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Home | Programmes portfolio | Climate Adaptation Accelerator

As the planet warms and extreme events multiply,
adaptation is no longer optional.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT OF STARTUPS SHAPING A RESILIENT FUTURE

The Climate Action Accelerator: Climate Adaptation Edition empowers startups developing innovative solutions that help people, cities, and systems sense, respond, and evolve in a rapidly changing world.

Over 3 months, this hybrid programme by Impact Hub Berlin helps you scale your impact through tailored coaching, mentoring, and direct connections with investors, industry partners, and policymakers driving the resilience transition.

APPLY BY 9TH OF JANUARY

WHY CLIMATE ADAPTATION & RESILIENCE?

2024 marked the hottest year on record. As floods, droughts, and heatwaves intensify, climate adaptation has moved from the sidelines to the centre of climate action.

From next-gen early warning systems to nature-based infrastructure and financial resilience tools, this decade will define how we respond but also and thrive in the age of climate disruption.

At Impact Hub Berlin, we believe resilience is a collective design challenge. The technologies, knowledge, and creative energy exist — it’s time to connect them to the people and places that need them most. 

AREAS OF IMPACT

We support startups working across all aspects of adaptation and resilience, including but NOT limited to:

Planetary intelligence, early warning systems, and risk modelling that make invisible threats visible.

Tools for fast, coordinated disaster response, climate-first aid, and inclusive protection systems.

Nature-inspired, circular, and regenerative systems that strengthen infrastructure and communities

APPLY BY 9TH OF JANUARY

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

Direct introductions with potential clients, partners, stakeholders 

We don’t take any equity.

A value-driven, inclusive & funky workspace.

Warm & curated investors introductions.

Matchmaking with an exceptional impact mentor community.

Access to a global community of over 500,000 impact-driven entrepreneurs & a vibrant local network of 650+ changemakers in Berlin.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

If your startup is creating real, positive impact for the planet, we want to help you grow and scale!

You’re eligible, if you: 

  • are a seed stage startup
  • are focusing on climate adaptation or resilience
  • are based in Germany 
  • can commit to a hybrid programme (Feb–Apr 2026) with in-person sessions in Berlin
APPLY BY 9TH OF JANUARY

Timeline

Applications open
11 November 2025
10 December 2025
Office hour
10 December 2025
Deadline to apply
9 January 2025
15 January 2026
Online pitching event
15 January 2026
Final selection
19 January 2026
2 February 2026
Cohort kick-off
2 February 2026

PROGRAMME FORMAT & COMMITMENT

💻 With the exception of the first and final weeks, all programme sessions are conducted online.

⏳ Participants can expect to commit approximately 5 hours per week, with an additional 2 to 4 hours for preparation related to the acceleration topics. Please note that time requirements may vary during the first and final weeks due to in-person activities.

🚃 For participants based outside of Berlin, travel and accommodation expenses for the in-person weeks will be covered.

Ready to apply?

Still got a question?

🗓️ Curious? Join our Q&A session on 10 December to meet the team and get your questions answered!

✉️ Or you can always reach out to us via impact.ecosystem@impacthub.net for any questions and feedback.

💛 We strongly encourage FLINTA (female, lesbian, intersex, non-binary, trans, and agender) founders to apply. We’re committed to creating an inclusive programme environment that amplifies underrepresented voices in climate tech.

We welcome applications from individuals of all genders, religions, ethnicities, backgrounds, and experiences. In line with our commitment to inclusivity, we actively work on ensuring representation at all levels within the acceleration programme.

FAQs

Startups at the seed stage that focus on climate adaptation and resilience, are based in Germany, and can commit to a hybrid programme (Feb–Apr 2026) are eligible to apply.

The programme will provide financial support under the “allgemeine De-Minimis-Beihilfe” framework.This is a legally defined type of EU-compatible state aid for small amounts of funding that does not require complex approval processes. For each company, the maximum total support is €300,000 over three years. Help from our accelerator can reach up to reach up to ~10K of de-minimis Beihilfe.  This is the company’s “threshold” for De-Minimis aid. Before applying, please bear in mind, and if you have any questions reach out to us regarding your status.

The programme is equity-free, so you retain full ownership of your company.

Graduates gain ongoing access to our mentor network for one  year, and the Impact Hub global community, helping you continue scaling your solution beyond the three-month programme.

Participants should expect to commit around 5 hours per week to live sessions, plus an additional 2–4 hours for preparation depending on the week. Please note that the first and final programme weeks are in-person in Berlin and may require slightly more time.

The accelerator is hybrid, with the majority of sessions taking place online. Only the kick-off week and final week require mandatory in-person participation in Berlin. For teams based outside of Berlin, travel and accommodation for these in-person weeks will be covered.

We welcome startups that have early adopters and/or a  validated  prototype. You should be able to demonstrate:

  • A clear problem-solution fit
  • Early user or pilot insights
  • Commitment to scaling a climate adaptation solution

 If you’re between early prototype and market entry, that’s completely fine. The most important criteria are:

  • A strong climate adaptation focus
  • A committed team
  • Readiness to benefit from coaching, expert mentorship, and ecosystem connections

Application management partner F6S