⚠ Summarised by AI based on an external source. Last updated: 12 Mar 2026. Starthubs is not liable for any inaccuracies. Always consult the official challenge information.
BeStart is a year-long accelerator programme based in Leeuwarden that helps climate tech startups make the leap to scale-up. Backed by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, SNN and the EU, BeStart offers personalised coaching, investor access and hands-on support across market strategy, talent development and impact measurement — with a strong focus on the Northern Netherlands climate tech ecosystem.
What is BeStart looking for?
BeStart is looking for ambitious climate tech startups and scale-ups that are ready to grow. The programme focuses on companies in sectors like water technology, green chemistry, circular plastics, sustainable energy and (regenerative) agritech. They are not looking for early-stage concepts — participants should already have a product-market fit and a first customer or clearly defined niche. BeStart provides a structured growth path through four pillars:
- Market — refining your go-to-market strategy and scaling repeatable sales
- Talent — building a strong team and organisational culture
- Capital — becoming investor-ready and connecting to relevant funders
- Impact — measuring and reporting on your sustainability impact
More information about the programme and sign-up process can be found on the official BeStart website.
Who is this for?
This programme is open to climate tech startups and scale-ups that meet the following criteria:
- You have a scalable, sustainable product or service — beyond the prototype stage
- You have identified your market niche or secured a launching customer
- You are a driven founder, preferably with a growth-ready team
- Your base is in Northern Netherlands, or you have clear ambitions and prospects in the region
What's in it for you?
BeStart is a fully funded programme — meaning there are no participation costs. As a participant you receive:
- A year-long personalised coaching trajectory with dedicated business coaches
- Access to a Northern Netherlands network of investors, funders, knowledge institutions and early adopters
- Use of cutting-edge testlabs to test, validate and scale your technology in the region
- Connections to tailored facilities and regional programmes that support your expansion
- Peer learning with fellow climate tech founders and experienced scale-up leaders
- Hands-on support to become investor-ready and build the right funding strategy