EIT Community New European Bauhaus Call for Applications: 2027 Catalyse NEB
Details
This is a call for applicants to be part of the 2027 cohort of the EIT Community New European Bauhaus (NEB)’s Catalyse NEB programme, a start-up accelerator for ventures working to implement NEB values across Europe. Catalyse NEB is the EIT Community New European Bauhaus accelerator for start-ups integrating sustainability, aesthetics and inclusion into their businesses, products and services.
Built on the foundation of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) – Europe’s creative engine for turning the Green Deal into everyday reality, rethinking how we build our cities, produce materials, and shape communities – Catalyse NEB helps you scale your business and your purpose, while connecting you to Europe’s most vibrant innovation community.
Culture and creative sectors and industries are encouraged to apply to the call. Entities that have participated in other activities implemented in the framework of the EIT Community NEB are encouraged to apply to the call. More specifically, a dedicated slot will be secured for past participants in the Ignite NEB programme. The cohort will be composed of a total of 20 start-ups with 18 being determined through the conventional selection process and 2 start-ups being selected from applications submitted by participants in the EIT Community’s Ignite NEB programme.
The activity aims to provide business, communications, and NEB support to start-ups with a clear concept, product or vision that could benefit from the EIT Community’s contribution. The EIT guarantees, subject to confirmation, a total funding of EUR 1,000,000 to the programme. These funds will be used to support 20 awardees joining the Catalyse NEB programme throughout the duration of 2027.
What do you get?
Each selected start-up receives a €22,000 grant and a range of accelerator services:
- Tailored one-to-one business and design mentoring.
- Workshops covering business development, communications and New European Bauhaus values.
- Online and in-person networking activities.
- Visibility opportunities throughout the programme.
Services are tailored to the selected start-ups’ needs and may change accordingly.
The grant supports travel, participation in events, and other goods and services needed for dissemination and exploitation. It is paid in two €11,000 instalments: after signing the required agreements, and at programme end following completion of the required final reports.
Who can apply?
Both EIT KIC partners and non-partners may apply. Applicants must:
- Be a for-profit start-up incorporated after 1 January 2022 in an eligible country.
- Have a registered Participant Identification Code (PIC) at the time of application.
- Have generated at least €15,000 in revenue in 2026, secured at least €40,000 in investment, or participated in Ignite NEB.
- Have received, or be seeking, venture funding and be at pre-seed, seed or, exceptionally, Series A stage, with no more than €1 million raised in total.
- Have a TRL/BRL of at least 4, or have participated in Ignite NEB.
- Have more than 50% of shares owned by the founder and/or co-founders.
- Reach at least ambition level 1 for all three NEB core values, as described in the NEB Compass.
- Address at least one strategic focus area of a participating KIC (Climate KIC, EIT Food or EIT Urban Mobility).
Cultural and creative sectors and industries are encouraged to apply where they meet these requirements.
Two cohort places are reserved for eligible Ignite NEB applicants through a dedicated selection process. Remaining Ignite NEB applicants may be considered through the standard process.
Participation requirements
Selected start-ups must sign a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) with their allocated KIC, complete a mandatory EIT onboarding process, and sign a Financial Support Agreement before the programme starts. KIC-specific SAFE terms are detailed in the call manual. Applicants should not apply if their venture is unable to sign the SAFE.
How to apply?
Complete the application form on the Awards Platform, select at least one strategic focus area, and submit:
- Proof of incorporation.
- Proof of revenue or investment received, except for Ignite NEB applicants.
- A pitch deck.
All application fields must be completed in English. If a supporting document is unavailable in English, include a translated cover letter describing it in English.