Catalyse NEB 2027 by EIT: a €22,000 grant and mentoring for 20 New European Bauhaus start-ups in climate, food and urban mobility, apply by 15 January

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology, through the EIT Community New European Bauhaus, has announced the Catalyse NEB 2027 accelerator call. The initiative supports early-stage ventures that integrate sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion into products or services that address community challenges.

A total of 20 start-ups working within the thematic domains of climate, food, or urban mobility will be selected. Each selected venture receives a grant of €22,000 alongside structured mentoring and business development assistance.

The open call targets for-profit enterprises registered in eligible European and associated territories. Applications must be completed and submitted by 15 January 2027 at 17:00 CET.

What is funded

The call awards €22,000 in grant funding to each of the 20 selected start-ups. In addition to financial backing, the accelerator provides dedicated non-financial support to strengthen commercial and technical readiness.

Beneficiaries receive tailored one-to-one business and design mentoring, as well as specialised workshops. These training sessions focus on business development, strategic communications, and alignment with New European Bauhaus values.

The package also includes access to online and in-person networking events across the EIT community. Selected companies gain brand exposure through promotion and visibility activities arranged throughout the programme timeline.

Who can apply

Participation is open to both EIT Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) partners and non-partners. Applicants must be for-profit start-ups legally incorporated after 1 January 2022.

Eligible legal entities must be registered in an EU Member State, an associated Overseas Country or Territory, or a third country associated with Horizon Europe Pillar 3. In addition, the venture founder or co-founders must hold more than 50% of the company shares.

Eligible companies must be at the pre-seed, seed, or exceptionally Series A development phase. Total venture funding raised prior to application cannot exceed €1 million.

Conditions and requirements

Applicants must possess a valid Participant Identification Code (PIC) at the time of submission. Start-ups must have a minimum Technology or Business Readiness Level of 4, unless they have previously completed the Ignite NEB programme.

Financial readiness must be evidenced by generating at least €15,000 in revenue in 2026 or securing at least €40,000 in investment, with an exemption applying to Ignite NEB alumni. Ventures must also address at least one strategic focus area of a participating KIC.

Proposed solutions must reflect the New European Bauhaus framework. Projects must meet at least ambition level 1 across each of the three NEB core values, which comprise sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion, as defined in the NEB Compass.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through the official application form before the call closure on 15 January 2027 at 17:00 CET. Applicants must designate at least one strategic focus area related to the participating KICs during submission.

The application dossier requires a completed form, proof of legal incorporation, and a current pitch deck. Except for Ignite NEB participants, start-ups must also provide verified proof of the required revenue or investment funding.

Practical tip. Prepare your documentation of 2026 financial traction and legal incorporation early, ensuring that revenue or investment accounts clearly verify the minimum €15,000 revenue or €40,000 investment thresholds prior to submitting the form.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: eit.europa.eu.