[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

October 26, 2025 (opens) | January 19, 2026 (deadline)

€50,000 per start-up (20 awards) | 7-month participation

Accelerator grant for start-ups advancing New European Bauhaus values, supporting innovation and social impact through the EIT Community.

Application via Award Force platform; subject to EIT funding confirmation.

--- ## Description This opportunity supports the 2026 cohort of the EIT Community New European Bauhaus (NEB) Catalyse NEB programme, a start-up accelerator dedicated to ventures implementing NEB values across Europe. The programme aims to foster strategic synergies, innovation, and measurable social impact, with an emphasis on scalability and addressing societal challenges. It particularly encourages applications from the culture and creative sectors, start-ups in Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) countries, and previous participants of the Grow NEB programme. Selected start-ups will receive funding and in-kind support to advance their solutions in line with the NEB mission and EIT Community priorities. --- ## Due Dates - **Opening date:** October 26, 2025 - **Application deadline:** January 19, 2026, 17:00 (Brussels time) - **Expected duration of participation:** 7 months --- ## Funding Amount - **Total available funding:** €1,000,000 - **Award size:** €50,000 per start-up (20 start-ups selected) - **Support:** Includes both subgrants and in-kind services --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply:** - Start-ups established in EU Member States, Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) linked to Member States, and Horizon Europe-associated countries. - Strong encouragement for applications from: - Culture and creative sectors and industries - Start-ups registered in [RIS countries](https://www.eit.europa.eu/activities/eit-regional-innovation-scheme-ris-closing-innovation-divide-europe) - Previous participants in EIT Community NEB activities, especially the Grow NEB programme (2 dedicated slots) - **Project focus:** - Activities must address specific social challenges, demonstrate measurable outcomes, and show potential for scalability. - Alignment with NEB values and EIT Community’s mission is required. --- ## Application Process - **Submission platform:** - All proposals and supporting documents must be submitted via the [Award Force](https://neb.awardsplatform.com/) platform. - **Application materials:** - Detailed requirements and guidance are provided in the Call Manual (available on Award Force). - **Evaluation process:** - Eligibility check - First round of evaluations - SAFE confirmation - Second round of evaluations - Final selection (18 through standard process, 2 from Grow NEB alumni) - **Note:** - This call is subject to confirmation of EIT funding. --- ## Additional Information - The Catalyse NEB programme is part of the Strategic Synergies Cluster XKIC BP 23-25 Proposal, aiming to advance the EIT Community’s mission and the New European Bauhaus initiative. - Activities must provide measurable outcomes and demonstrate clear scalability. - For further details, consult the Call Manual and annexes on the application portal. --- ## External Links - [Call details and application portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/competitive-calls-cs/11841?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Award Force application platform](https://neb.awardsplatform.com/) - [New European Bauhaus initiative](https://new-european-bauhaus.europa.eu/index_en) - [RIS countries information](https://www.eit.europa.eu/activities/eit-regional-innovation-scheme-ris-closing-innovation-divide-europe) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 | | Application Support | [Award Force platform](https://neb.awardsplatform.com/) |

Call for Applications: 2026 Catalyse NEB

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