.png)
Our first DDAccelerator cohort kicked off in February 2025, and we’re now two-thirds of the way through. Designed to empower Central & Eastern Europe’s next wave of innovators, the programme supports early-stage startups working on groundbreaking ICT innovations rooted in academic research.
DDAccelerator is co-funded by Interreg Danube and the European Commission as part of the CapTTict initiative, helping bridge the gap between deep tech ideas and real-world impact.
Each team is matched with a dedicated mentor for fortnightly sessions, and we’ve been running a mix of interactive workshops and deep-dive webinars. So far, startups have explored core topics like strategy and team building, tech and business validation, product management, and funding models. Up next: sessions on IP valuation, business development, and pitching – to help prepare teams for what comes after the programme ends.
On the webinar side, we’ve already tackled regulatory challenges around trustworthy AI and data governance, and explored what makes a startup truly successful. Still to come are sessions on navigating business value chains and positioning, and how to lead green digital transformation as a deep tech company.
Startups are telling us that mentorship is the standout element of the programme so far. As one team put it:
“An invaluable mentoring experience with our mentor Vojtech Nosek, who provides us with precisely the feedback and guidance we need at this stage of our startup.”
And it’s not just anecdotal – based on our mid-programme survey, the DDAccelerator is currently averaging 4.7 out of 5 in participant satisfaction.
We’re also learning a lot. The structure is working well, but we’ve identified one clear challenge: building stronger peer-to-peer connections. So we’re experimenting with more open discussion formats and feedback loops – and already collecting ideas to improve Cohort 2.
As we wrap up Cohort 1 in May, we’re focused on:
- Gathering feedback and tracking outcomes,
- Tweaking the format for Cohort 2,
- Boosting peer learning and community,
- Creating cross-border pilot opportunities.
Stay tuned – and if you're a startup building something bold in deep tech, get ready for the next call.
Author: Rory Taylor – Coordinator of the DDAccelerator incubation programme
Recycllux is one of the standout participants in the DDAccelerator program, and we’re excited to spotlight their work as part of our interview series. This forward-thinking startup offers a fully integrated, data-driven solution to combat marine plastic pollution.
Read moreMeet WiFeed, a Serbian startup rethinking pet care through a stylish, eco-conscious feeder for both indoor and outdoor use. The team behind the idea – Teodora Đukić, Filip Gligorević, and Nikola Vukotić – joins the DDAccelerator with a mission to make daily pet feeding easier and smarter.
Read moreThe first DDAccelerator cohort launched in February 2025 and is now two-thirds complete. It supports early-stage startups from Central and Eastern Europe developing ICT innovations based on academic research.
Read more
