Budget
Accepted startups can receive up to $300,000 in funding, distributed as follows: $25,000: cash investment $75,000: in-kind services (12-week accelerator programme, expert mentoring, global network access, investor and partner introductions, alumni services) Up to $200,000: follow-on investment after the programme, with terms agreed prior to acceptance For the $100,000 package ($25,000 in cash + $75,000 in services), ProVeg Incubator takes a 4% equity stake in each startup that joins the programme.
Key dates and deadline
Applications: accepted on a rolling basis Current cohort: ongoing Next cohort starts: April 2026
Details
A 12-week online accelerator based in Berlin, supporting early-stage startups developing alternatives to animal-based products (e.g. plant-based, cultivated, fermented). The programme includes mentoring, networking, investor access, and potential funding of up to $300,000. Location: online Duration: ~3 months Format: Training, workshops, pitch practice, lab access Funding: Up to $25K cash + $75K in services, with potential post-program investment Applications: Rolling basis Demo Day: End of programme
Eligibility
We support mission-driven startups that are working on plant-based, fermentation, and cultivated-food products and technologies. Your startup should have the potential to remove animals from the global food system, either by providing alternatives or with supporting technology. Your idea should also be impactful and scalable with a strong team standing behind it. We’re particularly interested in hearing from startups in the following areas: - functional ingredients; - precision fermentation; - biomass fermentation; - enabling tech, processes, and platforms.
Additional information
In addition to the capital investment, you will get: A tailor-made programme: we run a five-month accelerator programme that equips founders with the skills, know-how, and contacts they need to succeed. Our programming includes workshops and fireside chats led by experts in every key business area. Lifelong support from our team: we develop lasting bonds with our founders and our team will work hands-on with you for as long as you need us. This includes in-depth company assessments, weekly strategy meetings, investor intros, and the support of our parent organisation ProVeg International. We’re here to remove roadblocks for you, amplify your wins, and ensure that you succeed. Expert input: as well as working with our core team, you’ll get guidance from our experts in marketing, product development, finance, R&D, food law, and sales and distribution. Demo Days: we wrap up every edition of our accelerator programme with a Demo Day, where you’ll pitch to a global audience of investors, retailers, and industry professionals. Lifelong access to our growing alumni community: access the wisdom, support, and input from all of the impact-driven, mission-aligned founders in our alumni. Exclusive network access: the companies that we work with get unlimited access to our global networks of investors, corporate partners, retailers, buyers, journalists, and industry experts. Mentors: access our unrivalled network of 100+ global mentors – all of whom are real powerhouses of the food world. Facilities: use our state-of-the-art coworking space, event space, meetings rooms, and test kitchen in the heart of Berlin. Exposure: we’ll use our extensive networks to get you the attention you deserve in the press and via speaking opportunities. Events: access exclusive events, webinars, and networking sessions from ProVeg, and free or discounted access to fairs and trade shows from our partners
How to apply?
https://provegincubator.com/our-programme/#accelerator-programme