We believe that successful impact startups grow in three areas: the company, the impact, and the founder’s personality. That’s why we continuously develop all three in parallel. BUILD YOUR STARTUP Mehr erfahren A successful startup is built on consistent learning and bold decisions. Together, we’ll work on the key drivers of your startup from product-market fit and go-to-market strategy to fundraising and sustainable growth. MAXIMISE YOUR IMPACT Mehr erfahren Impact doesn't happen by chance. Together, we'll refine your Theory of Change, develop a clear impact strategy, and lay the groundwork for making social impact measurable and scalable in the long run. GROW AS AN ENTREPRENEUR Mehr erfahren A startup can only grow as much as the people who lead it. That's why we invest just as much in your leadership skills, resilience, and personal development as we do in building your startup.
What is pioneer:impact Fellowship? The pioneer:impact Fellowship is a twelve-month programme that supports ambitious start-up founders who have achieved initial traction in further developing their scalable products, services and business models, and in making their businesses investment-ready. The focus is on individual personal development, with the aim of strengthening the founders’ values and resilience and supporting them on their entrepreneurial journey. Register for info session 50+ Global mentors, founders, and investors 150000€ Investment Capital Pool enables 75000€ Enabling individual investments in start-ups 85% Pioneers who took off after completing the program 6+ years of experience in supporting impact entrepreneurs Register for info session
PROCESS OVERVIEW The Fellowship begins in September 2026 and supports ten impact teams over the course of twelve months. This isn’t a traditional accelerator with rigid modules. Startups don’t develop according to plan. Priorities shift, new opportunities arise, and sometimes everything has to be rethought within a matter of days. We understand this dynamic because we come from the startup and innovation world ourselves. That’s why we adapt to your (fast-paced) rhythm - not the other way around. The rhythm of retreats, one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and a strong community provides guidance without restricting you. We’ll work with you to determine which topics to explore in depth, which formats to develop, and what might no longer offer added value. Apply now Zeitleiste Impact Hub JULY 2026 - Applications Open The application period is now open. We are looking for ten ambitious startup teams that want to combine business success with social impact. AUGUST 2026 - Selection Process Jury decision and final selection of the Fellowship Pioneers. SEPTEMBER 2026 - Retreat #1 The joint kickoff of the fellowship. We’ll get to know each other, define your individual goals, and lay the foundation for twelve months of intensive collaboration. Key Areas Onboarding & Diagnostics Founder & Venture Assessment Goal Setting Pod Matching Community Building OCTOBER 2026 - Build the foundation The first development sprints provide clarity on the vision, business model, and theory of change. Key Areas Product & Customer Validation Theory of Change Founder Vision Leadership Foundations NOVEMBER 26 - JANUARY 27 - Retreat #2 & Create together The focus is on implementation, mutual accountability, and continuous development. Starting in November, the cohort will increasingly help shape the topics through co-creation. Key Areas Go-to-Market Team & Leadership Impact Measurement Peer Learning Community FEBRUARY 27 – APRIL 27 - Grow & Scale The focus now is on ensuring sustainable growth and preparing the organization for the next phase. Key Areas Operations & Scaling Fundraising Readiness Storytelling & Visibility Expert Sessions Investor Connections MAY 27 – AUGUST 27 - Prepare what's next Together, we’ll refine your strategy for the period after the fellowship and prepare you for the next round of funding or growth phase. Key Areas Growth Strategy Investor Readiness Alumni Sessions Demo Preparation SEPTEMBER 2027 - Retreat #3 - Reflect & Scale To wrap things up, we’ll reflect on your growth as a startup and as founders, and celebrate the start of the next chapter together. Key Areas Leadership Reflection Impact Review Demo Day Investor Network Alumni Welcome
Effect comes from the inside out Impact begins with the people who shape it. That’s why pioneer:impact combines two dimensions: Outer Change – the entrepreneurial skills that help your startup grow – and Inner Change – the competencies that help you lead with resilience, clarity, and effectiveness in a complex world. After all, sustainable impact isn’t just the result of a strong business model, but of founders who remain capable of taking action over the long term and live by their values even during challenging times.
