Growth

scale upwith us.

‘Scale up with us’ is a hands-on acceleration programme that helps start-ups refine their strategy, learn from mentors and network with investors. All this whilst developing the skills they need to grow with confidence.

Give your start-up a boost, expand your future

Joining scale up with us programme means more than just training — it’s about building momentum.Joining scale up with us programme means more than just training — it’s about building momentum.

Capabilities

For whom?

Startups

Your start-up has an MVP or a product, and you’ve already secured market validation.

Companies

Your company is legally incorporated and is currently operating.

Age

Has your company been in business for less than 10 years?

Team

The team consists of at least three people.

Capabilities

What do we offer?

Cash prize

Win €5,000 to accelerate your start-up’s growth. The winner of the final event will receive funding to support key milestones.

Free incubation

Get up to 12 months’ free incubation at INOVAGAIA, with mentoring, networking and personalised support to help your business grow.

Access to the Web Summit

The first four eligible applications will receive free access to the Web Summit.

Ecosystem

Gain direct access to investors, industry leaders and start-ups, opening the door to new opportunities and collaborations.

Guidance

Work with experienced mentors who offer personalised guidance, tailored to the unique challenges and goals of your start-up.

Training

Take part in sessions led by experts, covering everything from fundraising to leadership, designed to hone your skills and accelerate your growth.

2nd edition 2026

Language: English
Format: Online + In-person
Location: Inovagaia
Duration: 9 weeks
Price: Free

Early-stage startups with a clear problem to solve and a defined product or MVP.
Founders who are passionate, resilient and looking for private funding.
Teams of 3 or more entrepreneurs looking to grow their business and expand internationally.

Prizes

Winning at Scale up with us means more than recognition — it means unlocking real opportunities for growth.

#11st Place
€5,000 prize money plus 12 months of free incubation to accelerate your startup's growth.
#22nd Place
Enjoy 12 months of free incubation, giving your startup the space, support, and ecosystem it needs.
#33rd Place
Benefit from 6 months of free incubation, gaining access to mentoring, community, and the right conditions.
#44th to 10th Place
Receive 6 months of virtual incubation, connecting your project to the INOVAGAIA ecosystem — wherever you are.

Timeline

1
09 October 2025
Applications Open
2
30 October 2025
Cutoff date (Web Summit)
3
11 January 2026
Applications Deadline
4
14 January 2026
Selection
5
21 January 2026
Kick-off
6
22 January — 20 March
Workshops and Individual Mentoring
7
24 March
Pitch Day

Scale up with us

apply now

Registration deadline: 31 July 2026

startupwithus

Visionary individuals poised to shape the landscape of tomorrow's business world

we're looking for

FUTUREFOUNDERS

Scale up with us is all about giving early-stage startups the boost they need to grow faster and smarter. Over nine weeks, founders dive into hands-on workshops, connect with top mentors, and gain real insights from entrepreneurs who’ve already scaled. It’s the place to level up your startupand unlock new growth opportunities.

Success stories