Partnering with EIT Climate-KIC on the ClimAccelerator

Call for Expression of Interest

We are looking for new EIT Climate-KIC partners to collaborate with us on the European ClimAccelerator
programme. The Expression of Interest phase for potential ClimAccelerator Organisers is now open until
1 April 2024, 20:00 CEST.

Partners must operate within one of the following countries:

 The Member States (MS) of the European Union (EU) including their outermost regions
 Third countries associated to Horizon Europe (the detailed list can be found here)

What is the ClimAccelerator?

ClimAccelerator is a global programme for start-ups to innovate, catalyse and scale the potential of their
climate solutions. We are turning cleantech start-ups into successful businesses and harnessing the
power of human ingenuity to drive rapid impact and unlock a net-zero, resilient future for all.

Our goal is to enable accelerators, incubators, innovation hubs, or any Entrepreneurship Support
Organisation to run ClimAccelerators effectively. Together, we can work as a collective of actors to support
entrepreneurship that tackles climate change. We would love to work with new as well as existing
Entrepreneurship Support Organisations scale climate innovation at the speed required for systemic
change.

Over the past 10 years, the accelerator programme powered by EIT Climate-KIC has been a major climate
innovation solution provider for more than 6,000 start-ups, with access to resources, tools, mentoring and
networks. We’re scaling the globe to break new ground in carbon reduction, adaptation and resilience, and
more.

Are you ready to take on the challenge of climate change?

At EIT Climate-KIC, we are determined to tackle this global issue head on. We have identified high-impact
shifts across three core systems that contribute to a staggering 70 per cent of global greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions. By addressing these systems, we can pave the way for a sustainable and resilient future.
 Core Systems Top high-impact shifts to be addressed

How we Create Reduce Use waste Address

demand for
make engineered
Cement, Steel
and promote refrigerant
carbon sinks circularity use
things & Plastics

Use
How we Shift Address Change to
degraded
agricultural waste in lower GHG
land and
eat practices supply chain diets
protect
ecosystem

Shift energy Enhance Rapidly scale

How we sources for efficiency in up zero … and
heating, waste
live cooling and
build energy
outcomes in
others.
use
appliances cities

In the pursuit of urgent and transformative climate action, EIT Climate-KIC extends a warm invitation to
visionary partners who share our commitment to reshaping the trajectory of our planet's future. As we
embark on the ambitious journey outlined in our newly unveiled strategy for 2024-2030, "Transformation,
With Urgency”, we are actively seeking experienced collaborators to join us in co-creating and delivering
transformative solutions through ClimAccelerators.
Innovations to allow people to live well with less
Climate change demands a fundamental shift in the way we live. Our strategy revolves around innovating
lifestyles, drawing inspiration from natural ecosystems, and addressing the uneven distribution of
materials. Through matchmaking demand and supply, generating resource-efficient solutions, and
courageously addressing root causes, we aim to foster new restorative and regenerative paradigms. We
invite partners who can contribute to this transformative human experience.

Technology advances and nature-based solutions to lower emissions and build

resilience
To bend the emissions curve, sustained investment in new technologies and nature-based solutions is
imperative. We are particularly interested in collaborating on research involving AI, biomimicry, nanoscale
interventions, green chemistry, and other advancements. Our goal is to provide insight and leadership,
drawn from our expertise in managing complexity while developing technology across multiple fields. We
welcome partners who share our passion for leveraging technology for sustainable, meaningful, and
human and nature-centered living.
Impact as a measurement for success

Programme Benefits
 Tailored Tools: Our open-sourced ‘Operating System’ provides everything you need to successfully
run your own ClimAccelerator, including management tools, content, coaching and mentoring
networks, and more.

 Climate Impact: We’ve developed a Climate Impact Framework that presents climate impact
indicators alongside financial key performance indicators, allowing start-ups to assess and
validate their credibility and business potential.

 Financial Support: No direct funding or grants, but we offer access to exclusive fundraising and
investment opportunities and many ClimAccelerators are eligible for grant funding from external
sponsors.

 Global Network: Join the EIT Climate-KIC Community of 400+ organisations across the globe
working to drive a net-zero carbon transition.