Become a Pioneer Now! Applications are closing on the 9th of August 2026. We look forward to receiving your application! Apply now
What does the pioneer:impact fellowship offer? Over 150.000€ in investment capital has been raised Our Impact Investors Program runs in parallel with our Fellowship. We don’t promise you blind capital – but we’ll bring your startup to a measurable level of investment readiness. The most promising teams in the cohort will pitch directly to our exclusive pool of impact investors. An investment pool of 150.000€ was set up for the last batches. Personal sparring on equal terms Every startup team is supported throughout the entire fellowship by a mentor and a tutor. While your mentor provides strategic and substantive support, your tutor ensures that you get the most out of the fellowship. Both are experienced professionals from the impact and startup worlds – and they serve as your direct points of contact and gatekeepers to our network. Co-creation instead of compliance No startup develops exactly according to plan – and that’s exactly why our Fellowship doesn’t either. Together, we regularly reflect on your current progress, your challenges, and your next steps. This allows us to tailor the content and focus to your needs, rather than rigidly following a set curriculum. Your development is our top priority. Business expertise meets personal development A strong startup needs more than just a good business model. That’s why Pioneer:impact combines Outer Change – the entrepreneurial skills that help your startup grow – with Inner Change – the competencies that help you lead with resilience, clarity, and effectiveness. Because sustainable impact begins with the people who shape it. Long-term support instead of workshop marathon Real growth takes time. That’s why we’ll be with you for a whole year – giving you room to grow, change course, and tackle the challenges that only become apparent in the day-to-day life of a startup. A network that opens doors Pioneer:impact connects you with founders, alumni, impact investors, entrepreneurs, and experts in the renewable energy sector. You’ll also become part of the global Impact Hub network, with over 130 locations worldwide. This not only creates valuable connections but also real opportunities – for funding, collaborations, international visibility, and engagement with a community that shares the same vision. A community that sticks around Starting a business can sometimes feel lonely. In the Fellowship, you’ll become part of a community that shares challenges, passes on knowledge, and supports one another. Based on the principle of giving and receiving, relationships are formed that extend far beyond the program – many alumni continue to work together to this day and meet regularly. It was very unique from the very beginning. It's really about finding your own authentic path to personal growth. It's not about fitting into certain molds, but about shaping the right path for yourself. Anna Greil Co-founderin Uptraded | Alumni Batch 1 For me, it's incredibly exciting to have the opportunity to work with so many fascinating people and to explore the topic of impact from so many different angles. Kathrin Zenker Impact Investor and Mentor What I found particularly helpful were all the modules focused on personal development. What we do is all about people - that’s why I found it so exciting that this aspect was emphasized so strongly in the program. Jodok Batlogg Co-Founder Tree.ly | Alumni Batch 1 The Impact aspect is what makes pioneer:impact so special to me. It’s something new - even for me - and the ideal platform for learning more about sustainable investing. Rudolf Flunger Business Angel und Investor Who supports people scaling impact startups? #bethechange Building a startup can be tough. Building an impact startup often feels even tougher. Many founders face closed doors and prejudice. Because in addition to juggling deadlines, solving problems, and generating revenue, you constantly have to explain why impact and profitability aren’t mutually exclusive. While many programs end after ideation and prototyping, for many impact startups, the most difficult phase begins: financing growth. We know this: Impact isn’t just a nice-to-have. The startups shaping our future must be economically successful while simultaneously solving social and environmental challenges. That’s why we developed pioneer:impact. It’s not a rigid program, but a 12-month fellowship designed for people who want to scale their ambitious impact startup – at their own (fast-paced) pace and tailored to their needs. Does this sound familiar to you? You’ve already gone through one or two incubation or accelerator programs. Now it’s all about