Romania ClimAccelerator opens applications for 15 climate tech, deep tech, and AI startups

Startups developing solutions for a sustainable future or using advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to generate impact can apply until 22 November 2026, at 10:00, for Romania ClimAccelerator 2026–2027, a programme organised by Impact Hub Bucharest, with Philip Morris Romania as main partner and support from Climate-KIC and SCION.

The programme is looking for 15 Seed-stage startups with a market-validated prototype or functional technology that are ready for their next stage of development and scaling.

Romania ClimAccelerator aims to support startups developing solutions with a positive environmental impact by providing access to know-how, mentoring, investment readiness support, connections with investors and key ecosystem players, networking and visibility opportunities, as well as tools for measuring and developing long-term impact.

The programme is structured around two tracks, depending on the type of solution developed:

The programme is not limited to these fields and is also open to other solutions that help reduce environmental impact or use Deep Tech and AI to generate impact in climate and sustainability.

From January to April 2027, the selected startups will take part in an online programme of activities and mentoring tailored to each team’s needs.

Participants will have access to one-to-one mentoring sessions with industry experts focused on concrete objectives such as scaling, fundraising, and go-to-market strategy, as well as meetings with a Board of Advisors whose members will provide applied expertise.

The programme will also include workshops and case studies covering topics such as value proposition, MVP development, Climate Impact Hypothesis, the investor ecosystem, business models and business plans, investor pitching, AI integration and IP strategy, Tech SAFE, and valuation.

“In climate tech, having a technology that works is not enough. The real challenge begins when you have to demonstrate that the solution addresses a genuine need, that it can be adopted at scale, and that the business model can support that growth. For founders, this means making difficult decisions: what to validate now, what to leave for later, where they need expertise, and when they are ready to raise capital. Through Romania ClimAccelerator, we are focusing precisely on this transition from a promising solution to a business capable of delivering change at scale. We believe the ecosystem needs not only good ideas and technology, but more startups that know how to turn these resources into resilient, investable companies that are relevant to the markets in which they want to grow,” said Oana Craioveanu, CEO and co-founder of Impact Hub Bucharest.

Another component of the programme is peer sharing, allowing participants to learn from the experiences of other founders in Romania and internationally. Startups will also receive consultancy tailored to specific needs, alongside networking opportunities and connections with key ecosystem players.

Participants will also have access to self-learning materials and courses covering financial management, business communication, digital marketing, and online content creation, helping them develop the skills required to grow their businesses.

Special awards for the best startup pitches

The programme will conclude with a physical Demo Day on 14 April 2027, when the 15 startups will present their solutions in English to a jury, investors, and relevant market stakeholders. The best two pitches, one from each track, will receive the Startup Impact Lab special award, which provides six months of access to a range of business development resources.

The programme also offers an additional opportunity for two startups, which will be selected directly to participate in SCION, the first accelerator in Central and Eastern Europe dedicated to NatureTech and CleanTech solutions. SCION supports deep-tech researchers and innovators in turning research results and innovative ideas into investment-ready businesses.