VITO4STARTERS: Co-building cleantech startups
Cleantech startups with technology ready to scale, VITO4STARTERS is here to help. Join our revamped accelerator program to co-build your startup and elevate your impactful innovation with tailored support, seed funding, access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, and expert technical guidance.
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What is VITO4STARTERS?
VITO4STARTERS is VITO’s accelerator program dedicated to co-building cleantech startups advancing innovative technologies. VITO, one of Europe's leading research and technology organisations with over 1,300 employees, turns scientific insights into groundbreaking technological innovations, AI solutions, and policy advice. We do so with a single objective: to help the world thrive for at least 1,000 more years.
VITO4STARTERS aims to leverage VITO’s scientific excellence to benefit cleantech startups. Our approach goes beyond traditional accelerator models, focusing on co-development, technological expertise, and hands-on collaboration to ensure startups receive the resources they need to succeed.
Our cleantech investment areas
Climate & environment
- Clean air, pure water and fertile soils
- Pollution mitigation and reduction
- CO² capture and reuse
- Water management
Energy & infrastructure
- Future proof infrastructure
- Energy Transition
- Smart grids
Raw materials & resources
- Circular business models
- Alternative materials
- Raw materials and (re)use efficiency
Food & health
- Preventive Health
- Food Security
Waste & bio-economy
- Bio-economy
- Waste management and reduction
Other contributions
- Renovation
- Industrial process transformations
- Optimise land use
What does VITO4STARTERS offer?
Smart money is out of the building, we offer technological money. We invest up to €200,000 in cash, matched one-to-one with up to €200,000 in cutting-edge technological expertise and support. Every euro we invest is backed by an equal amount of deep-tech knowledge, ensuring your startup gets the resources, innovation, and technological guidance it needs to scale.
We put the founder team first. That’s why our support comes in the form of a Convertible Loan Agreement (CLA) – flexible funding that grows with you. Think beyond capital. Think smart, technology-driven growth.
Why join VITO4STARTERS?
By joining VITO4STARTERS, cleantech startups gain access to:
- Cutting-edge infrastructure: Utilise VITO's state-of-the-art labs and testing facilities.
- Expert mentorship: Collaborate with researchers, business developers, and venture-building experts.
- Funding opportunities: Receive financial support through Convertible Loan Agreements (CLAs) tailored to your needs.
- Tailored guidance: Develop customised business cases aligned with your goals and the expertise of VITO.
- Broad network access: Connect with investors, corporate partners, and other innovators in our ecosystem.
How does the accelerator work?
Our programme is structured around flexibility and co-creation to maximise impact:
- Submit your idea: Create an account and complete your application to begin the evaluation process.
- Selection process: Applications are reviewed in detail to ensure alignment with VITO's goals and expertise.
- Tailored support: Selected startups receive customised support, including access to infrastructure, mentorship, and business development resources.
- Collaboration timeline: Intensive support spans 12-24 months, followed by ongoing guidance for long-term success.
Who should apply?
VITO4STARTERS is designed for startups:
- Based in Europe.
- Cleantech in any of these 6 domains: climate & environment, energy & infrastructure, raw materials & resources, food & health, waste & bio-economy and other contributions.
- At a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 2-6.
- With a dedicated team of at least two complementary founders (dealbreaker).
Whether you're at the pre-seed or scaling stage, our programme is equipped to meet your unique needs.
Evaluation process
Our selection process consists of three phases to assess and support promising ventures:
Phase 1: Initial Screening (Non-Confidential)
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Applicants submit their pitch deck and complete a questionnaire. At this stage, we evaluate the opportunity based on impact, team strength, market potential, and unique value proposition.
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A preliminary assessment is made regarding the potential fit with VITO. Selected ventures proceed to the next phase.
Phase 2: Pitch (Non-Confidential)
- Shortlisted applicants are invited for a 15-minute online pitch followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. This allows our team to better understand the opportunity and ask targeted questions.
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Based on this session, a more detailed analysis is conducted, and successful ventures move on to the next phase.
Phase 3: In-Depth Assessment (Confidential)
- If necessary, a confidentiality agreement (NDA) is established to facilitate a deeper evaluation.
- This phase includes a due diligence process, assessing investment potential, sustainability impact, and the added value of a collaboration with VITO. Final approval is based on the overall strategic fit and potential for impactful innovation.
Successful applicants will be informed after each phase.
Frequently asked questions
Are you interested in the opportunities VITO4STARTERS can offer your start-up, but still have questions? Then you may find the answer on this page. If not, feel free to contact us at vito4starters@vito.be.
VITO has unique expertise and infrastructure. If you are selected, you get access to this through one of the following elements or a combination of them:
- Technological advice by VITO experts
- Building a proof-of-concept together with VITO experts
- Access to the VITO infrastructure (labs, pilot installations ...) to carry out experiments.
You will also gain access to the VITO network and VITO will ensure visibility and promotion on the VITO channels.
In the initial stages of the process (Phases 1 & 2), all evaluations are conducted on a non-confidential basis, meaning companies should only share information they are comfortable disclosing without an NDA. If an opportunity progresses to Phase 3, a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) can be established to allow for deeper discussions and due diligence while ensuring confidentiality.
For additional security, all submitted materials are handled with care, and only the necessary team members have access to the information. We adhere to strict data protection policies to safeguard sensitive details.
Laureates
VITO4STARTERS has already produced some promising winners in its short existence. Read more about them below.
