For the most promising startups, the journey doesn’t end after the sprint—it evolves. In our exclusive accelerator program, selected teams receive dedicated, hands-on support. You’ll work toward achieving the milestones defined during the validation sprint. Expect deep-dive strategy sessions, targeted introductions to key partners, and personalized guidance to refine your business model, secure funding, and gain traction in the market. This is where vision meets execution—customized to your startup’s unique path to success.
OPEN CALL
BATCH #4
The Future Forest Validation Sprint
Accelerate Your Impact
Join Batch #4 of the Future Forest Accelerator and access a diverse programme and extensive network! We offer you a 5-week deep dive to refine your strategy, sharpen your pitch, and connect with the right people.
💡 Curious about what matters most to us? 👉 Check out this page to see the key topics we’re focusing on!
Who are we looking for?
We are seeking young startups (max. 5 years) driving solutions for future forest management and planetary health.
Your Profile
- We are looking for impact startups from the forest and climate tech environment that pursue an entrepreneurial objective or are oriented towards the common good.
- Ideally, you should be a pre-seed or seed-stage startup that was founded less than 5 years ago with an existing business model and/or a prototype.
- Thematically, we focus on three key aspects: Ecosystem Services (e.g., biodiversity, soil and forest health, water retention), Forest Management (e.g., regenerative forestry, digitization, smart forestry), and Climate Solutions (e.g., bioeconomy, circular economy).
Eligibility Criteria
- Your startup is not older than 5 years
- Commitment to participate in the Green Castle Final Sprint (June 5-6) and the Future Forest Forum 2025 (September 4-6)
The Fine Print
- Travel & accommodation expenses will not be covered.
- Food and external expert costs are covered by the Future Forest Initiative.
- The sprint qualifies as de minimis aid up to EUR 12,200.
- By applying, you consent to the use of photo and video recordings.
Why you should apply
🎤 Pitch & Storytelling Mastery
From virtual sessions to live rehearsals, we help you craft a compelling pitch that resonates with investors, partners, and customers.
🚀 Exclusive Access to Experts & Mentors
Connect with top-tier experts in forestry, climate tech, impact investing, and startup scaling. Get real-world advice that moves your venture forward.
📍 Tailored Milestone Development
Define the critical next steps for your startup. Together, we develop your individual roadmap, ensuring you are well-prepared for the next accelerator stage..
🏃♀️ Green Castle Final Sprint
A high-energy gathering at Schloss Blankenburg, where expert coaches work with you one-on-one, refining your strategy in a hands-on, dynamic setting.
🏰 Showcasing at the Future Forest Forum
Secure two exclusive tickets to present your startup at one of the leading climate & forestry innovation events, in front of 400+ industry leaders and investors.
🌱 Zero Cost, Maximum Impact
We believe in accessible innovation. Our equity-free program ensures you receive the best resources without financial barriers.
Your Benefits
Empower founders, gain contacts!
✓ Coaching and 1:1 mentoring sessions with our team, partners and experts network.
✓ Offsite coworking with experts at Future Forest headquarters Blankenburg Castle.
✓ Strong and active alumni and partner network.
Prepare your next financing round! (Pre-Seed to Series A)
✓ Finance bootcamp with investors from our investor network.
✓ Matching events with leading investors in ths segment.
✓ Legal, ESG and tax support.
Product market fit via practical projects!
✓ 1:1 matching with leading industry representatives.
✓ Pitches at the Future Forest Forum and important industry events in Germany and Europe.
✓ Accompanied pilot projects with experienced corporate partners, organisations and research institutes in our real-world laboratory.
Take your startup to the next level
and validate your innovation, prepare your go-to-market strategy, or get ready for the next investment round!
Future Forest Validation Sprint 2025
Your Path through the Program
01.
Applications close
30.03.2025
How to apply
1️⃣ Submit your application via this form by 30th of March 2025.
2️⃣ Prepare a task and pitch your solution during the Virtual Selection Day on 10th of April 2025.
3️⃣ Selected startups will be informed shortly after and invited to the next steps.
02.
Virtual Selection Day
10.04.2025
Pitching Time
- Pitch your solution to a panel of experts, partners, and stakeholders.
- Receive personalized feedback and secure your spot in the program.
03.
Meet your Mentor (online)
29.04.2025
Start of Validation Sprint
Connect with top-tier experts in forestry, climate tech, impact investing, and startup scaling, and gain valuable insights tailored to your startup’s needs. Throughout the program, you’ll work closely with your mentors and the Future Forest Initiative team to define personalized milestones. You’ll also receive impulses from leading experts, helping you sharpen your strategy and make informed decisions—all in a fully online format.
