe
Period: 3 months
Location: Online & Ljubljana
Deadline: April 5
EIT Urban Mobility Market Readiness Accelerator
Fit for: Mobility startups with a clear business idea
Goal: Growth, mentoring, investments
Period: 6 months
Location: Online
Deadline: April 15
Genesis StartUp Academy
Fit for: Software startups in Pre-Seed/Seed stage
Goal: Global GTM, pivoting, growth
Period: 3 months
Location: Online & Warsaw
Deadline: April 28
Hubvantage
Fit for: HealthTech startups
Goal: Expansion in Europe
Period: 8 months
Location: Online & Cluj/Bucharest
Deadline: May 20
Venture Accel
Fit for: Romanian Tech startups
Goal: Growth, mentoring, investments
Period: 3 months
Location: Bucharest
Deadline: September
Upcelerator by Dreamups
Fit for: Tech startups wannabe
Goal: Get you from idea to MVP
Period: 3 months
Location: Online
Deadline: September
StartupYard
Fit for: DeepTech startups
Goal: Market launch, mentoring, investments
Period: 3 months
Location: Online & Prague
Deadline: Ongoing
