Croatia, a country known for its stunning coastline and rich cultural heritage, is also making waves in the world of startups. The startup ecosystem in Croatia has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with a surge of entrepreneurial activity and a supportive environment for innovative ideas to flourish. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of all incubator and accelerator programs in Croatia, along with a short overview to help you find a suitable program. The incubators and accelerators in this list have been subdivided into applicability for startups in their 'ideation' or 'launch' stages.
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FULL LIST OF STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS IN CROATIA
Full list of ideation to launch-stage startup incubators and accelerators in Croatia:
Stage: Ideation / Launch
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: AI
BIRD Incubator, founded by Poslovna inteligencija in 2021, is the first Croatian incubator dedicated to nurturing early-stage AI startups and encouraging the growth of the local startup ecosystem. Based in Zagreb, Crotia, the incubator focuses on providing assistance and resources to entrepreneurs in the disciplines of data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. BIRD Incubator provides a range of resources and services to entrepreneurs, including mentoring from acclaimed industry professionals, and offers a platform for entrepreneurs to turn their innovative ideas into successful ventures.
Stage: Ideation / Launch
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Digital
Algebra Lab is a vibrant and innovative startup incubator in Croatia with a remarkable track record of sponsoring over 150 ventures, making it a highly sought-after venue for prospective entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs at Algebra Lab may benefit from a wide range of services, including access to financing possibilities, networking events, conferences, and training programs geared to improve their skills and expertise. Algebra Lab also offers a contemporary and stimulating work environment for entrepreneurs, encouraging innovation and cooperation in their 450-square-meter office facility in Zagreb's Tech sector.
Stage: Ideation / Launch
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
ZIP Startup Program is a world-class incubation program that supports and nurtures prospective entrepreneurs. The program provides a transformational 4-month experience for participating teams, based on the Lean startup process and the knowledge of experienced mentors. Participants benefit from a variety of helpful materials and assistance during the program. Mentorship from industry experts, networking opportunities, and media exposure are all provided to help startups build awareness and traction.
Stage: Ideation / Launch
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The Founder Institute, a well-known worldwide startup accelerator, has expanded its reach to Croatia, providing budding entrepreneurs with a unique opportunity to begin their entrepreneurial path. The four-month program delivers a transformational experience for current and future startup founders of all types. Entrepreneurs who attend the Founder Institute in Croatia can get access to a full learning experience that includes mentorship, networking opportunities, media exposure, and the opportunity to receive investments.
Stage: Ideation / Launch
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Startup Incubator Rijeka is an entrepreneurial infrastructure in the Croatian city of Rijeka that provides resources and support for entrepreneurs in the region. The incubator's goal is to help individuals and teams develop their company ideas by providing them with space, infrastructure, and expert advice from mentors. Its mission is to nurture and build companies by providing a supportive environment for their growth.
Stage: Ideation / Launch
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
SPOCK is a startup incubator in Croatia that caters to students. It offers a fostering atmosphere for students with entrepreneurial dreams, allowing them to explore new frontiers. Workshops, coaching, professional assistance, and access to the incubator's large network of investors, venture capital funds, and corporate partners are available through the incubator. SPOCK is the place to go for students who want to establish their own business or learn vital entrepreneurial skills. It provides a nurturing environment in which students may learn, cooperate, and succeed on their entrepreneurial path.
Stage: Ideation / Launch
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
The EIT Digital Venture Program is a well-known project that assists early-stage entrepreneurial teams in developing successful digital technology firms. This program provides businesses with significant tools and help, such as coaching on designing Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), launching startup firms, and getting financing from investors. Selected teams will get an initial EUR5,000 grant, with an extra EUR10,000 available for those who complete the program and incorporate their firm.
Stage: Ideation / Launch
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology, Electronics, ICT, Green Tech, Energy, Sustainable Development
Zicer Incubator is a prominent Croatian business incubator that offers complete assistance and resources to early-stage enterprises. The vast range of educational programs and seminars offered by Zicer Incubator is one of its distinguishing aspects. These programs address a wide range of topics related to startup growth, such as business strategy, marketing, product development, and financial management. Entrepreneurs can gain crucial insights and skills from these courses in order to develop a sustainable and scalable firm. In addition to the educational program, Zicer Incubator also provides mentorship from seasoned industry people. These mentors offer advice, share their knowledge, and assist businesses in navigating the hurdles of entrepreneurship.
Stage: Launch
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Cyber Security & IoT, AgriTech, Food and Bioeconomics, Urban Mobility, Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Robotics and Data/AI, Blue Economy, Education, FinTech, Tourism & Creative Industries, Health and Quality of Life
STup! is an international startup competition intended exclusively for Croatian university startups. The event, which involves early-stage firms as well as a distinct research startup group, aims to create a forum for cooperation among young entrepreneurs from across the world. During the competition, startups will be able to pitch their ideas to a jury, and the competition winner will be able to pitch at the Wolves Summit. STup! not only offers young entrepreneurs with a crucial opportunity to demonstrate their concepts on the global startup scene, but also provides networking possibilities with investors and possible clients. Student startups who participate in this competition receive support and earn visibility in Croatia's strong and developing entrepreneurial environment.
Stage: Launch / Growth
Who is it for: Early startup with a team / Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Zicer Accelerator is a well-known startup accelerator that is part of ZICER, an organization that assists startups and entrepreneurs in turning their ideas into internationally competitive products. The Zicer Accelerator is a comprehensive program that aims to accelerate the growth of tech-oriented teams and entrepreneurs. The accelerator invites submissions from teams or businesses that are less than a year old and are working on a tech product. They also provide a Global Growth program for firms younger than 5 years old who are investment-ready and want to grow worldwide.
Closing Thoughts on Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Croatia
Several key players have emerged as catalysts for the growth of the startup ecosystem in Croatia. These initiatives have contributed to the growth of the startup ecosystem in Croatia, with an increasing number of innovative companies emerging in various sectors. The country has witnessed a substantial rise in the number of startups, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit and the increasing interest in the startup culture.