The Twin City Future Innovation Manufacturing Hub (2C FIMH) invites applications for the Prototype to Industry Programme — a cross-border acceleration format for hardware-based startups and entrepreneurial projects from Austria and Slovakia.
Overview:
The Prototype to Industry Programme supports up to 5 hardware startups and entrepreneurial teams in moving from prototype development toward manufacturability and industry access through sprint-based support, makerspace access, mentoring, and industry connection activities across the Vienna–Bratislava cross-border region. Participation is free of charge.
What Selected Teams Receive In-kind Support Only:
- Participation in the Prototype to Industry Programme.
- Access to accent Makerspace and labs
- Expert support through Sprint workshops
- Mentoring in business topics available, peer learning opportunities
- Curated industry visits and partner introductions (Industry Connection Days)
- Visibility via 2C FIMH project and project partner channels.
- Opportunities to showcase the solution
Strategic focus areas of the Prototype to Industry Programme:
The programme aims to support teams in advancing their prototypes toward manufacturability with a pathway to market entry. Eligible solutions should typically be in the TRL 3–6 range and demonstrate relevance to manufacturing or industrial/ real-word application contexts.
The programme focuses on hardware-driven innovations involving physical products or systems. Purely digital or software-only solutions without a direct and essential link to manufacturing are not eligible.
Indicative areas include advanced production systems, industrial components, sustainable materials, energy-efficient production technologies, and human–machine interaction.
Application:
Track A (Startups):
- Online Application Form
- Pitch Deck
- Company Registration Certificate
- Company Logo (vector or high-res)
Track B (Innovation Teams and Entrepreneurial Projects):
- Online Application Form
- Pitch Deck
- Optional: team logo
Optional (both tracks): 2–3 min product/demo video; non-binding Letters of Interest.
Working language: English
Eligible Legal Forms:
- Track A (startups) - Registered legal entity in an EU27 or Horizon Europe-associated country.
- Track B (Innovation Teams and Entrepreneurial Projects) - Early- to mid-stage innovation team, student team, university spin-off, or other entrepreneurial project developing a manufacturing-relevant technology with a clear commercialization pathway.
Geographic Eligibility:
The programme is open to innovation teams and startups based in:
- Austria: Lower Austria, Northern Burgenland (NUTS 3 region AT112), and Vienna
- Slovakia: Bratislava Region and Trnava Region
Applicants from other EU Member States and Horizon Europe-associated countries may also be considered if a clear and direct link to the target cross-border regions is demonstrated.
Normally, no more than one selected team may come from outside the specified Austrian and Slovak regions.
Selection Priorities:
- Availability and commitment
- Expected programme impact
- Fit to the sprint and Industry Connection Days content
- Fit to the makerspace environment
- Coachability
- Cross-border or territorial relevance
- Gender diversity
- Sustainability orientation
- Cohort complementarity
Selection process:
The evaluation and selection process follows a two-stage approach: a remote scoring-based shortlist, followed by an online pitch and final jury decision.
Please read the detailed Call for applications Selection and Evaluation Framework for more information and tips for successful application here: https://www.twincityhub.eu/2026/06/22/prototype-to-industry-programme-startup-call-open/
Application deadline:
August 17, 2026
The Activity Lead for the Prototype to Industry Programme is:
Ms. Reka Dancsecs
Project Manager, accent Inkubator GmbH
The Prototype to Industry Programme is developed and organised within the framework of the Twin City Future Innovation Manufacturing Hub, a cross-border project supported by the Interreg VI-A Slovakia–Austria Programme and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
For thriving B2B Industrial Tech start-ups can benefit from a tailored support package. that are:
- actively looking to grow.
- with demonstrated meaningful customer validation and/or traction.
- with a dedicated full-time team with a headquarters incorporated in a EU or Horizon Europe associated country.
- looking to enhance and complement your business development efforts.
The Business Creation team will offer you a tailored package of business development services. Please fill out the expression of interest form below, and a representative from the Business Creation team will be in touch shortly.