Call for Partners: Accelerating AI and Deep-Tech Climate Innovation with Climate KIC

In the face of accelerating climate challenges, transformative innovation has never been more urgent. Climate KIC invites visionary organisations from around the world to partner with us through the ClimAccelerator programme, helping to scale the next generation of climate solutions powered by Artificial Intelligence and Deep Technologies.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) phase for potential ClimAccelerator Organisers is now open and will remain so until
28 February 2026, 12:00 CET.

This is a unique opportunity to join a globally recognised climate innovation ecosystem and play a leading role in shaping a net-zero, climate-resilient future.

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About the ClimAccelerator Programme

ClimAccelerator is Climate KIC’s flagship global acceleration programme designed to empower climate-focused start-ups to innovate, scale, and deliver real-world impact. Over the past decade, Climate KIC-powered accelerator programmes have supported more than 6,000 start-ups, providing access to critical tools, mentoring, funding networks, and impact measurement frameworks.

Our mission is to build the world’s foremost climate-focused accelerators by enabling local and regional partners—such as accelerators, incubators, innovation hubs, and other Entrepreneurship Support Organisations (ESOs)—to deliver ClimAccelerator programmes effectively and at scale.

Through this collaborative model, we foster entrepreneurship that addresses climate change with innovative, scalable, and system-level solutions.

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2026 Focus Theme: AI and Deep-Tech for Climate Innovation

For this Expression of Interest round, Climate KIC is launching a new thematic focus:

AI and Deep-Tech for Climate Innovation

We are seeking experienced organisations capable of accelerating start-ups working at the intersection of:

• Artificial Intelligence

• Deep Technologies

• Climate Mitigation, Adaptation, and Resilience

Selected partners will lead ClimAccelerator programmes that support entrepreneurs developing breakthrough solutions grounded in data intelligence, scientific excellence, and systems thinking—solutions with the potential to transform industries, economies, and societies.

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Key Opportunity Areas

AI and Deep-Tech are rapidly redefining how we understand, predict, and respond to the climate crisis. While proposals are not limited to the examples below, we are particularly interested in programmes supporting start-ups in areas such as:

 Climate Risk Intelligence

AI-driven climate models, early warning systems, and risk dashboards using satellite data, IoT sensors, and machine learning to support governments, insurers, and communities.

 Energy Transition and Grid Intelligence

AI-enabled demand forecasting and grid optimisation, combined with deep-tech innovations in batteries, hydrogen, and power electronics to accelerate clean energy adoption.

 Carbon Management and Industrial Decarbonisation

Solutions for real-time emissions tracking, carbon accounting, low-carbon materials, carbon capture, and decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors.

 Climate-Smart Agriculture and Land Use

Precision agriculture, crop and pest modelling, bioengineered seeds, soil sensors, and autonomous farming systems that reduce emissions while improving productivity.

 Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency

AI-powered material flow optimisation, advanced recycling, biodegradable materials, and waste-to-energy technologies supporting circular business models.

 Nature-Based Solutions and Biodiversity Monitoring

Remote sensing, image recognition, eDNA analysis, drones, and monitoring tools supporting ecosystem restoration, conservation, and biodiversity protection.

Climate Finance and Investment Intelligence

AI-based climate risk assessment, green portfolio optimisation, blockchain-enabled carbon markets, and impact verification platforms.

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Benefits of Becoming a ClimAccelerator Partner

Partnering with Climate KIC provides access to a powerful suite of benefits:

• Global Narrative & Brand Alignment
  Position your accelerator within a globally recognised Climate KIC and EU-affiliated ecosystem.

• Proven Tools & Methodologies
  Access programme management tools, curated content, mentoring frameworks, and coaching networks.

• Impact Assessment Services
  Comprehensive support to measure, project, and communicate climate and social impact for start-ups and programmes.

• Gender Mainstreaming Support
  Use the WeClim Equally Gender Mainstreaming Handbook to embed gender-smart practices in your accelerator.

• Financial Connectivity
  While Climate KIC does not directly fund programme delivery, partners gain access to global investor networks, fundraising support, recommendation letters, and exclusive investment-focused sessions.

• Global Network
  Join a community of 400+ organisations worldwide working towards a net-zero transition.

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Who Can Apply?

We welcome applications from organisations and consortiums worldwide that can deliver and co-fund impactful accelerator programmes, including:

• Incubators

• Accelerators

• Venture Builders

• Universities and Research Institutions

• Joint or multi-organisation consortiums

Geographical scope: Open globally.

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Responsibilities of a ClimAccelerator Partner

Selected partners will be responsible for:

• Branding & Programme Identity
  Integrating the ClimAccelerator brand while offering a distinct, standalone accelerator with regional focus.

• Geographical Alignment
  Supporting start-ups located in the same region where the partner organisation is actively present.

• Programme Delivery
  Launching the pilot programme in Q2 or Q3 2026, with a clear timeline and milestones.

• Start-up Support
  Accelerating at least 7 climate-focused start-ups per cohort, providing tailored mentorship and resources.

• Climate Impact Reporting
  Ensuring clear, quantifiable climate impact metrics are collected and shared across the ClimAccelerator network.

• Demo Day Organisation
  Hosting a Demo Day to showcase start-ups and connect them with investors and stakeholders.

• Reporting & Data Sharing
  Submitting cohort data and performance metrics to support collective learning and transparency.

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Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on the following compulsory criteria (minimum threshold score: 3):

• Excellence – Ambition, clarity, and innovation beyond the state of the art

• Impact – Credible pathways to meaningful climate outcomes

• Uniqueness – Added value of the proposed programme

• Strategic Fit – Alignment with Climate KIC’s portfolio objectives

• Financial Sustainability – Capacity for effective resource allocation and long-term viability

Scoring scale:
6 = Excellent | 5 = Very Good | 4 = Good | 3 = Average | 2 = Subpar | 1 = Unacceptable

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Key Dates & Next Steps

• EOI Deadline: 28 February 2026, 12:00 CET

• Programme Launch: Q2/Q3 2026

All official communication must be conducted in English.

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How to Apply

Submit your Expression of Interest via the official application form:
APPLY HERE

Join Climate KIC in accelerating deep-tech innovation for climate impact at scale.

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Information Webinars

To support applicants, Climate KIC is hosting online information sessions:

• 28 November 2025, 09:00 CET

• 23 January 2026, 09:00 CET

• FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES CLICK HERE