New Cross-Border EdTech Testbed Programme is Open for Startup Applications
The Twin City Future Innovation Manufacturing Hub (2C FIMH) invites EdTech startups from across Europe to apply in the Twin City EdTech Testbed Call.
The Twin City EdTech Testbed Call & Programme offers selected startups a unique opportunity to showcase their solutions on-site at educational and training sites in Austria and/or Slovakia and receive direct feedback from target users, helping refine the products and unlock new business opportunities.
About the Programme
Participating startups will benefit from:
- A free testbed environment to validate solutions with real users.
- Immediate user feedback and insights to refine products.
- Travel and accommodation reimbursement for on-site demonstrations (for selected startups based outside Austria and/or Slovakia).
All support is provided in-kind — no cash grants, no equity taken, and startups retain full ownership of their IP.
The programme provides a real-world test environment (primary, secondary, vocational level of education) for EdTech startups developing innovative learning technologies.
Selected teams will conduct on-site demonstrations or pilot tests with their target audiences in Austria and/or Slovakia.
On-site demonstrations will take place between September and December 2026.
Who Can Apply
The Twin City EdTech Testbed Call & Programme targets preferably edtech hardware solutions with a minimum TRL 6 or higher, providing solutions supporting STEM / MINT education, with a functional prototype or working mock-up.
Participating teams will be selected in a two-stage process: an initial eligibility check and shortlisting phase, followed by online pitching and jury evaluation on 17 June 2026.
A jury will select up to 5 startups from Slovakia and Austria to join the programme.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 15 May 2026 (23:59 CET)
- Pitch Day: 17 June 2026 (online)
- Programme period: September – December 2026
Apply Now:
If you experience any technical issues with the form, please reach out to the contact person.
Applications close: 15 May 2026 (23:59 CET)
Get Connected
More information: Markus Kleinfercher
A Cross-Border Bridge for Innovation in Education
This pilot is part of the Twin City Future Innovation Manufacturing Hub project co-financed by the Interreg Slovakia-Austria programme. The goal of the programme is to increase the innovation and human potential in the cross-border areas of Slovakia and Austria.