growth and funding – but right at this moment, it feels as though there’s suddenly no suitable support available anymore. You want your startup to make a real impact. Yet you keep feeling like you have to justify yourself between profit and impact. The startup world often conveys the idea that success is only possible through “hustle culture” and 80-hour workweeks. You wonder if there is another way. Most programs focus on business plans, pitches, and KPIs. What you often miss are honest conversations about leadership, self-doubt, difficult decisions, and the reality of starting a business. Sometimes it feels like you’re fighting the world all by yourself. Many people around you don’t understand why you’re choosing this path. And sometimes you ask yourself why you don’t just do something easier. Then you’ve come to the right website at the right time. Any questions? Come to the info session or the alumni Q&A barbecue Info Session | twice a week á 30 minutes | online In this session, you can discuss all your ideas and suggestions with the Hub Team in person. Alumni Q&A barbecue Date: August 6 at 5.30pm | Hybrid Events at Impact Hub Tirol Or get to know the alumni while enjoying a barbecue together on the Hub balcony. In a relaxed atmosphere, you can ask all your questions to people who have already completed the fellowship. Gossip and behind-the-scenes chatter are allowed, because the Hub Team won't be there for the Q&A session. Info Session Dates Alumni Q&A Barbecue FAQs Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship? The Fellowship is aimed at founders who have already launched their startups or can demonstrate initial traction – such as customers, an MVP, or initial revenue. We’re looking for teams with a clear ambition to grow and scale, who want to combine entrepreneurial success with social impact. A connection to Euregio+ is important to us – whether because you founded your company here or because your solution contributes to a sustainable Alpine region. We’re open to different types of businesses, as long as you’re committed to scaling your impact in a sustainable way. What is included in the Fellowship? Over the course of twelve months, you’ll gain access to everything you need for your next phase of growth: 3 multi-day retreats, including room and board At least 2 collaborative co-working weeks at one of the 130 Impact Hubs Monthly development sprints A set number of one-on-one expert consultation hours Monthly one-on-one tutoring and mentoring Peer pods and an Impact Founders Community Group workshops Alumni network and access to investors Storytelling and visibility through our channels and partners Digital resources, playbooks, and templates Personal support from the Impact Hub Tirol leadership team Access to the €20,000 Founder Loan and the Gateway Syndicate Discounted day passes for the Impact Hub Tirol co-working space In short: We not only support you in building your business, but also invest in your impact and your development as founders. What is not included in the Fellowship? You are only responsible for the travel expenses and related costs associated with in-person meetings. What level of commitment is expected? The fellowship thrives on active participation. We recommend setting aside about 12–15 hours per month for sessions, reflection, and implementation. In total, we’re planning 3 group retreats, a 2-hour peer exchange every 3 weeks, and 1 session per month with your tutors and mentors. We’ll determine the exact dates once the 10 teams have been selected. Ideally, two founders per team will participate. In exceptional cases, a single person may also complete the Fellowship. We don’t monitor attendance – but we do expect you to make the most of this opportunity and be respectful of the community’s time. What does the Fellowship cost? Participation costs €6,000 per team for the twelve-month fellowship. A deposit of €2,000 is due at the start. The remaining amount will be collected in monthly installments of €500 beginning in January 2027. In justified exceptional cases, we can also arrange an individualized payment plan for the deposit. If you must terminate the fellowship early for valid reasons, we will retain the down payment. Any additional fees already paid may be refunded on a pro-rata basis. Why does the fellowship cost money? We believe that impact isn’t a compromise. It’s the future of entrepreneurship. We’re not your run-of-the-mill accelerator. We’re a small team. We work fast. We make pragmatic decisions. And we adjust our plan when your reality changes. We don’t believe in rigid curricula. A startup doesn’t develop according to a schedule. That’s why our fellowship evolves alongside you. We know the startup world – not from