Top 20 University-Based Incubators in Europe in 2025
Europe’s startup ecosystem is thriving, and university-based incubators play a pivotal role in nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.
These programs provide mentorship, funding, and access to networks, helping students and researchers transform ideas into successful ventures.
Below is a curated list of the top 20 university-based incubators in Europe in 2025, highlighting their programs, funding opportunities, and success stories.
These programs provide mentorship, funding, and access to networks, helping students and researchers transform ideas into successful ventures.
Below is a curated list of the top 20 university-based incubators in Europe in 2025, highlighting their programs, funding opportunities, and success stories.
1. UnternehmerTUM (Technical University of Munich, Germany)
UnternehmerTUM is one of Europe’s leading incubators, offering programs like XPRENEURS and TechFounders. It provides funding up to €250,000, access to a network of investors, and mentorship from industry leaders. Notable alumni include Celonis, a process mining unicorn.
2. SETsquared (University of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton, and Surrey, UK)
SETsquared supports startups across various sectors with a 12-month incubation program. It offers £10,000 in funding, office space, and access to a network of over 10,000 investors. Alumni include Graphcore, a semiconductor company valued at over $2 billion.
3. EUT+ Incubation Program (European University of Technology Network)
This 6-month program focuses on fostering innovation across EU campuses. Participants receive mentorship, access to EU funding opportunities, and the chance to compete in the EUt+ Finals in Darmstadt.
4. Oxford University Innovation (University of Oxford, UK)
The Startup Incubator at Oxford supports ventures from the idea stage, offering free access to mentorship, office space, and funding opportunities. Alumni have raised over $70 million in funding.
5. Polihub (Politecnico di Milano, Italy)
Polihub specializes in deep tech startups, offering programs ranging from 3 to 8 months. It provides access to €50,000 in funding and mentorship from industry experts. Notable alumni include Phononic Vibes, a noise isolation solutions company.
6. Yes!Delft (Delft University of Technology, Netherlands)
Yes!Delft offers a 3-month accelerator program for hardware and digital startups. It provides €20,000 in funding, mentorship, and access to a network of investors. Alumni include Ampelmann, a maritime technology company.
7. Startup Autobahn (University of Stuttgart, Germany)
Focused on mobility and enterprise solutions, this 6-month program connects startups with corporate partners like Daimler and Porsche. Funding opportunities include €100,000 in grants.
8. Lund University Elevate Program (Lund University, Sweden)
This program offers free coaching, office space, and workshops to help startups become investment-ready. Alumni include Piletsch, a zero-waste retail company.
9. B4i Accelerator (Bocconi University, Italy)
B4i focuses on sustainability, digital tech, and creative industries. It offers €25,000 in funding and a 4-month structured program. Alumni include Mine Crime, a crime data analytics app.
10. Wyss Zurich (ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Switzerland)
This accelerator focuses on regenerative medicine and robotics. It provides CHF 250,000 in funding and access to a network of experts. Alumni include AnyMotion, a robotics technology company.
11. Cambridge Enterprise (University of Cambridge, UK)
Cambridge Enterprise supports startups with funding up to £250,000, mentorship, and access to a global network. Notable alumni include Raspberry Pi.
12. Tartu University CDL-Estonia (Tartu University, Estonia)
This program focuses on digital government and cybersecurity. It offers €50,000 in funding and access to the Creative Destruction Lab network.
13. ESADE eWorks Accelerator (ESADE Business School, Spain)
This selective program offers mentorship and access to investors. It is free and based on merit. Alumni include SelvaMaté, a sustainable beverage company.
14. Imperial Enterprise Lab (Imperial College London, UK)
Imperial Enterprise Lab offers funding up to £20,000, mentorship, and access to a network of investors. Alumni include BenevolentAI, a biotech company.
15. RWTH Innovation (RWTH Aachen University, Germany)
This incubator supports startups with funding up to €100,000, mentorship, and access to research facilities. Alumni include Exotec, a robotics company.
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16. Startup Lisboa (University of Lisbon, Portugal)
Startup Lisboa offers a 6-month program with access to €50,000 in funding and mentorship. Alumni include Unbabel, a translation technology company.
17. H-FARM (University of Venice, Italy)
H-FARM focuses on digital innovation, offering €30,000 in funding and a 6-month program. Alumni include Musixmatch, a music recognition app.
18. DTU Science Park (Technical University of Denmark)
This incubator offers funding up to €50,000, mentorship, and access to research facilities. Alumni include Endomag, a medical technology company.
19. EIT Climate-KIC (European Institute of Innovation and Technology)
EIT Climate-KIC supports startups focused on sustainability, offering €50,000 in funding and access to a global network. Alumni include SunFunder, a solar energy company.
20. Una Europa Student Project Incubator (European University Alliance)
This program empowers students to tackle global challenges, offering mentorship and funding opportunities. It focuses on sustainability, peace, and inclusion.
These university-based incubators are at the forefront of innovation, providing the resources and support needed to turn ideas into successful businesses.
Whether you’re a student, researcher, or aspiring entrepreneur, these programs offer a gateway to entrepreneurial success.
Whether you’re a student, researcher, or aspiring entrepreneur, these programs offer a gateway to entrepreneurial success.
