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The best startup programs this week: 12 October 2026

10 startup programs worth your time this week, picked from 517 open programs and ranked by funder track record and terms.

This week's picks

EIC Accelerator

European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), European Commission

Grant€10MRolling

This initiative provides grants up to 2.5 million euros and equity investments up to 10 million euros for start-ups and SMEs developing disruptive innovations. Short proposals can be submitted continuously.

Does this fit you?

PearX

Pear VC

Accelerator$2MRolling

Pre-seed founders receive 500K to 2M USD in investment, typically for around 7% equity, alongside 1:1 mentorship, credits, GTM and recruiting support, office space, and Demo Day access.

Does this fit you?

Financial Support To Startups Open Call 2026

EIT Urban Mobility

Grant€2.5MDeadline Nov 16

Early-stage urban mobility startups engaged in an active funding round can secure co-investment financial support of up to 2.5 million euros. Applicants must be legal entities based in EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries.

Does this fit you?

launchspace

ProgramRolling

Early founders can bring their idea to life in six weeks from initial concept to a first version. Cohort dates and applications are announced on launchspace.club and Instagram (@launchspace_).

Does this fit you?

Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge

Hello Tomorrow

Competition€200,000Deadline Nov 30

Worldwide early-stage deep tech startups can compete for an equity prize of up to 200,000 euros. Selected teams gain access to investor events, industry partners, and the global Hello Tomorrow Summit in Amsterdam.

Does this fit you?

AI Entrepreneurs Lab

EIT Community AI & Robotics / 28DIGITAL

Program€10,000Closed

Early-stage AI and robotics talent can join a 5-day bootcamp offering hands-on mentoring, market contact, and up to five equity-free prizes of 10,000 euros.

Does this fit you?

AFWERX SBIR / STTR

AFWERX (Department of the Air Force)

Grant$2.1MClosed

U.S. small businesses developing dual-use technologies for Air and Space Force missions can access competitive, nondilutive equity-free funding reaching up to 30000000 USD.

Does this fit you?

Techstars AI Health Baltimore

Techstars

Accelerator$220,000Deadline Nov 18

AI-driven health startups improving healthcare economics and patient outcomes receive 220,000 USD in investment alongside three months of mentorship, clinical access, and network support.

Does this fit you?
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How these were chosen

We checked 517 open programs in the getfund catalog. A program makes the list only when its deadline is confirmed and between a week and two months away, or when it is a rolling call verified in the last two weeks, and only when we verified it recently. Programs that closed, are no longer verified, charge a fee, are loans or carry no startup stage are left out. What remains is ranked by the funder's track record, the size of the award and whether it asks for equity, with a small boost for accelerators, incubators and competitions. Programs that appeared in the last three weekly lists score lower, so the list rotates from week to week. We aim to keep at least three programs open to founders in Türkiye and three open to founders abroad. Always read the official page before you apply.

By the numbers

The database tracks 517 open opportunities across six distinct categories to help founders identify suitable capital. Direct funding leads the collection with 182 grant opportunities available. Founders seeking growth initiatives can evaluate 125 competition listings and 112 accelerator programs. Additionally, the platform indexes 59 general program calls, 31 incubator options, and 8 event opportunities. These listings cover varied development stages and industry sectors.

Browse the hubs: Grants: Türkiye, Grants: Global, Competitions: Türkiye, Competitions: Global, Accelerators: Türkiye, Accelerators: Global.

Frequently asked questions
What kind of programs are featured on this list?
The platform features diverse startup opportunities, including accelerator cohorts, nondilutive grants, innovation competitions, and specialized incubator tracks. Found opportunities provide equity funding, nondilutive research grants, or structured mentorship. Categories range from deep tech challenges and health innovations to defense applications and urban mobility initiatives. Founders across various growth stages can explore relevant options.
Why are specific programs selected for the top list?
Picks are selected based on high tier ratings, significant funding amounts, and specialized bonuses. Factors such as offering equity-free capital or substantial co-investment opportunities contribute to selection. Opportunities like rolling programs or calls closing within 8 to 49 days receive careful priority so founders can plan submissions effectively.
How should founders verify program details before applying?
Founders should begin by opening the dedicated program page on getfund to inspect key requirements and funding values. After reviewing the initial summary, applicants should always open the official link provided for each listing. Checking official portals confirms eligible countries, submission guidelines, and official criteria prior to preparing an application.
Sources

Logos and program names belong to their owners; getfund is an independent guide.