Clean Cities Spain ClimAccelerator: The fifth wave of urban innovation for a sustainable future
The Clean Cities Spain ClimAccelerator, run by the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and supported by Climate KIC, has launched its fifth call for applications. The initiative offers a unique opportunity to cleantech start-ups to transform cities with its innovative solutions in areas like community retrofitting, green spaces, urban mobility, renewable energy, and data and information.
The programme seeks early stage start-ups with disruptive and scalable technologies and a committed team of at least two people. Furthermore, the companies must be incorporated for less than five years and be based in the European Union. Selected companies will have access to high level mentoring, specialised training in business and sustainability, international networking, and funding opportunities to take their projects to the next level.
The latest Davos summit highlighted the innovative contribution of start-ups as a main source of solutions for today’s challenges, especially the quite relevant climate challenges confronting our society. Because of this, participating in this programme provides a unique opportunity for start-ups to accelerate their growth by connecting with key players in the ecosystem. Clean Cities boosts collaboration between entrepreneurs with experienced experts who share a deep commitment to sustainability. This enhanced programme is designed to empower these emerging companies to make a tangible climate impact.
A proven track record of supporting European sustainable innovation
With nearly 100 start-ups from more than 18 European countries scaled over the past four years, this accelerator has emerged as a key player in the European entrepreneurship ecosystem. The companies have secured over €27 million in total funding, transforming their innovative ideas into thriving international businesses and proving that sustainable developments can also be incredibly successful.
The Clean Cities network has also supported collaboration and worked as an ecosystem catalyst through a wide network composed by corporates, public institutions, investors and climate agents. Over the past four years, it has fostered connections with more than 200 experts who have participated throughout the programme in previous editions. Plus, 10 municipalities and 14 multinationals and foundations have actively collaborated in the programme, highlighting the value of co-creation and ecosystem building when it comes to climate entrepreneurship.
Applications are open until 1 April, 2025.