On Monday, 27 October, the New European Bauhaus initiative launched the latest edition of its Catalyse NEB call for proposals. This is a start-up acceleration and growth programme, which each year supports around twenty innovative projects across the continent; for example, the Seville-based initiative Remonda, which reuses bitter orange peel to produce biodegradable alternatives to plastic.
But how does this support translate? If you decide to submit your proposal to this call and it is selected, you will receive a grant of £20,000, as well as a package of personalised mentoring and workshops on business, communication and NEB values, namely Beauty, Sustainability and Inclusion. You will also become part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT Community) collaborative network, which will make it easier for you to attend its events, seek investors and collaborate with other entrepreneurs.
The New Bauhaus is looking for start-ups in the food, climate, manufacturing, mobility, circular economy, creative industries, well-being and quality of life sectors, provided they integrate NEB principles into their business model. In addition, they must have a clear essential goal, working to address one of the following challenges, also aligned with the NEB Prizes categories:
- Reconnecting with nature
- Regaining a sense of belonging
- Prioritising the places and people who need it most
- Promoting long-term circular thinking in industry
But who can apply? Start-ups must have been established after 1 January 2020 and must be in the pre-seed stage (idea phase or newly created), seed stage (already has a minimum viable product and seeks to demonstrate that there is a market) or early series A stage (already has market validation and is beginning to scale operations). However, they cannot have raised more than one million euros.
The deadline for companies to submit their applications is 19 January 2026. Until then, an online information session is planned for interested parties on 26 November. During this session, all questions about how Nueva Bauhaus and Catalyse work will be answered, and the requirements and application procedures for this call for proposals will be explained in detail. Proposals will be evaluated between January and April, and the support programme for those selected will begin in May.
