The best startup programs this week: 26 October 2026

Grant€50,000Deadline Nov 9

This initiative provides up to 50,000 EUR in equity-free cascade grants alongside mentorship for SMEs and startups adopting space-based green and circular solutions. Funding covers external service providers during ideation, scale-up, or commercialisation phases.

Program₺8MDeadline Nov 20

Turkish capital companies founded after January 1, 2016 that completed earlier 1512 or 1812 BiGG phases can receive up to 8 million TRY in seed funding for up to 10% equity, providing crucial expansion capital.

Competition€10,000Deadline Nov 30

Open to energy and climate tech ventures established in 2016 or later, this global contest provides category winners with up to 10000 EUR in equity-free prize money. Finalists also secure a funded trip to pitch at the SET Tech Festival in Berlin.

ProgramRolling

Delivered as a six-week structured track, this program helps creators bring an initial concept to life by moving directly from an early idea to a first version, with cohort announcements shared via its platform and social channels.

Grant€2.5MDeadline Nov 16

Designed for pre-seed, seed, and Series A urban mobility ventures across the EU and Horizon Europe associated countries, this opportunity provides up to 2500000 EUR in co-investment alongside private investors during ongoing funding rounds.

Competition€200,000Deadline Nov 30

Targeting worldwide early-stage deep tech startups, this global competition awards an equity prize of up to 200,000 euros. Selected participants receive access to corporate partners, dedicated investor events, and the Hello Tomorrow Summit in Amsterdam.

Grant$1.6MClosed

National Science Foundation · up to 1,555,555 USD · closes 4 November 2026. Offering up to $1,555,555 in non-dilutive federal R&D awards, this call supports U.S. small businesses developing high-risk technologies across diverse fields through Phase I awards of $305,000, Phase II awards of $1,250,000, or Fast-Track routes.

Accelerator$220,000Deadline Nov 18

Held on USC's Los Angeles campus, this 13-week in-person accelerator provides pre-seed and seed startups having at least one USC-affiliated founder with a $220,000 equity investment, dedicated mentorship, office space, perks, and an investor Demo Day.

ProgramDeadline Nov 5

UK SMEs developing First-of-a-Kind commercial climate tech projects can secure up to £315,000 in technical assistance and in-kind resources. Successful entrants may also earn an invitation to apply for subsequent Phase 2 grant funding.

Grant$20MDeadline Dec 1

Providing non-dilutive grants ranging from 2,000,000 to 20,000,000 USD, this federal initiative funds research, scale-up, and pre-pilot testing for emerging chemical technologies that utilize alternative and waste feedstocks to accelerate commercialization.