Online Capacity Building Programme for European Based Entrepreneurship Support Organisations

Objectives

• This programme is designed to:
  • Identify and select ambitious ESOs that are either already supporting climate innovation or demonstrate a strong commitment and potential to do so, with a focus on those in RIS countries.
  • Build capacity through training modules covering designated topics.
  • Foster collaboration among ESOs by facilitating networking, sharing best practices, and strengthening partnerships through group mentoring sessions.
  • Monitor and evaluate progress through a structured framework based on Climate KIC’s capability model, tracking ESOs’ impact on climate-focused startups.
  • Enhance long-term sustainability by equipping ESOs with the tools and methodologies needed to run ClimAccelerators independently and successfully beyond the programme duration.
  • Deepen knowledge on climate and systems change topics while strengthening expertise in climate-specific entrepreneurship programme elements, ensuring ESOs can effectively support climate entrepreneurs.

Funding Information

• The programme is fully funded by Climate KIC and will cover:
  • Training costs.
  • Resource and tool development.
  • Evaluation and impact measurement activities.
• Participation in the programme is provided free of charge to the selected ESOs. However, no additional funding or financial remuneration will be granted to them. The programme will be held online, and no travel budget is foreseen.

Programme Benefits

• Selected ESOs will receive:
  • Access to tailored online trainings.
  • Participation in online group mentoring sessions and peer-learning activities.
  • Positioning within the Climate KIC Community, connecting with innovation partners across Europe.
  • Practical tools and resources to enhance support capabilities for startups.
  • Long-term engagement opportunities for collaboration with Climate KIC initiatives.
  • Integration into a global climate innovation ecosystem, enabling access to expertise, funding opportunities, and partnerships beyond the programme duration.
• A select number of ESOs that demonstrate strong engagement, alignment with programme objectives, and readiness for acceleration programmes may have the opportunity to apply for a ClimAccelerator open license.

Eligibility Criteria

• Entrepreneurship Support Organisations (ESOs) are entities that provide structured support to startups and entrepreneurs, particularly in innovation-driven sectors. These organisations play a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems, providing access to funding, mentorship, training, and business development services.
  • Eligible ESOs for this programme are non-profits, for-profits and foundations, including:
    • Accelerator – Organisations that provide time-limited, cohort-based programmes to help startups scale rapidly.
    • Incubators – Entities offering early-stage startups access to workspace, mentorship, and resources to develop their business ideas.
    • Innovation Hubs – Centres that facilitate collaboration between startups, researchers, investors, and corporates to drive innovation.
    • University-Linked Entrepreneurship Centres – Institutions that support student and faculty entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, and research.
    • Climate-Focused Business Support Networks – Organisations dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship in climate innovation and sustainability
• These organisations must demonstrate a track record in supporting startups, particularly those focused on climate solutions, sustainability, and circular economy models.
• Geographical scope: The organisation must be legally registered in one of the Member States of the European Union (EU), and/or in Third countries associated to Horizon Europe.

Selection Criteria

• Qualitative selection criteria:
  • Experience in the entrepreneurial ecosystem: The organisation can showcase they are supporting startups and innovation ecosystems. Eligible organisations can provide a track record of their past and current experience in entrepreneurial ecosystems, preferably in the climate space.
  • Sustainable stewardship: The organisation can demonstrate the capacity to integrate sustainability principles into organisational processes, ensuring alignment with climate impact objectives and minimal environmental footprint in programme activities.
  • DEI-Leadership: The organisation can demonstrate having internal DEI policies, as well as evidence of integrating DEI principles into external program activities. For this program, at least 50% of the selected ESOs will be women-led.
  • Capacity & Engagement: Eligible organisations can showcase their interest and dedication to climate innovation and their interest to grow their expertise in this area so that they can better contribute to entrepreneurial ecosystems. The organisation has the ability to commit to full participation in training, mentoring, and reporting activities.

For more information, visit Climate KIC.