The Startup Early-Stage Development Support Programme 2026

The Startup Early-Stage Development Support Programme is designed to support highly promising teams aiming to validate their business ideas and demonstrate the potential future value of their new product, service, process or technology through the development of a first prototype or minimum viable product (MVP).

Programme beneficiaries will receive grant funding and mentoring support to help them conduct the first phase of in-depth market research, initiate product development, establish their business model concept, and begin preparing for the next stage of fundraising and development.

During the Programme, beneficiaries are expected to achieve the following results:

• Validation of the idea and market need in a real market environment;
• Demonstration of the basic technical performance of the product/service through the development of a prototype, MVP or pilot project;
• Development of an effective business model.

Achieving these results should provide Programme beneficiaries with the knowledge necessary to further develop their products and validate their product-market fit.

FUNDING AMOUNT

The maximum grant funding that the Fund may award is EUR 30,000 per project, while Fund financing may cover up to 90% of the total project budget (excluding mentoring costs).

At least 10% of the total project budget (excluding mentoring support) must be provided by the Applicant from any private source as a cash contribution. In-kind contributions will not be accepted.

In addition, all Programme beneficiaries will receive an additional EUR 5,000 allocated specifically for mentoring support. The beneficiary shall pay the mentor directly from a dedicated budget line for mentoring support. These funds may not be used for any other purpose.

ELIGIBLE COSTS

The following cost categories may be financed under this Call:

1. Human resources costs (salaries/fees for staff engaged in the project, including all applicable taxes and social security contributions related to their work on the project);
2. Office rental and basic operating costs (accounting services, legal services, etc.);
3. Costs of equipment and resources required for development (excluding used or second-hand equipment and resources);
4. Costs of external business development services or research and development services;
5. VAT on eligible costs for which the Applicant is unable to recover VAT.

PROJECT DURATION

Beneficiaries are required to complete the implementation of their project activities within 6 months.

In the event of a significant deviation from the original idea or unforeseen circumstances that the Fund may consider to constitute force majeure, the implementation period may be extended by up to 3 months at no additional cost.

APPLICATION CONTENT

The complete application package consists of the following two documents:

• Signed Applicant Statement;
• Completed Application Form.