ACCEND

Acronym:  ACCEND
Title: ACCelerating EuropeaN Deeptech scale-ups

Can you provide a brief overview of ACCEND and its primary objectives?
ACCEND aims to create a sustainable model for cross-border startup acceleration in Europe, targeting deep tech scaleups. Its objectives are to design a joint service catalogue, strengthen collaboration between regional ecosystems, and deliver pilot services to 100+ scaleups across Europe, supporting their access to finance, test environments, public procurement, and global markets.

Why is running a pilot project in the partner regions crucial for ACCEND’s success?
The pilot enables partners to test joint service delivery, validate value propositions, and fine-tune support pathways for startups across borders. It lays the groundwork for real-world impact by connecting scaleups to resources beyond their home regions, enhancing both their growth prospects and the interconnectedness of Europe’s innovation ecosystem..

What specific role does VUB play within the ACCEND consortium?
VUB contributes its academic, entrepreneurial, and infrastructural expertise to the consortium. It supports the co-design of service offerings, stakeholder engagement, and startup selection. Through facilities like the FARI Test and Experience Center, and ICAB, VUB delivers coaching, testing, and validation services that feed into ACCEND’s joint catalogue.
 
How do you envision ACCEND contributing to broader societal and economic impact?
ACCEND fosters inclusive innovation by ensuring startups from all regions — including underrepresented ones — access world-class support. Its focus on deep tech contributes to solving societal challenges and boosting Europe's strategic autonomy in critical technologies. By building long-term collaboration structures, it strengthens Europe’s innovation capacity far beyond the project’s lifetime.