books, but from our day-to-day experience. Behind pioneer:impact stands not just the three-person Impact Hub Tirol team, but an entire ecosystem of founders, investors, entrepreneurs, and experts. And you’ll gain access to this network, which is ready to share knowledge, contacts, and experiences. Our goal isn’t to accept as many teams as possible. Our goal is to support ten startups over the course of twelve months with the highest possible quality. That’s why pioneer:impact isn’t just a fellowship – it’s an investment in your company and your development as founders. That’s why we invest our time, experience, and network in your journey. And that’s why pioneer:impact costs what it costs. How does the application process work? Applications are submitted via an online form. You may optionally upload a pitch deck or other supporting documents. Depending on the number of applications, we will invite selected teams to an in-person interview. The final selection is made by a jury consisting of experienced entrepreneurs, impact investors, and the Impact Hub Tirol team. Ten startups are accepted per batch. Application deadline is the 9th of August 2026 at 23:59 pm. Your Fellowship Manager Lena Are you unsure whether you're ready for the Fellowship, whether your idea has enough impact, or whether you're at the right stage to participate? No matter what you're unsure about, feel free to reach out to Lena, the Fellowship Manager, and we'll find a solution together! Alternatively, you can also sign up for one of the weekly info sessions. Mail to Lena Info Session Become a Pioneer now! Applications are closing on the 9th of August 2026. We look forward to receiving your application! Apply now Diese Websiteverwendet Cookies Wir nutzen Cookies auf unserer Website. Einige von ihnen sind technisch notwendig, während andere uns helfen, diese Website und deine Erfahrungen darauf zu verbessern. Datenschutz Akzeptieren Ablehnen
It was very unique from the very beginning. It's really about finding your own authentic path to personal growth. It's not about fitting into certain molds, but about shaping the right path for yourself. Anna Greil Co-founderin Uptraded | Alumni Batch 1 For me, it's incredibly exciting to have the opportunity to work with so many fascinating people and to explore the topic of impact from so many different angles. Kathrin Zenker Impact Investor and Mentor What I found particularly helpful were all the modules focused on personal development. What we do is all about people - that’s why I found it so exciting that this aspect was emphasized so strongly in the program. Jodok Batlogg Co-Founder Tree.ly | Alumni Batch 1 The Impact aspect is what makes pioneer:impact so special to me. It’s something new - even for me - and the ideal platform for learning more about sustainable investing. Rudolf Flunger Business Angel und Investor
Who supports people scaling impact startups? #bethechange Building a startup can be tough. Building an impact startup often feels even tougher. Many founders face closed doors and prejudice. Because in addition to juggling deadlines, solving problems, and generating revenue, you constantly have to explain why impact and profitability aren’t mutually exclusive. While many programs end after ideation and prototyping, for many impact startups, the most difficult phase begins: financing growth. We know this: Impact isn’t just a nice-to-have. The startups shaping our future must be economically successful while simultaneously solving social and environmental challenges. That’s why we developed pioneer:impact. It’s not a rigid program, but a 12-month fellowship designed for people who want to scale their ambitious impact startup – at their own (fast-paced) pace and tailored to their needs.
Does this sound familiar to you? You’ve already gone through one or two incubation or accelerator programs. Now it’s all about growth and funding – but right at this moment, it feels as though there’s suddenly no suitable support available anymore. You want your startup to make a real impact. Yet you keep feeling like you have to justify yourself between profit and impact. The startup world often conveys the idea that success is only possible through “hustle culture” and 80-hour workweeks. You wonder if there is another way. Most programs focus on business plans, pitches, and KPIs. What you often miss are honest conversations about leadership, self-doubt, difficult decisions, and the reality of starting a business. Sometimes it feels like you’re fighting the world all by yourself. Many people around you don’t understand why you’re choosing this path. And sometimes you ask yourself why you don’t just do something easier. Then you’ve come to the right website at the right time.
