EdTech Accelerator

Context

This topic is part of the Digital Europe Programme call “Advanced Digital Skills” and is designed to strengthen the European Education Technology ecosystem by supporting startups and SMEs in developing, testing, and scaling innovative digital learning solutions. In the context of rapid technological change, there is a growing need to ensure that educational tools are not only technologically robust but also pedagogically sound, inclusive, and aligned with European values. The call addresses this need by funding an accelerator programme that guides EdTech companies through the full innovation cycle, from concept validation to real-world piloting and market deployment. By doing so, it aims to foster innovation, improve learning outcomes, and enhance Europe’s competitiveness in the global EdTech market.

Topics

Applicants must establish and run an EdTech accelerator covering:

• Selection of at least three cohorts of startups/SMEs via open calls

• Acceleration activities (mentoring, training, validation)

• Piloting in real educational environments

• Post-piloting support for market entry and scaling

• Development of solutions across diverse education levels and use cases (e.g. Personalised learning, assessment tools, assistive tech)

Eligibility Criteria

1. The proposal must be submitted by a consortium of at least 4 independent entities from 4 different eligible countries

2. Applicants must be established in Member States or DEP-Associated countries

Funding

• Maximum grant amount per project: 2.7 million EUR

• Total topic budget (EU contribution): 2.7 million EUR

• Funding rate: 100%

Timeline

The deadline to submit applications is set to 1 October 2026, 17:00 Brussels time.