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Faqs
FAQs
- What is the Clean Cities Spain ClimAccelerator about?The Clean Cities Spain ClimAccelerator is an acceleration programme launched in 2020 with the support of the EIT Climate-KIC, with the aim of having an impact on climate change in urban areas, as well as the commercialization of clean technologies (clean tech). The programme is aimed at startups that develop solutions with special emphasis on transforming urban ecosystems so that they are climate neutral, from mobility to waste, energy or health. There are already more than 70 startups from more than 15 different countries that are members of the Clean Cities community.
- Who is behind this programme?The accelerator is run by Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and supported by EIT Climate KIC. UPM is an institution specialized in high added value in the research and academic field, as well as services for entrepreneurs. This Spanish university is well connected with all relevant agents from the ecosystem. The cities and other partners involved bring in their respectives portfolios.
- Which activities are considered during the programme?During the 4th edition, this programe will be mainly customisez to the startups needs. However, these in-kind services could be:
- Global network of investors, corporations and public institutions.
- Training sessions with international speakers specialized in the area of business and sustainability.
- EIT Climate-LKIC ecosystem and community to promote the startup.
- International entrepreneurship events.
- Tool for assessing the environmental impact of technologies developed by startups.
- Visibility, marketing and individualized communications actions.
- How long is the programme?The programme consists of two fixed term phases, after which you leave the programme and become alumni. This 2024 edition is expected to have a total length of 10 months.
- What is EIT Climate-KIC?EIT Climate-KIC is a Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC), working to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon, climate-resilient society. Supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, they identify and support innovation that helps society mitigate and adapt to climate change. They bring together partners in the worlds of business, academia, and the public and non-profit sectors to create networks of expertise, through which innovative products, services and systems can be developed, brought to market and scaled-up for impact.
- What are Healthy, Clean Cities?Cities face an enormous challenge in becoming resilient, healthy places to live while reaching net-zero-emissions in just a few short years. EIT Climate-KIC is working with 15 of the most ambitious mayors, municipalities and city communities in Europe to design portfolios of joined-up innovations capable of unlocking wholesale transformation across all city systems – from mobility to waste, from energy to health, and the built environment. The first cohort of partners includes Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Kraków, Križevci, Leuven, Madrid, Malmö, Maribor, Milan, Niš, Orléans, Sarajevo, Skopje and Vienna. Read more here.
- Who can apply to this open call?Clean Cities Spain ClimAccelerator is open to SMEs (legal persons) participating on their own or SMEs in the process of incorporation (remember that if your project is selected to enter stage 1, at the end of the period the company must be legally incorporated). SMEs from all over the world may apply, but only SMEs legally established in any of the Member States of the European Union will be eligible for the Clean, Cities ClimAccelerator Non EU SMEs may apply but in case they become a beneficiary of Clean Cities ClimAccelerator they have to establish in one of the Eligible Countries (EU27). Moreover, to be eligible, your proposals have to fully comply with the eligibility criteria indicated in this website.
- How many start-ups will be selected each year?Up to 15 startups will be selected to join us in this 2024 edition.
- What type of projects is the Clean Cities ClimAccelerator looking for?The ideal project type would be high growth projects with an already existing market footprint and a complementary, solid and committed team. They will have to show market traction expressed in terms of users, potential customers or real clients (sales) as well as some pre-seed investment already raised from private or public investors. The ideal target projects are looking for additional support for scaling their business globally, looking to develop their business model in the next 12 months and, overall, with an important social impact. All these elements are desirable and recommended, but in any case they are mandatory. The more closely the projects match these criteria, the more likely they will be selected.
- I am not totally sure that my startup fits in any of the topics/challenges of the acceleration programme. Can I apply in this case? What should I do?If in doubt, we recommend applying to the programme. Application takes some time to fill a form, but a) that is a good investment considering the benefits of being admitted to the programme and b) that is a good exercise to expose your potential and business model to an international jury of experts. In any case, we guarantee your application will go through a very thorough, professional and respectful internal evaluation process.