Catalyse NEB - Open Call 2027

Are you building an impact-driven start-up that wants to grow, without compromising your values? 

Then the Catalyse NEB Open Call 2027 is right for you!

Deadline: January 15, 2027 | 17:00 CEST

Apply today

Apply here (coming soon)
Download call manual
Call on EU Funding & Tenders Portal

The content of this page is provided for information purposes only and may be subject to modification prior to the official publication of the call.
All details are provisional and may be adjusted before the final launch.

Grow your startup with the New European Bauhaus

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. 

The programme will support 20 start-ups responding to community needs and addressing the strategic focus areas of Climate KIC, EIT Food or EIT Urban Mobility.

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 and 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.

Start your application

How are applications selected?

Applications undergo eligibility and admissibility checks, followed by evaluation of:

  • Innovation and market traction.
  • NEB values, impact and alignment with the participating KICs and programme.
  • Team capabilities, resources and commitment.

Applicants progressing through selection must confirm their willingness to sign the relevant SAFE. Shortlisted applicants are interviewed, including a short pitch.

Timeline

Call opens 

TBD

Information session 

4 November 2026, 17:00 CET 

Deadline for call content questions 

25 November 2026 

FAQ publication 

9 December 2026 

Application deadline 

15 January 2027, 17:00 CET 

Final selection communication 

7 April 2027 

Deadline to sign agreements 

21 May 2027 

Programme starts 

31 May 2027 

Programme ends 

31 December 2027 

Call documents and contact

Read the call manual for the full eligibility criteria, strategic focus areas, selection process and agreement conditions.

For questions, contact neb@eitcommunity.eu.

This call falls under the EIT Business Plan 2026–2028, which remains subject to formal EIT approval. Conditions and funding allocations may change. Applicants should check the call page regularly for updates.

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