Startup Acceleration

Boost your innovative project with our acceleration program

Take your startup to the next level with the support of ERIA

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Introduction

The ERIA acceleration program is designed to support early-stage (pre-seed and seed) startups developing innovative solutions in the energy and telecommunications sectors. If you have an idea with transformational potential, we can help you turn it into a reality.

What are we looking for?

Strategic support

You will work alongside our experts and mentors to refine your business model and validate your value proposition.

Access to resources

You will be able to benefit from the knowledge and infrastructure of Estabanell, a group with more than 125 years of experience.

Quality networking

Connect with an ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investors and key collaborators to drive the growth of your project.

Real opportunities for collaboration

Possibility of participating in pilot tests (PoC) to test your technology and demonstrate its value.

Pilot tests

Once the acceleration program is complete, we offer you the possibility of testing your solution in a real environment to validate its viability.

Aid of up to €10,000

non-repayable so you can continue developing your project during the program.

Growth

Prepare to attract investment, collaborate with strategic partners and reach the market.

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Who are we addressing ?

The program is aimed at early-stage startups working on innovative solutions within our areas of interest: energy and telecommunications. We are looking for committed teams with a functional or developing MVP.

Why ERIA ?

At ERIA InnoHub we work with a clear vision: to foster innovation, create impact and build the future of key sectors such as energy and telecommunications. Our acceleration program is a unique opportunity for startups that want to grow and stand out.

Join the exchange

If you have a startup with a vision and a desire to grow, we are here to help you. Submit your application and start your journey with ERIA . The future starts today.

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Challenges 2025

We want to transform our environment alongside you

We know how to make you fly

Partners

FAQs

Is the acceleration program free?

Yes, it is a completely free program and financed by ERIA, Estabanell’s external Corporate Venturing vehicle. It is an equity free program: you will not have to sell shares or contribute capital to ERIA, Aticco or the mentors. You will not have to give up any percentage of the company for your participation. We believe in the founding team and we bet on it with total confidence.

What is the objective of the acceleration program?

The objective is to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the energy, telco or smart home sector by accelerating the growth of startups in the initial stages, which are building the MVP, validating the business model, the market or its legal structure. The benefit that Estabanell obtains is to be connected to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, incorporate innovative products and services into its different businesses and foster innovation internally.

Where is the acceleration program held?

The program can be developed both in person and virtually, but there are certain moments that require commitment and presence:

At the beginning of the program we will hold a 2-day face-to-face Bootcamp in Barcelona. The Bootcamp will be held on May 19-20 (we will try not to coincide with any major events in the sector).
At the end of the program we will organize a DemoDay, in which the accelerated startups will present their evolution during the months of acceleration to corporates, partners and investors. The DemoDay will take place at the end of November and will also be in person.

How long does the acceleration program last?

The acceleration program will last 6 months. It is a fully customized program that we carry out in collaboration with Aticco.

Who are the mentors?

The acceleration program will give you the possibility to select 5 mentors for your project. Three of them are part of the Aticco mentor network, and you yourself will be able to directly select the one that best fits the needs of your project. The other 2 mentors are part of Estabanell and will help you in everything related to the know-how of the energy and telco sector.

How much dedication does the acceleration program involve?

At the beginning of the program you will have to attend the 2-day Bootcamp in Barcelona. During the 6 months of the acceleration program you will have at your disposal 5 mentors with whom you will meet in person or virtually once a month so that you can take advantage of all their knowledge. In addition, each month, if you wish, you can meet individually with each of them so that they can provide you with differential value.

Is there a prize for participating in the acceleration program?

Yes, ERIA will award each of the accelerated startups an amount of up to €10,000 in non-repayable funding. That is, without asking for anything in return. We recommend that the money be invested in the growth of your startup. This amount can also help cover any expenses that arise during the acceleration program. The prize will be awarded at the end of the acceleration program.

What happens after the acceleration program?

After the program you will have evolved your project, you will have a more mature startup and you will be able to achieve many successes.
You will become part of the ERIA alumni community, and this implies certain benefits. You will also be part of the Aticco community.
It is possible that ERIA would like to continue collaborating with me and test your technology if any of our businesses need to incorporate innovation. For this reason, we could collaborate through our Venture Client program and conduct a Proof of Concept to validate our future integration.

What is "Venture Client" and how is it different from "Venture Capital"?

The Venture Client is when a large company becomes the first large client of a startup when it is still in its early stages. The startup obtains a large client that helps it cover operating costs, have a good portfolio of clients and improve its service or product based on feedback from this client.
On the other hand, Venture Capital is the tool for large companies to invest and become partners in startups, regardless of whether or not they become a client of the startup.
The main difference is that Venture Client is paid for the product or service and Venture Capital is paid for the shares or stakes in the company (equity).

What language should you use in the application? What language is used in the program?

If you are a startup from outside Spain, you must fill out the application in English. If you are a Spanish startup, you can fill it out in English, Spanish or Catalan.
During the program you can use Catalan, Spanish or English indistinctly depending on your needs.

Consult our terms and conditions

Download terms and conditions