Accelerating sustainable innovation with Catalyse NEB: A Game-changer for startups
30 January 2025
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About Catalyse NEB (New European Bauhaus)
The EIT Community New European Bauhaus (NEB) has officially launched the latest call for its renowned startup accelerator programme, Catalyse NEB. Led by EIT Climate-KIC, in collaboration with EIT Food, EIT Manufacturing and EIT Urban Mobility, this accelerator empowers ventures focused on integrating sustainability, inclusivity and innovative design into their business models.
Catalyse NEB offers a comprehensive 8-month programme that aids early-stage companies with funding, mentorship and valuable connections to investors and industry experts. This year, the programme is welcoming 12 new startups, providing a total of EUR 50,000 in funding, along with training to help scale products, services and business ideas. Here’s a closer look at how previous startups have benefited from this accelerator and made significant strides toward sustainable innovation.
Highlights from the previous edition
Alga: Reviving coastal communities with seaweed farming
Founded by Ann Ruddy, Alga started as a response to economic challenges in the northwest of Ireland. By harnessing the potential of sustainable seaweed farming, Alga is working to create new economic opportunities for coastal communities. With the help of Catalyse NEB, Alga is developing transportable demonstration units and exploring international partnerships in the Caribbean, Africa, and India. The company is also raising EUR 3 million in seed funding to build floating seaweed farms and scale its operations.
Key applications of seaweed include animal feed, bioplastics and sustainable medicine, and Alga is actively seeking collaborators to explore these potential areas. Investors and partners are invited to join in creating a thriving, sustainable seaweed economy.
Ekotekt: Carbon-negative construction with 3D printing and robotics
Ekotekt, founded by Abhishek Kumar, tackles inefficiencies in the construction industry through robotics and 3D printing. Focused on creating carbon-negative construction solutions, Ekotekt’s innovative HempCon 3D panels reduce concrete usage by 70%, store 14 kg of CO₂ per square meter, and cut construction time by up to 8 days. After receiving support from Catalyse NEB, Ekotekt has secured multiple European awards and is raising EUR 1 million to expand global patents and execute pilot projects. Partnerships with architects and developers are key to proving the technology’s real-world impact.
SpaceCrop: Smarter agriculture with satellite data and AI
Mary Grace Gasco, founder of SpaceCrop, combines satellite data and artificial intelligence (AI) to help farmers optimize water use and boost crop yields. After discovering that women in agriculture often make key financial decisions for farms, SpaceCrop adjusted its strategy to incorporate gender inclusion. In addition to its focus on climate resilience, SpaceCrop is expanding its operations and raising EUR 800,000 to scale its sales and hire experts.
With the goal of reaching one million farms, SpaceCrop is helping farmers use data to improve irrigation, mitigate fungal diseases, and build resilience against extreme weather patterns.
Vienna Textile Lab: Sustainable fashion with microbial dyes
Vienna Textile Lab, led by Karin Fleck, is revolutionising the textile industry by replacing harmful chemical dyes with microbial pigments that are safe for both people and the planet. Through its participation in the Catalyse NEB programme, Vienna Textile Lab has tested over 30 microorganisms and developed sustainable dyeing solutions that support biodiversity and circularity in the fashion industry. The company has filed two patents and secured partnerships with textile mills and fashion brands. Vienna Textile Lab is expanding its production capabilities and reaching markets across Europe, the US and Asia.
Your opportunity: Apply for Catalyse NEB
The success stories of Alga, Ekotekt, SpaceCrop, and Vienna Textile Lab highlight the transformative impact of the Catalyse NEB programme. Tailored support, funding, mentorship, and access to industry leaders enable these startups to scale their innovations and drive sustainable change.
If you are an innovative startup working in climate, food, manufacturing, or urban mobility, this is your chance to be part of Europe’s only NEB accelerator. Applications for the 2025 Catalyse NEB programme are now open, but don’t wait—applications close on Monday, 3 February 2025, at 17:00 CEST.