ACCEND opens applications for Cohort 2 as first 28 deep tech scaleups begin programme

Europe’s deep tech accelerator ACCEND has opened applications for its second cohort, as 28 scaleups from across Europe begin the programme under Cohort 1.

Designed for companies developing solutions in Smart Cities, Net Zero Cities and Regenerative Cities, ACCEND supports deep tech scaleups to expand across borders, access investment and navigate complex European markets.

Cohort 1 brings together 28 companies operating across areas including urban sustainability, digital infrastructure, clean energy systems, circular economy technologies, biodiversity solutions and climate resilience innovation. These companies will now engage in tailored diagnostics, market acceleration pathways, piloting and investor readiness activities as part of the live programme.

Building on this momentum, ACCEND is recruiting its second cohort of high-potential scaleups ready to expand internationally.

A coordinated European platform for scale

ACCEND brings together 10 leading innovation institutions from across Europe, forming one of the continent’s most coordinated deep tech support networks. The programme directly addresses the structural challenges faced by scaleups, including:

• Fragmented European markets
• Slow and complex public procurement systems
• Access to growth capital
• Securing pilot opportunities and validation environments

Participants receive a comprehensive growth package including:

• Individual diagnostics and tailored scale plans
• One-to-one guidance from dedicated ACCEND Guides
• Strategic coaching for European and global expansion
• Curated introductions to investors, cities and innovation buyers
• Access to real-world testbeds and pilot opportunities
• Procurement navigation support across EU markets

The programme also provides targeted go-to-market pathways into priority international markets such as the US and China, alongside specialist support for women-led deep tech companies.

“ACCEND is about equipping deep tech scaleups with the networks, validation environments and market intelligence they need to grow across Europe and beyond,” said Dr Gemma Cassells, project coordinator and Head of Strategy for the Data-Driven Innovation programme at the University of Edinburgh. “With 28 companies already live in Cohort 1, we are seeing strong momentum and cross-border collaboration in action.”

Info Session – 10 March: Prospective applicants are invited to attend an online information session on 10 March, where the consortium will outline eligibility criteria, programme structure and the application process, followed by a live Q&A.

Applications close 08 April: Applications for Cohort 2 close on 08 April. Deep tech scaleups working in Smart Cities, Net Zero Cities and Regenerative Cities are encouraged to apply.

Register for the information session, learn more and apply: www.accendhorizon.eu

ACCEND Partners:

28DIGITAL | CodeBase | EdTechHub Ventures | Spanish Chamber of Commerce | Startup Poland | Regional Development Fund of RWG | NCSR “DEMOKRITOS” | VUB Business Development Academy | Open & Agile Smart Cities & Communities (OASC)| University of Edinburgh

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.