Circular Cities ClimAccelerator Programme

The programme supports start-ups at the MVP stage, ideally revenue generating, and preferably registered in Europe. Teams must have a minimum of 2 founders holding at least 75% equity, committed to full-time work. Solutions must have market scalability, address circular economy thematic pillars (circular mobility, food, construction, textile, tourism, electronics, digitalisation, municipal water, waste, energy), and teams must be willing to work with cities. UK and Swiss companies may participate but will not receive grant funding. The programme consists of three stages: Stage 1: Business Model Development, lasting 8 weeks, with grants up to €3,000 per team. 25 teams are supported. Stage 2: Validation & Traction, lasting 12 weeks, with grants up to €15,000 per team. Participants must also accept a Services-for-Equity Agreement (SFEA) from EIT Climate-KIC, structured as a convertible security with a value of up to EUR 75,000, including fundraising support, carbon impact forecasting, EU policy support, and network connections. 15 teams are selected to advance. Stage 3: Investment Readiness, lasting 10 weeks, with no grants. 10 teams are invited to this final stage. The overall programme duration is up to 8 months, from April 25 to December 02, 2022, and is run virtually.