Catalyse NEB 2025

The EIT Community New European Bauhaus (NEB) invites applications for funding and participation in its Catalyse NEB programme, a start-up accelerator designed to advance NEB values across Europe. This call seeks innovative ventures integrating sustainability, inclusivity, and design beyond functionality in their business ideas – aligned with the NEB mission to improve quality of life and encourage green and digital transformations.

The Catalyse NEB programme is tailored to support start-ups addressing challenges in fields such as climate, food, manufacturing and urban mobility. Proposals must align with at least one of the NEB’s four thematic axes: reconnecting with nature, regaining a sense of belonging, prioritising the places and people that need it the most, and fostering long-term, life-cycle thinking in industrial ecosystems. For further details, refer to sections 3.1 and 3.3 of the Call Manual.

Support provided to start-ups

Selected start-ups will receive EUR 20,000 in cash, as well as business and entrepreneurship support, plus access to the EIT Community NEB ecosystem. Activities should address specific social challenges, provide measurable outcomes, and demonstrate scalability. For more details, see section 3.4 of the Call Manual.

Who can apply?

This call is open to start-ups established in EU Member States or Horizon Europe-associated countries. Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Incorporated after January 1, 2020.
• Be in the pre-seed, seed, or early Series A funding stage, with a TRL/BRL of 4 or higher.
• Commit to signing a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) before programme start.
• Demonstrate financial standing through revenue, investment, or prior participation in the Grow NEB programme.
  

Applicants must also select at least one of the Strategic Focus Areas detailed in appendix C of the Call Manual. Participation from the culture and creative sectors is strongly encouraged. A dedicated slot will be reserved for a start-up previously involved in the Grow NEB programme. For eligibility details, see sections 3.3 and 5.1 of the Call Manual.

Funding allocation

The Catalyse NEB programme will support 12 start-ups, each receiving up to EUR 50,000 in subgrants and in-kind services, totalling EUR 600,000.

Key dates

Call opening: 26th November 2024
Call closing: 3rd February 2025, 17:00 CEST
Programme start: 12th May 2025

How to apply

For further information and how to apply, please check the call document.

Detailed guidance on the application process is provided in section 4 of the Call Manual.

All proposals and required documents must be submitted via the Award Force platform.

You can read more about the project here.