Program

The program includes a 4-month structure with fortnightly 1:1 mentoring, 8 workshops, and 4 monthly webinars. Each cohort follows the same framework, tailored to meet the unique needs of the participating startups.

What Participants Gained

Critical Knowledge & Skills

Participating teams strengthened their business fundamentals through hands-on workshops, webinars, and expert mentoring. They redefined their business models, developed go-to-market strategies, and addressed early-stage challenges.

Access a Transnational Network

DDAccelerator connected teams with mentors, industry experts, investors, and peer startups across the region. This network supported collaboration and helped teams accelerate their progress.

Present on a Global Stage

An international event in Prague will offer a standout platform for startups to showcase their solutions and connect with media, investors, and industry leaders. The stage is designed to spark meaningful conversations, open doors to partnerships, and elevate visibility across the ecosystem.

Enhanced Startup Performance

Accelerator programs are widely used to help early-stage startups move faster than they would on their own. DDAccelerator provided a structured support system, combining mentoring, expert input and practical sessions, to strengthen fundraising preparation, sharpen go-to-market plans and support sustainable growth. 

Workshops

  1. Program kick-off and startup presentations: Introduction to the accelerator program, outlining goals, timelines, and resources. Startups will present their vision, product, and team to fellow participants and mentors.
  2. Strategy and OKRs: A deep dive into creating a clear strategic roadmap using Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) to track progress, set measurable goals, and ensure alignment across your startup team.
  3. Technology and business validation: Learn how to test and validate your product’s technology and business model, ensuring it meets market demands and has a sustainable, scalable foundation.
  4. Business development: Explore strategies for acquiring new customers, entering new markets, and building partnerships that drive revenue and long-term growth for your startup.
  5. Product management for ICT: A practical guide to product lifecycle management specifically tailored to the ICT industry, from concept to market, including iterative development and user feedback integration.
  6. IP valuation and management: Learn the importance of intellectual property for your startup, how to protect it, assess its value, and strategically manage it to strengthen your market position.
  7. Private and public funding: Overview of various funding opportunities for startups, including pitching to private investors, navigating venture capital, and applying for government grants and public funding.
  8. Pitching: Master the art of pitching - how to clearly present your startup's vision, value proposition, and market potential to investors and stakeholders in a compelling and concise manner.

What You’ll Get

4-month programme

An opportunity to join a unique ICT incubation and acceleration programme, combining both cohort-style activities (workshops, webinars) and 1:1 bespoke mentoring

Strategic partnerships

Introductions to corporate partners in your industry for first pilot projects and customer conversations

Funding expertise

An opportunity to meet and be coached by early-stage investors and public funding experts 

Access to facilities

From computational resources, access to laboratories, and co-working spaces, we will provide you with the tools necessary for your work (subject to availability in your region) 

Participation Requirements

Teams were eligible to apply if:

Webinars

International event in Prague

Two days of networking at an international event in Prague, where DDAccelerator teams will present their work to media, investors, and industry leaders. The event will take place in the spring of 2026. The costs for the participation will be covered by the DDAccelerator.

How The Selection Process Works

After an initial application review, the best teams will have to answer key questions about their market and prepare a slide deck for a national interview. Those who advance from this round will then prepare a simple market analysis, address questions about their intellectual property, and present their startup in an international interview.

Phase 1

Fill in the application form.

Assessment criteria:

  • Team
  • Problem you’re solving
  • Technological Uniqueness
  • Minimum TRL of 3

Phase 2

Prepare a pitch deck (template).
Answer a few questions about your market.
Participate in an interview with your DDAccelerator country team.

Assessment criteria:

  • Market
  • Innovative nature of the Concept
  • Business model
  • Team

Phase 3

Prepare a simple market analysis.
Answer a few questions about your IP.
Participate in an interview with the International Board of Experts.

Assessment criteria:

  • IP
  • Market Readiness
  • Innovativeness and impact

3 Chances to Apply!

We run the program 3 times a year, so if you don’t make it the first time, use our feedback and try again!