Become a CORE12.01 Innovation Fellow
Accelerate your climate-tech research with funding, tools, and strategic support.
CORE12.01’s Fellowship Programme is supporting 30 selected researchers and research-driven teams from across Europe in taking their climate-tech solutions closer to market.
The selected Fellows are developing breakthrough innovations across sectors including energy, mobility, water systems, sustainable materials, carbon removal, and the circular economy.
Through targeted training, mentoring, and access to ecosystem actors, CORE12.01 supports Fellows, their teams, and their institutions in shaping viable commercialisation pathways — from spin-off creation and licensing to industry partnerships, stakeholder validation, and investment readiness.
Unlike general startup accelerators, CORE12.01 is specifically designed for research-based innovation. The Fellowship recognises the particular challenges researchers face in translating promising work into market-ready solutions and provides support tailored to that journey.
Application
Selection
Coaching & KPI formation (ongoing)
Training Modules & Ecosystem Engagement
Showcase Event
Corporate Identification & Pitch Preparation
Industry Follow-up
25 hours of specialised training – Business Development, IP Protection, Stakeholder Engagement, Industry Validation, and Investment Readiness
Dedicated coaching and mentoring – personalised to address the needs of each Fellow/Team
Pitching and networking opportunity at a major industry event, with follow-up coaching for deeper engagement with industry contacts
Tools to highlight areas for improvement, set and track KPIs, and drive progress towards your goals
Networking and Connections to Corporates, Investors, Policymakers, and Civil Society Stakeholders
Visibility for your Innovation through our Meet the Fellows campaign and other CORE outreach activities
Individuals: Researchers working in climate-tech fields (e.g., energy, mobility, water, materials, carbon removal, circularity, etc.).
Teams/Entities: Startups, spin-offs, SMEs, or research teams (including unincorporated projects).
Location: Applicants must be based in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country.
Background: Applicants may come from universities, RTOs, private research labs, or independent/startup environments.
Technology Readiness Level: TRL 4–7 (early to mid-stage).
Especially encouraged: Women researchers and applicants from Widening countries.