September 18, 2025
ACCEND is a pioneering EU-funded accelerator programme that accelerates European deep-tech scale-ups and today announced the launch of its latest call for applications.
The programme is designed for scale-ups innovating in Smart Cities, Net Zero Cities, and Regenerative Cities, and will provide selected companies with tailored support, cross-border access, and pathways to scale across areas including access to finance, procurement, piloting and global growth.
Applications are now open and will close on 31 October 2025.
“The University of Edinburgh is leading the Regenerative Cities cohort. This cohort will help Europe’s deep-tech scale-ups grow faster, go further, and deliver solutions for a sustainable planet. By championing women-founded companies, ACCEND ensures innovation reflects the societies it serves.” — Gemma Cassels, Head of Strategy at University of Edinburgh, Lead for the Regenerative Cities Cohort in ACCEND
“ACCEND is exactly the kind of service the European PropTech and Smart City community has been waiting for. By combining tailored support, access to finance, and cross-border networks, we can help scale-ups break through the barriers that often hold them back. I’m excited to lead the Smart City cohort and I truly hope to see as many ambitious companies as possible apply and take this opportunity to accelerate their growth.” — Mikael Långström, Ecosystem Lead at EIT Digital, Lead for the Smart Cities Cohort in ACCEND
Each selected company will be matched with an ACCEND Guide to co-create a tailored ‘ACCEND journey,’ based on its needs and the ACCEND Service Catalogue.
Programme characteristics
- Fully online delivery, with no travel costs and open to founders across Europe.
- Three thematic cohorts, namely Smart Cities, Net Zero Cities and Regenerative Cities.
- Five-month duration, with flexible weekly commitment tailored to company needs.
- Free of charge; it’s funded by the European Union.
Who Can Apply
ACCEND is designed for deep-tech scale-ups that:
- Operate at TRL 7–9 with a science or engineering base.
- Are already generating revenue (including through paid pilots).
- Have raised at least £250k / €290k in investment.
- Aim to expand into international markets with significant growth potential.
ACCEND is committed to diversity, with an aspiration for at least 30% of pilot cohort companies to be women-founded or co-founded. Women-led companies are especially encouraged to apply as part of efforts to address Europe’s deep-tech gender gap.
Key dates
- Online Info Session: 21 October 2025
- Applications Close: 31 October 2025
- Decisions Announced: 19 December 2025
- Programme Kick-Offs: Smart Cities (5 Jan 2026), Net Zero Cities (2 Feb 2026), Regenerative Cities (2 Mar 2026)
“Public procurement is a powerful route for deep-tech scale-ups to win early customers and scale impact. Through ACCEND, we help companies spot concrete opportunities across Europe, prepare to pitch to public buyers, and navigate regional procurement processes so their innovations move from pilots to real-world adoption.” — Dorottya Varga, Project Manager at OASC, Lead for ACCEND Public Procurement of Innovation Support
Successful applicants’ benefits
- Networking at European scale
- Personalised guidance
- Finance and market access
- Global Growth Coaching, including access to VCs, trade networks, export agencies, and industrial partners
- Reduced risk
How to Apply
Interested companies can apply via the online form at accendhorizon.eu, including a short pitch video.
About ACCEND
ACCEND accelerates European deep-tech scale-ups with tailored support, cross-border access, and global growth pathways. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.