Any questions? Come to the info session or the alumni Q&A barbecue Info Session | twice a week á 30 minutes | online In this session, you can discuss all your ideas and suggestions with the Hub Team in person. Alumni Q&A barbecue Date: August 6 at 5.30pm | Hybrid Events at Impact Hub Tirol Or get to know the alumni while enjoying a barbecue together on the Hub balcony. In a relaxed atmosphere, you can ask all your questions to people who have already completed the fellowship. Gossip and behind-the-scenes chatter are allowed, because the Hub Team won't be there for the Q&A session. Info Session Dates Alumni Q&A Barbecue
FAQs Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship? The Fellowship is aimed at founders who have already launched their startups or can demonstrate initial traction – such as customers, an MVP, or initial revenue. We’re looking for teams with a clear ambition to grow and scale, who want to combine entrepreneurial success with social impact. A connection to Euregio+ is important to us – whether because you founded your company here or because your solution contributes to a sustainable Alpine region. We’re open to different types of businesses, as long as you’re committed to scaling your impact in a sustainable way. What is included in the Fellowship? Over the course of twelve months, you’ll gain access to everything you need for your next phase of growth: 3 multi-day retreats, including room and board At least 2 collaborative co-working weeks at one of the 130 Impact Hubs Monthly development sprints A set number of one-on-one expert consultation hours Monthly one-on-one tutoring and mentoring Peer pods and an Impact Founders Community Group workshops Alumni network and access to investors Storytelling and visibility through our channels and partners Digital resources, playbooks, and templates Personal support from the Impact Hub Tirol leadership team Access to the €20,000 Founder Loan and the Gateway Syndicate Discounted day passes for the Impact Hub Tirol co-working space In short: We not only support you in building your business, but also invest in your impact and your development as founders. What is not included in the Fellowship? You are only responsible for the travel expenses and related costs associated with in-person meetings. What level of commitment is expected? The fellowship thrives on active participation. We recommend setting aside about 12–15 hours per month for sessions, reflection, and implementation. In total, we’re planning 3 group retreats, a 2-hour peer exchange every 3 weeks, and 1 session per month with your tutors and mentors. We’ll determine the exact dates once the 10 teams have been selected. Ideally, two founders per team will participate. In exceptional cases, a single person may also complete the Fellowship. We don’t monitor attendance – but we do expect you to make the most of this opportunity and be respectful of the community’s time. What does the Fellowship cost? Participation costs €6,000 per team for the twelve-month fellowship. A deposit of €2,000 is due at the start. The remaining amount will be collected in monthly installments of €500 beginning in January 2027. In justified exceptional cases, we can also arrange an individualized payment plan for the deposit. If you must terminate the fellowship early for valid reasons, we will retain the down payment. Any additional fees already paid may be refunded on a pro-rata basis. Why does the fellowship cost money? We believe that impact isn’t a compromise. It’s the future of entrepreneurship. We’re not your run-of-the-mill accelerator. We’re a small team. We work fast. We make pragmatic decisions. And we adjust our plan when your reality changes. We don’t believe in rigid curricula. A startup doesn’t develop according to a schedule. That’s why our fellowship evolves alongside you. We know the startup world – not from books, but from our day-to-day experience. Behind pioneer:impact stands not just the three-person Impact Hub Tirol team, but an entire ecosystem of founders, investors, entrepreneurs, and experts. And you’ll gain access to this network, which is ready to share knowledge, contacts, and experiences. Our goal isn’t to accept as many teams as possible. Our goal is to support ten startups over the course of twelve months with the highest possible quality. That’s why pioneer:impact isn’t just a fellowship – it’s an investment in your company and your development as founders. That’s why we invest our time, experience, and network in your journey. And that’s why pioneer:impact costs what it costs. How does the application process work? Applications are submitted via an online form. You may optionally upload a pitch deck or other supporting documents. Depending on the number of applications, we will invite selected teams to an in-person interview. The final selection is made by a jury consisting of experienced entrepreneurs, impact investors, and the Impact Hub Tirol team. Ten startups are accepted per batch. Application deadline is the 9th of August 2026 at 23:59 pm. Your Fellowship Manager Lena Are you unsure whether you're ready for the Fellowship, whether your idea has enough impact, or whether you're at the right stage to participate? No matter what you're unsure about, feel free to reach out to Lena, the Fellowship Manager, and we'll find a solution together! Alternatively, you can also sign up for one of the weekly info sessions. Mail to Lena Info Session Become a Pioneer now! Applications are closing on the 9th of August 2026. We look forward to receiving your application! Apply now Diese Websiteverwendet Cookies Wir nutzen Cookies auf unserer Website. Einige von ihnen sind technisch notwendig, während andere uns helfen, diese Website und deine Erfahrungen darauf zu verbessern. Datenschutz Akzeptieren Ablehnen
Your Fellowship Manager Lena Are you unsure whether you're ready for the Fellowship, whether your idea has enough impact, or whether you're at the right stage to participate? No matter what you're unsure about, feel free to reach out to Lena, the Fellowship Manager, and we'll find a solution together! Alternatively, you can also sign up for one of the weekly info sessions. Mail to Lena Info Session
Become a Pioneer now! Applications are closing on the 9th of August 2026. We look forward to receiving your application! Apply now
