The New European Bauhaus (NEB) is an EU-backed initiative that calls on all Europeans to shape an alternative future for the continent – built on the core principles of sustainability, inclusivity and aesthetics. Along with partners EIT Food, EIT Manufacturing, and EIT Urban Mobility, EIT Climate-KIC leads the EIT Community NEB, whose role is to support on-the-ground projects that embody the values of the NEB movement.
In a business landscape where profit margins often outweigh societal impact, the Catalyse NEB startup accelerator programme is an example of positive change. Launched last week at a special event in Leuven, Belgium, the programme features a record-setting cohort of 28 funded startups and represents a collaborative effort to support entrepreneurship that prioritises societal well-being alongside economic prosperity.
Integral to Catalyse NEB’s mission is its emphasis on nurturing startups that align with its core principles. In particular, the recognition of aesthetics and design beyond functionality allows the programme to highlight the beauty within innovation – making it more accessible and engaging for all.
With support services worth a total of €50,000, each of the 28 startups will benefit from a range of resources tailored to boost their growth and impact during the one-year acceleration programme. From programme-specific training based on the core NEB principles to leadership coaching, business mentoring and access to a vibrant innovation community, Catalyse NEB offers a fertile ground for startups seeking to become international game changers in an increasingly competitive market.
The journey for this year’s Catalyse cohort is set to be an exciting one, full of opportunities for learning and collaboration. From forecasting their climate impact to refining their communication strategies, the programme offers a wealth of opportunities for growth and development.
Perhaps the most anticipated event on the calendar is the Smart City Expo in November 2024, where all 28 startups will have the opportunity to showcase their innovations on a global stage. Through the programme, each member of the cohort will receive support to attend the event, further amplifying their visibility and impact.
Meet the new Catalyse NEB cohort
From producing sunglasses made from fallen leaves to connecting consumers with local food producers, this year’s cohort spans 15 countries and is as diverse as it is innovative. Below, you can find links to each startup’s website, as well as brief descriptions of the projects.
Austria
- Freyzein: Plastic-free clothing using a unique, 100% cellulose-based fabric.
- Vienna Textile Lab: Producing textile dyes using naturally occurring microorganisms.
Belgium
- ToGatherHomes: Next-generation housing that reduces cost, time and carbon footprint.
Denmark
- Naviblind: Empowering the visually impaired to move independently.
- Urban Tree: Innovative greening solution that combines nature with social interaction.
Estonia
- WasteLocker: Informed and structured in-house waste management.
Finland
- Ekotekt: Robotic 3D printing system to produce precast concrete elements.
France
- Istya: Customisable sensors to monitor indoor air quality.
Germany
- Footprint Intelligence: Sustainability platform for AI-based ESG reporting.
- Joy and Meal: On-site cooking experiences for families and corporate teams.
- MycoLutions: Developing circular and healthy materials using mycelium.
Hungary
- SpaceCrop: Improving farming using satellite data and artificial intelligence.
Israel
- Maygia: Producing electricity and treating water using air and hydrogen.
Italy
- Coffeefrom: Producing thermoplastic materials from used coffee grounds.
Portugal
- Hortee: Online marketplace connecting consumers with local food producers.
- Seenergy: Eco-friendly household items designed to harness and store energy.
- SuperSave: Price comparison app for Portuguese supermarkets.
Romania
- Bluana: Food-tech start-up creating a plant-based seafood alternative.
Spain
- Comunitaria: Healthy and balanced nutrition for vulnerable families in the community.
- Remonda: Creating bioplastics using the waste products of fruit.
- Volupte: Bespoke interiors that celebrate individuality and sustainability.
- Waisense: Set of physical and digital solutions to save water across sectors.
Netherlands
- Biosphere Solar: Developing modular and sustainable solar panels.
United Kingdom
- Alga: Researching sustainable seaweed cultivation for nutrition.
- Boldr: Smart technology for lower domestic energy use.
- Eyeleaf: Plastic-free eyewear, innovatively crafted from fallen leaves.
- farmz2u: Supply chain management for agricultural value chains.
- IONA: Creating efficient delivery networks with drones and robotics.
As the new cohort of Catalyse startups begins their NEB journey, we invite you to follow their progress on the EIT Climate KIC LinkedIn channel, and we look forward to sharing updates later in the year!
