2026 ScaleUp Incubator call for applications

The European Social Innovation Alliance (ESIA)  is a network of member organisations from Luxembourg, Estonia, Germany and the Netherlands. Led by Social Impact gGmbH, it is inviting organisations to join the  2026 Scaleup incubator, a fully funded, five-day intensive programme, taking place from 28 September to 2 October in Beelitz-Heilstätten (near Berlin). The 2026 theme focuses on: Strengthening democracy through social innovation. 

It is designed for organisations with an established track record that are ready to scale their impact. Participants will benefit from peer-to-peer learning, expert-led workshops on communication and strategy, AI integration, and one-on-one coaching with the Social Impact gGmbH team, among others.

Who can apply?

Social enterprises and civic society organisations that:

• are established and active in the market or their field of impact, with their head office in Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands, or Estonia - no early-stage start-ups and organisations,
• work on innovative solutions in areas that strengthen democratic participation,
• are interested in transnational cooperation and increasing their reach,
• are comfortable using the English language,
• are represented by applicants in registered organisations - individual applicants are not eligible.

Social enterprises, civil society and non-profit organisations, established social start-ups, and community-led initiatives are encouraged to apply. The call is also open to organisations working in areas such as regional and local development, digital innovation, demographic change, housing, education, youth work, climate and the environment, civic participation, and community development.

Two social enterprises or organisations from each participating country will be selected. Each selected organisation can nominate a maximum of two participants to attend the programme. Travel and accommodation costs are fully covered. Successful applicants will be informed of the selection results by 28 August 2026.

Deadline to apply: August 23, 2026.

Learn more and apply here: https://si-alliance.eu/p/scaleup-incubator-2026