 Branding: Selected Organisers will receive access to ClimAccelerator logos, EU flag logos and
branding materials. The selected and graduated ClimAccelerator startups are given permission to
use ClimAccelerator logos on websites: http://www.climate-kic.org/partner-information-page/

Revenue Share
To support Organisers around the world in running ClimAccelerators requires significant resources. EIT
Climate-KIC is responsible for acquiring these resources, and needs help from the community of
ClimAccelerator Organisers. For that purpose, we have designed the following mechanism:

 The ClimAccelerator Organiser will be obligated to pay a fixed annual fee of €1,000 to EIT Climate-
KIC in Q4 of the calendar year, contingent upon the achievement of specific Key Performance
Indicators (KPIs) or the successful completion of predetermined objectives. EIT Climate-KIC will
issue the invoice in Q4 of each year, and the ClimAccelerator Organiser is required to settle the
invoice upon fulfilling the designated criteria.
Climate SAFE Agreement for the supported start-ups
The Climate-SAFE is the 50.000 EUR equity-as-a-service investment introduced in 2021 that is made up
of additional services package provided by the Climate-KIC team to support the startups once they have
graduated from the ClimAccelerator programme. Currently 94 start-ups have signed the Climate-SAFE.
Once every quarter EIT Climate-KIC will provide Climate-SAFE workshop to ClimAccelerator organisers.

The start-ups receive:

• Carbon Impact Forecasting, Modelling and Validation

• Access to ClimateHIVE community
• Fundraising support & connections to Climate-KIC investor network
• Commercialisation Opportunities
• EU Policy & Affairs support
• A dedicated portfolio manager
• Possibility of additional investment from the 1,5 Seed Fund

Evaluation Criteria of the Applications

Section Compulsory Score Threshold

Excellence: Yes 3
Clarity and pertinence of the objectives, and the
extent to which the proposed work is ambitious, and
goes beyond the state-of-the-art.

Impact: Yes 3
Credibility of the pathways to achieve the expected
outcomes and impacts.
Uniqueness: Yes 3
The specific added value of the programme.
Climate-KIC portfolio strategic fit: Yes 3
The evaluation of how well the proposed program
aligns with and supports the strategic goals and
objectives of the Climate-KIC portfolio.
Financial Sustainability: Yes 3
Capacity to cover expenses, allocate resources
effectively, and demonstrate financial preparedness
for sustainable implementation.
6 = Excellent, 5 = Very Good, 4 = Good, 3 = Average, 2 = Subpar, 1 = Unacceptable / Veto
Themed Accelerator
Our mission is to establish unparalleled prominence by building the world's foremost climate
accelerator(s). For this round of Expression of Interest we have selected two thematic areas for our
partners, Energy Efficiency and Circularity.

Energy Efficiency
As we navigate the complexities of climate change, the importance of energy efficiency has never been
more pronounced. Accelerators focusing on energy efficiency serve as dynamic platforms for driving
innovation and
progress. By
optimising energy
consumption,
reducing
environmental
impact, and
fostering sustainable
energy practices,
these accelerators
contribute
significantly to a
greener and more
sustainable future.
Entrepreneurship
Support
Organisations that
engage with the energy efficiency theme in accelerators play a crucial role in propelling advancements that
transcend traditional boundaries. These accelerators empower collaborations that lead to the
development of groundbreaking technologies and practices, making a lasting impact on the global pursuit
of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.
Circular Economy and Circularity
In our commitment to fostering a sustainable and resilient future, we recognise the imperative of embracing
circular economy principles. The essence of a Circular Economy (CE) lies in creating a regenerative system
that minimises waste, optimises resource use, and promotes sustainable practices. Accelerators dedicated
to the theme of
circularity play a
pivotal role in
advancing this vision.
By supporting
Entrepreneurship
Support
Organisations that
drive collaborative
projects focused on
cutting-edge
technologies and
innovative strategies,
we aim to accelerate
the transition
towards industrial
circularity. These accelerators serve as catalysts for transformative change, facilitating the development of
solutions that not only address current environmental challenges but also contribute to a more sustainable
and circular global economy.

Next Steps & How to Apply

If you would like to collaborate with us, the Expression of Interest phase is now open, and we invite you to
send us your proposal by 1 April 2024, 20:00 CEST.

In order to ensure effective and consistent communication, we request that all official communication be
conducted in English. This will help streamline information-sharing and enhance clarity for all participants.

Further details on how we operate and support you can be found in this Welcome Package for potential
ClimAccelerator Organisers here
Please apply by following the link below:

https://forms.office.com/e/KFFAhcyNP5

Additionally, we have two info sessions for questions on the European ClimAccelerator coming up on:

 12 February 2024, 10:00-11:00 CET - Register here

 1 March 2024, 10-11 CET CET - Register here

Further questions?

Please contact Alexandros Nikopoulos at [email protected] or our team at

[email protected].

We are looking forward to receiving your questions, comments and proposals, and working together to
foster entrepreneurship and acceleration for climate impact and systems transformation at scale!