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CLIMATE LAUNCHPAD AUSTRIA
Launched in 2014 by Climate KIC, the EU's leading climate innovation agency
ClimateLaunchpad is the world's largest green business idea competition - Thinkubator hosts the programme in Austria.
From application through bootcamp and coaching to the national final, we support teams on their way to a viable business model.
1
teams have taken part in the programme worldwide since 2014.
1
countries run the programme worldwide.
1
The year ClimateLaunchpad started, initiated by Climate KIC.
THE NATIONAL FINALS
WHAT OUR ALUMNI SAY
Voices from teams that went through the programme in Austria.
A unique opportunity for sustainability-driven founders to take their start-up to the next level with training and mentoring - and to position it across Europe.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Want to know how to turn your idea into reality, looking for practical support on your business plan and keen to learn how to convince investors and customers with your pitch? Then submit your sustainable idea.
- No finished business plan needed - a concrete idea with ecological impact is enough.
- Open to founders, students, researchers, consultants, engineers and start-up teams.
- Your company was founded less than two years ago, or does not exist yet.
- You have raised less than EUR 200,000 in investment so far.
- The programme is delivered in English.
SIX PHASES FROM IDEA TO GLOBAL FINAL
- 01
Applications open
We open the call for early-stage green business ideas in February.
- 02
Bootcamp
The ten best ideas join a two-day intensive training with international trainers in April.
- 03
Coaching
Tailored support in May: business model, value proposition and pitch get sharpened.
- 04
National final
Shark-tank style pitching at the national final in June - on stage at the KURIER SpeakOut Festival.
- 05
Regional final
The top three start-ups advance to one of four regional online finals in September.
- 06
Global final
The global grand final takes place in autumn - in 2026 in Singapore, in front of jury, investors and potential partners.
AUSTRIA 2026
- 29 March
- Application deadline
- 1 April
- Finalists announced
- 25–26 April
- Bootcamp, Vienna
- 11 & 20 May, 1 June
- Coaching sessions, Vienna
- 9 June
- National final, Vienna
- September
- Regional final, online
- October
- Global final, Singapore
QUESTIONS ABOUT APPLYING
The questions founders ask us most - answered briefly.
WHO BACKS THE PROGRAMME
STaR - Competence Center for Sustainability Transformation and Responsibility
STaR has been with us since Thinkubator's very first steps as an organisation. Their support started as a sparring partner - for the founding team as well as for the Thinkubator Fellow Programme - and continued as a partner of ClimateLaunchpad.
STaR supports us with expertise, a platform to present our work and continuous intellectual exchange to increase our impact. Today we are proud to have STaR as the main academic partner of ClimateLaunchpad Austria.
KURIER
Since we started hosting ClimateLaunchpad in Austria in 2024, the KURIER media house has been an important partner. A special highlight: our national final takes place at the Speak Out Festival every year - an event that brings sustainability and innovation onto one stage.
That stage is the ideal launch pad for our start-ups. The partnership with KURIER gives cleantech innovations the reach they need to turn ideas into effective companies - and underlines the relevance of climate entrepreneurship in Austria.
Supported by
Ecosystem partners
QUESTIONS ABOUT APPLYING?
Get in touch any time - we're happy to help with questions about the competition or your submission.
Felix Ambros
Co-Founder & Managing DirectorFelix is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Thinkubator and looks after ClimateLaunchpad Austria. For any question about the competition or your application, reach out to him directly.