04.
Green Castle Final Sprint @ Schloss Blankenburg
05.06.2025
End of Validation Sprint
Experience a high-energy gathering at Castle Blankenburg, where expert coaches work with you one-on-one to refine your strategy in a hands-on, dynamic setting. This event is designed to accelerate your progress with tailored guidance and interactive sessions. You'll not only sharpen your business model and market approach but also take part in a dedicated finance workshop, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to navigate funding opportunities with confidence.
05.
Future Forest Award @ Future Forest Forum
04.-06.09.2025
Showcase and Scale
You thought you already had access to our great network? Think again—this is our annual highlight event! Unlock the full potential of the Future Forest Forum, where you’ll not only connect with 400+ industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, but also secure a booth at our innovation fair to showcase your solution. Plus, you’ll step onto the big stage to pitch for the Future Forest Award, where a public vote decides the winner.
06.
For Selected Teams: Individual Accelerator
05.06.2025 onwards
Tailored Growth & Execution
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"By participating in the Future Forest Initiative 2022 Accelerator, we were able to grow enormously - it was an absolute game changer for us. We still benefit greatly from this network today."
Michelle Spitzer
Founder eco:fibr -
"We have now received EIP funding for our project in which we grow functional mushrooms in the forest. Thank you Future Forest Initiative for accompanying us to this great opportunity!"
Jana Baltscheit
Founder Lykaia Nutrition
👋 Let's talk!
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Join our Batch #4!
Partners
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Supported by Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank on behalf of the Federal Ministry.
Unsere Programme für eure Innovationen
Wir bieten im Rahmen des europaweit ersten Accelerators für Wald & Klima individuelle Programmformate an, in denen euch als Startup mit Wald- und Klimabezug, ein passgenauer Zugang zu Mentor:innen und Expert:innen, zu potentiellen Investor:innen sowie Umsetzungspartnern geboten wird. In unserem Accelerator-Programm #accelerate vernetzen wir euch mit Waldbesitzenden und relevanten Stakeholdern aus Unternehmen, Wissenschaft und Politik, begleiten und organisieren Pilotprojekte und initiieren strategische Partnerschaften für euren erfolgreichen Markeinstieg.
FUTURE FOREST #ACCELERATE
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Als reifere Startups unterstützen wir euch in unserem Programm #accelerate bei eurer Go-To-Market Strategie. Kern der Säule #accelerate ist ein mehrmonatiges Accelerator-Programm mit Präsenz- und Online-Formaten und dem Finale (Demo Day) beim Future Forest Forum auf dem beeindruckenden Schloss Blankenburg im Harz. Dafür stellen wir euch u.a. ein Netzwerk aus über 40 Mentor:innen zur Verfügung, das euch bei euren Milestones unterstützt, sowie attraktive Partner, mit denen ihr eure Lösungen optimieren könnt. Die Programmsprache ist größtenteils englisch, da sich #accelerate auch an internationale Startups aus ganz Europa richtet. Mehr Infos unten und hier im Flyer.
Unser Fokus
Der Fokus unseres #accelerate Programms liegt auf Impact-Startups aus dem Wald-, Holz- und ClimateTech-Umfeld, die eine unternehmerische Zielsetzung verfolgen. Wir unterstützen dabei insb. Startups der Pre-Seed und Seed-Stage mit einem vorhandenen Prototyp oder einem bestehendem Business Modell. Thematisch bewegen wir uns dabei in den 3 Säulen Smart Forestry (z.B. Robotik), Ecosystem Services (z.B. Stärkung der Biodiversität) und Climate Solutions (z.B. Agroforst & Bioecomomy).
jetzt bewerben
Ablauf #accelerate 2023
Phase 1 - Bewerbung für den Validation-Sprint
Nach eurer Bewerbung für Batch#2 unseres Startup-Programms bis spät. 04.04.2023 werden wir bereits am 06. April eine Entscheidung treffen, welche Startups dieses Jahr dabei sein werden, und euch umgehend informieren. #accelerate ist in 2 Phasen aufgeteilt. In Sprint 1 validiert ihr mit Hilfe von Mentoren euere Innovation und qualifiziert euch für die Incubation-Phase. Werdet ihr dafür ausgewählt geht es in diversen Sessions mit unseren Partnern um die Entwicklung einer Go-to-market Strategie, konkrete Kooperationsprojekte oder Finanzierungsoptionen. Individuell nach eurem Bedarf.
Falls du nicht die passende Antwort auf deine Frage gefunden hast, schreib uns doch einfach an!