A 3-month intensive curriculum designed for deep-tech and high-potential startups across South Eastern Europe.
Join the next cohort and scale with confidence.
Built for founders committed to scaling beyond their home markets, accelerating commercial growth, and gaining structured access to global opportunities, strategic partnerships, and world-class expertise that propel long-term impact.
0% Equity Taken
We take no equity. You keep full ownership and strategic control of your company.
150+ Expert Mentors
Learn directly from experienced founders, industry veterans, investors, and technology leaders.
Access to Global Opportunities
Unlock new opportunities across South Eastern Europe with a curated network of partners, corporates, and early adopters.
Growth Focus
A curriculum engineered to strengthen your fundamentals, optimize traction, and prepare you for scale.
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The selection process is rigorous but straightforward. Apply with your pitch, vision and demonstrate your traction.
Submit your pitch deck through our online portal and share your traction, vision, and product.
Shortlisted teams meet with the selection committee for a structured evaluation.
Kick-off in Athens, with a hybrid participation option available.
StartSmart SEE is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship across South Eastern Europe. Our accelerator is backed by a growing network of corporates, investors, academic institutions, and deep-tech practitioners.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the StartSmart Accelerator, startups must:
Submitted work must be original & non-infringing.
Have a team of at least 2 and no more than 6 founders.
One entry per team.
Have a prototype of their product or service.
Have raised no more than one million euros.
FAQ
“Have questions about the StartSmart Accelerator? Check out our FAQ section for answers to common questions about the program and how to apply.”
FAQ
“Have questions about the StartSmart Accelerator? Check out our FAQ section for answers to common questions about the program and how to apply.”
StartSmart SEE Accelerator focuses on deep-tech startups developing breakthrough technologies, including:
Biotechnology & Medicine
AI & Machine Learning
Energy & Cleantech
Hardware & Robotics
Maritime Technologies
Nanotechnology & Advanced Materials
Cybersecurity
Transportation & Smart Mobility
The program is conducted entirely in English.
All applications, documents, workshops, and mentoring sessions must be in English.
The program is fully remote. The only required in-person activity is Demo Day at the MIT Universal AI Summit in Athens.
All workshops and mentoring sessions are conducted online.
No. Deep-tech startups need diverse skill sets.
We encourage teams to include members with backgrounds in engineering, science, business, finance, operations, marketing, or product development.
Yes. A functional prototype of your technology, product, or service is required for applying to the accelerator.
No. Each founder may only be associated with one application, and each team may submit only one entry.
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee of venture capitalists, angel investors, experienced entrepreneurs, academics, and deep-tech experts.
Each application is evaluated by multiple reviewers with expertise relevant to your field.
Evaluators assess:
Strength of technology & innovation
Existence of a working prototype
Market knowledge & customer understanding
Team expertise & complementary skills
Global growth potential
The accelerator’s mentor network includes industry experts, entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors with deep experience in technology development, commercialization, and scaling.
Each team is matched with a dedicated lead mentor, and also gains access to our broader network of 150+ domain specialists.
Mentoring is delivered through:
Scheduled 1:1 sessions
Monthly office hours
Optional technical or business deep-dives
Ad-hoc support depending on team needs
Founders receive mentor access throughout the entire program, beginning immediately after kickoff.
Evaluators and mentors do not sign NDAs.
This is standard practice similar to investor pitches.
You should present your venture without revealing sensitive information that could compromise your IP strategy.
All applicants receive updates through the application platform, and accepted teams are contacted directly. Finalists are also announced on the StartSmart SEE website and social channels.