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Open Accelerator / Incubator International

Norrsken East Africa Hub Accelerator

Norrsken Foundation · Private Foundation
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Rwanda Kenya Uganda TanzaniaHealthtechFintechAgritechClimateEducation

About this opportunity

Norrsken Evolve is a European accelerator offering €250–500K in equity investment, in-person mentorship, and investor access to early-stage founders building climate, energy, health, and resilience solutions. Note: this programme is for Europe-based founders; the East Africa Hub listed here operates separately with different terms.

Norrsken Foundation runs an impact-focused accelerator from its Kigali hub, supporting early-stage startups solving major societal challenges across East Africa. Selected startups receive equity-free support, co-working space, mentorship from global entrepreneurs, and access to Norrsken's investor network. The hub operates with rolling intake and periodic cohort-based programmes.

Who can apply

  • Founders based in EU27, EU Candidate Countries, or the UK (primary focus)
  • Early-stage startups with a working prototype or first customers
  • Teams solving problems in energy, mobility, built environment, food, health tech, cyber security, or water security
  • Founders able to commit to a 6–8 week in-person sprint (location typically Barcelona or another European hub)
  • Companies with a clear business plan and revenue model
  • A small number of high-potential companies outside Europe may be considered on a case-by-case basis

Not eligible

  • Idea-stage founders without a prototype or customer traction
  • Teams unable to participate in the mandatory in-person sprint
  • Startups operating primarily outside Europe (with rare exceptions)

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Documents you will need

  • Pitch deck (problem, solution, market size, business model)
  • Financial projections for 3–5 years
  • Evidence of traction (customer letters, pilot results, or revenue figures if available)
  • Team bios and relevant experience
  • Technical specification or product roadmap (where relevant to your sector)

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How to apply, step by step

  1. Visit the Norrsken Evolve website and navigate to the 'Apply now' button
  2. Complete the online application form with your company details, founding team, and problem statement
  3. Upload your pitch deck, financials, and traction evidence
  4. Submit and wait for initial screening (typically 2–4 weeks)
  5. If shortlisted, you will be invited to a video call with the investment team
  6. Selected founders will be invited to join the next cohort sprint
Save and track it and we will email you 14 days, 7 days, 3 days, 24 hours and on the morning of the deadline.

How applications are selected

Norrsken screens all applications against investment thesis (climate, resilience, and European leadership focus) and founder commitment to the in-person programme. The investment team conducts video interviews with shortlisted candidates. Final decisions are made by the investment committee. Selected founders join a cohort-based sprint lasting 6–8 weeks, with mentorship from operators and investors, culminating in a demo day pitch at Norrsken Impact/Week in Barcelona in front of hundreds of European investors.

What reviewers look for

  • Demonstrate measurable customer traction or pilot results; idea-stage companies are rejected
  • Show that your solution addresses a systemic challenge in one of the stated sectors—vague pitches fail
  • Emphasise team capability: Norrsken invests in founders with relevant industry or scaling experience, not first-time founders without a track record
  • Be explicit about how your business model works and unit economics; financial projections should be realistic and backed by data
  • Show that you can execute the in-person sprint and work with advisors; founders unwilling to commit to collaboration rarely get funded

Frequently asked questions

I am based in Nigeria/Kenya/East Africa. Can I apply?

Norrsken Evolve is designed for European founders. If you are based in East Africa (Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania), you may be eligible for the separate Norrsken East Africa Hub Accelerator, which offers equity-free support, co-working space, and mentorship. Check that programme's application.

What does the €250–500K investment represent?

This is an equity investment. Norrsken typically targets 5% ownership if leading the round, and can co-invest or join ongoing rounds with other investors. They will follow on in future rounds using a transparent valuation system.

How long is the programme and where is it held?

The in-person sprint typically lasts 6–8 weeks. Cohorts train in Europe (historically in Barcelona). All founders who receive investment must participate; this is not optional.

What happens after the sprint?

Founders pitch at Norrsken Impact/Week (annual event in Barcelona) to hundreds of top European investors. 75% of Norrsken's portfolio companies have gone on to raise follow-on funding from leading investors.

When is the deadline to apply?

Norrsken Evolve accepts applications on a rolling basis; there is no fixed deadline. Applications are reviewed and cohorts begin periodically throughout the year.

Guide written from the official programme page on 16 October 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.

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