News

Applications are open until 27 November 2026 for the new cycle of C Nest Accelerator, offering specialized business consulting, mentoring, training, and networking opportunities to businesses and entrepreneurial teams in Crete.

Applications for the 4th cycle of C Nest Accelerator, the Crete Business Incubator coordinated by PRAXI Network at the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), officially opened on 21 October 2026.

The new acceleration cycle will run from December 2026 to May 2027 in Heraklion, Crete, aiming to strengthen innovative entrepreneurship, develop entrepreneurial skills, and create new opportunities for business growth and collaboration.

Interested businesses and entrepreneurial teams are invited to submit their applications by Friday, 27 November 2026, at 19:00 (Greece time), through the official website: www.cnest.gr.

Who Can Apply?

The 4th cycle of C Nest Accelerator is open to:

• Entrepreneurial teams and businesses in the process of being established.
• Startups.
• Newly established and existing businesses.
• Organizations supporting entrepreneurship and innovation.

The call welcomes entrepreneurial initiatives from all sectors of the economy, provided that applicants have, or intend to establish, a registered office or branch in the Region of Crete.

Particular emphasis is placed on priority sectors of the Just Transition Strategy, including green energy, circular economy, agri-food, blue economy, creative economy, and information and communication technologies (ICT).

What Does C Nest Accelerator Offer?

Through a comprehensive business support programme, participants gain access to specialized services, tools, and resources designed to support the development and growth of their business activities.

The programme includes:

• Personalized Mentoring & Coaching: Tailored guidance from experienced advisors and mentors to support business strategy development and informed decision-making.
• Business Plan Development: Support in designing and improving business models using modern tools, including the Business Model Canvas.
• Training and Skills Development: Participation in specialized workshops covering entrepreneurship, innovation, and business development.
• Networking and Collaboration: Opportunities to connect with businesses, research organizations, and the wider innovation ecosystem to explore potential partnerships.
• Access to Funding Opportunities: Guidance on public and private funding instruments, along with opportunities to connect with investors.
• Open Innovation Support: Assistance in identifying collaboration opportunities and developing joint innovation projects.

In addition, participants can benefit from the modern facilities of the incubator in Heraklion, including fully equipped workstations, meeting and collaboration spaces, and additional support services.

Application Process

Interested applicants can submit their applications online through the official C Nest Accelerator website: www.cnest.gr

Application deadline: Friday, 27 November 2026, at 19:00 (Greece time).

Alternatively, applications may be submitted in person or by post to the C Nest Accelerator offices at 105 Isavron Street, Heraklion, Crete, 713 03, Greece.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and in order of submission. Eligible applicants will be invited to an interview, either in person or online, to present their business plan during a pitching session.

For detailed information on eligibility requirements, supporting documents, and the evaluation process, applicants are encouraged to consult the official call for applications.

Read the official call for applications here.

More information and applications: www.cnest.gr

Contact: info@cnest.gr | +30 2811 392150, +30 2811 216440

About C Nest Accelerator

C Nest Accelerator is an initiative dedicated to strengthening innovative entrepreneurship in Crete by supporting new business ventures, developing entrepreneurial skills, and leveraging innovation to create new opportunities for growth.

The call is part of the project “Provision of Specialized Services for the Development and Operation of a Business Incubator/Accelerator to Foster Innovation in Priority Sectors of the Just Transition Research and Innovation Strategy” (MIS Code 6000661), implemented under the “Just Transition” Programme. The project beneficiary is the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation (GSRI), while implementation is carried out by PRAXI Network/FORTH and GREEN PROJECTS S.A.