From Prototype to Production: Our New Acceleration Programme is Open for Startup Applications
The Twin City Future Innovation Manufacturing Hub is launching its pilot programme, supporting hardware startups from Austria and Slovakia in turning prototypes into scalable, manufacturable products.
Running from February to June 2026, the 2C FIMH Sprint & Roadshow Series offers selected teams a unique opportunity to advance their prototypes through hands-on sprint days, expert mentoring, and curated visits to leading manufacturing partners.
Designed specifically for hardware-driven innovators from Slovakia and Austria, the programme equips teams with practical methods to refine their prototypes, strategic insights for scaling towards production, and valuable cross-border connections – laying a solid foundation for future manufacturability and growth.
About the programme
The 2C FIMH Sprint & Roadshow Series helps ambitious innovators move from prototype to production. Participating startups will benefit from:
- 5 in-person Sprint Days and follow-up periods: intensive, expert-led workshops addressing actual product challenges and offering practical next steps.
- Mentoring & Clinics — tailored one-to-one and group mentoring with technical and business experts
- Full access to the accent Makerspace in Tulln (AT) — a fully equipped environment for hands-on hardware development.
- 5 roadshows — curated visits to industry partners and innovation hubs in Austria and Slovakia, designed around the specific needs of the selected startups.
- Visibility at Manufacturing Day 2026 in Vienna – a unique opportunity to showcase outcomes to industry and ecosystem partners.
All support is provided in-kind — no cash grants, no equity taken, and startups retain full ownership of their IP.
Who Can Apply
The 2C FIMH Sprint & Roadshow Series programme targets early-stage startups and innovation teams that have a working prototype or functional mock-up.
Participating teams will be selected through a two-stage process: an initial remote selection phase, followed by online pitching in front of a jury on 12 December 2025.
Up to 4–5 startups from Slovakia and Austria will be chosen based on their innovation potential and expected programme impact, ensuring a highly focused and collaborative cohort.
Open Day
Key Dates
- Open Day @ accent Makerspace (Tulln): 13 November 2025
- Application deadline: 30 November 2025 (23:59 CET)
- Pitch Day: 12 December 2025 (online)
- Programme period: February – June 2026
Open Day
An Open Day will be held at the accent Makerspace in Tulln on 13 November 2025, 13:00–15:00, providing an opportunity to explore the facilities and learn how the 2C FIMH Sprint & Roadshow Series can accelerate a hardware manufacturing journey.
accent Makerspace, Frauentorgasse 72–74, 3430 Tulln, Austria
Register by 12 November 2025 I 13:00
Apply now:
Before applying, please read the detailed call description and our evaluation and selection framework.
Applications close: 30 November 2025 (23:59 CET)
2C FIMH Sprint & Roadhsow Series_Call for applications
2C FIMH Sprint & Roadshow Series_Evaluation Criteria and Selection Framework
Get connected
More information: Reka Dancsecs reka.dancsecs@accent.at I Ľudmila Dragulová ludmila.dragulova@stuba.sk
A Cross-Border Innovation Bridge
The pilot programme is part of the Twin City Future Innovation Manufacturing Hub and is jointly developed and implemented by accent Inkubator (Austria), EIT Manufacturing (Austria), InQb – STU (Slovakia), and SAPIE (Slovakia).
It aims to strengthen cross-border collaboration between Austria and Slovakia, bringing together startups and manufacturers to accelerate innovation in hardware and advanced manufacturing.
