Open Call

Open Call: Scale2Connect Deep Tech Accelerator Programme

About Scale2Connect

Scale2Connect is a 24-month project funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe (Grant Agreement No. 101214553, HORIZON-EIE-2024-CONNECT-02). The project brings together five partners — Envolve (Greece, Coordinator), Universidad de Málaga (Spain), Universidade Católica Portuguesa (Portugal), Universidad Abierta Para Adultos (Dominican Republic), and Octa Insight (Norway) — to strengthen academia-industry collaboration and accelerate deep tech entrepreneurship in emerging innovation ecosystems.

As part of this mission, we are launching the Scale2Connect Accelerator Programme: a free, 3-month acceleration programme for deep tech startups and academic spin-offs based in Portugal, Spain, and the Dominican Republic.

What We Offer

Selected startups will receive, at no cost:

• Weekly online workshops covering key aspects of deep tech venture development (product-market fit, IP, fundraising, scaling strategy, and more)
• Regular one-to-one mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts, and academics
• Access to established innovation-hub networks through our partner Octa Insight, connecting founders with contacts beyond their home ecosystem
• A place at Demo Day, presenting to investors and industry representatives
• Progress check-ins with the programme team throughout the acceleration period
• Ongoing membership in the Scale2Connect Alumni Network after the programme ends, with regular meetups, guest speakers, potential funding opportunities, and networking opportunities

Who Can Apply

We are looking for 15 deep tech startups or academic spin-offs, selected according to the following criteria:

Eligibility criteria:

• The founding team (or the majority of it) is based in one of the three regions (Lisbon, Malaga (or the wider area of Andalusia) or Santiago de los Caballeros)
• The venture operates in a deep tech field — e.g. artificial intelligence, Beyond 5G/connectivity, robotics, advanced manufacturing, or related emerging technologies
• The venture has a working prototype, MVP, or demonstrable proof of concept (idea-only submissions are not eligible)
• The team is available for the full duration of the programme (see Timeline) and can commit time to weekly workshops and mentoring sessions
• Both startups and university spin-offs are welcome to apply
• Ventures already generating revenue or holding prior investment remain eligible, provided they are still in an active growth/scaling phase

We particularly encourage applications from women-led ventures and ventures led by one or more members of underrepresented groups, in line with the programme’s commitment to gender balance and inclusion.

Before you apply, please read carefully the Guide for Applicants.

How to Apply

https://forms.monday.com/forms/f31d0c9e3bc0ed85d5869e059415c5ad?r=euc1

Applications should include:

• Team overview and background
• Description of the technology/product and its deep tech focus area
• Current stage of development (prototype/MVP status, any traction or funding to date)
• What the team hopes to gain from the accelerator

Questions?

For questions about eligibility or the application process, contact: Scale2Connect@envolveglobal.org

Before you apply for the Acceleration programme, please read carefully the Guide for Applicants.

Scale2Connect is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.