City Accelerator 2026
City Accelerator 2026 is an acceleration and corporate partnership program organized by ISE Group in cooperation with the Kyiv City State Administration (KMDA). The initiative connects technological startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, research organizations, and individual innovators with major manufacturing facilities.
The program does not provide direct cash grants, offering instead specialized mentorship, technical consultations, and pilot integration support with industrial enterprises. The application deadline is September 30, 2026.
What is funded
The program offers non-financial acceleration support focused on bringing technology solutions into real industrial workflows. Selected teams gain access to corporate mentorship, technical guidance, and structured workshops aimed at preparing pilots for commercial implementation.
Throughout October 2026, participants collaborate with enterprise experts to design technical specifications, pilot architectures, data requirements, and key performance indicators. The program concludes with a Demo Day on November 6, 2026, presenting finalized solutions to corporate partners, city officials, and investors.
Thematic priority areas
The call covers technological challenges across multiple industrial sectors, including artificial intelligence tools, production analytics, knowledge management, and cyber resilience. It also seeks physical protection solutions, such as protective systems for critical equipment, blast resistance, and rapid production recovery methods.
Other key categories include industrial fintech, equipment leasing, war risk insurance, energy efficiency, backup power systems, robotics, and automation. Teams working on 3D printing, advanced composite materials, logistics optimization, closed-loop water treatment, and circular waste-to-value solutions are also eligible.
Who can apply
Applications are open to technological startups, small and medium enterprises, higher education institutions, research and development institutes, and individual innovators. Candidate teams must not exceed 49 members and must possess a functional product or prototype ready for industrial collaboration.
Practical tip. Review the operational profiles of participating enterprises, such as packaging manufacturers, machine builders, and printing companies, before submitting your application. Because selection depends heavily on enterprise interest, your proposal should clearly outline how your prototype solves concrete industrial challenges like line modernization, energy efficiency, or asset monitoring.
How to apply
Applicants must submit an online application form before September 30, 2026. The submission requires a description of the technological product, the targeted market, and details regarding the founding team and its technical capabilities.
Following scouting, shortlisted applicants undergo introductory interviews and discussions with industrial stakeholders. Shortlisted candidates take part in an Innovation Council review, an enterprise hackathon on October 2, 2026, and the acceleration phase leading to Demo Day on November 6, 2026.
Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: ise-group.org.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Donor | ISE Group / KMDA |
| Programme | City Accelerator 2026 |
| Type of support | Acceleration, mentorship, and pilot preparation (no direct funding) |
| Budget | Non-financial support |
| Eligible applicants | Startups, SMEs (up to 49 staff), HEIs, R&D institutes, individuals with a prototype |
| Geography | Not specified |
| Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
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