PILOT for startups and early-stage entrepreneurs who want to move their idea forward
We offered 20 places in a mentoring programme, individual consultations and contacts within an international network of experts.
Target: Develop your business or business idea and prepare it for expansion to the Czech–Austrian market.
Applications for the PILOT programme are closed.
What the PILOT includes
A clearer strategy, faster project development and real opportunities for expansion
A personal mentoring plan
Mentoring and expert consultancy
Connection with experts and mentors from the Czech Republic and Austria
Cross-border networking
and first contacts in a foreign market
Participation in the Crossborder Startup Camp
4–5 March 2026
Up to 20 hours of individual support
Courage is not only about big leaps
Often one small step taken today is enough – not perfect, but genuine.
INNOVATIVE
IDEA
A startup or innovative idea with a business history of up to 10 years.
CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION
Projects must demonstrate potential for cross-border expansion.
LANGUAGE
SKILLS
Ability to communicate in English or German.
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
Commitment to (pro)actively participate in all pilot activities.
How the PILOT programme works
- The online application was open till 11 February 2026.
- The selected projects were contacted no later than 28 February 2026 and arrange an initial consultation. The pilot programme is free of charge for selected projects.
- The entire pilot programme runs from 1 March to 31 July 2026.
- Together with the StartupPoint manager, you will set a mentoring plan, development priorities and specific goals.
- You will take part in the Startup Camp, where you will gain key insights into possible international expansion and meet other startups.
- This is followed by individual consultations with mentors and experts according to the needs of your project.
- The programme concludes with an evaluation of results and final feedback in the period 1–30 September 2026.
- The full text of the call can be found directly here in CZ and EN.
Our mentors and lecturers
The pilot programme includes access to a database of experienced mentors covering key areas of startup development, with whom you will receive individual consultations.
A mentor is a shortcut to a place you would reach
on your own much later.
Our mentoring database is continuously updated.
About the Crossborder Startup Camp
The Startup Camp was a two-day event in České Budějovice for all participants of the PILOT programme. It took place on 4–5 March 2026.
It was full of intensive work on your projects, inspiring talks, practical workshops and a panel discussion with successful startups that have expanded beyond their home market.
The attendees gained valuable contacts, networking opportunities and the chance to meet entrepreneurs facing similar challenges.
The camp is organised in cooperation with Czech and Austrian mentor teams.
Crossborder Startup Camp: dva dny, kdy šly projekty opravdu do hloubky
Na začátku března (4.–5. 3.) se potkaly vybrané startupy s potenciálem růstu a zahraniční expanze na společném Crossborder Startup[…]
