Lithuania has launched its first specialised edtech accelerator, Edu Challenger. It is also one of the few accelerators targeting edtech innovation in Europe and addressing a growing demand for expert services in the field. The team told AIN the news. More details about the program’s timelines are provided on the website.

What does the acceleration program offer?

  • The accelerator will support 30+ entrepreneurs over three rounds. Edu Challenger welcomes traction-driven entrepreneurs from all across the world wanting to expand sales, access new markets, and attract investment.

  • The accelerator program will include training, mentoring, and networking opportunities with startups, investors, clients, and corporations. The program will run 12 weeks, with the first batch starting in November. Startups will be assigned a real workspace and must attend sessions in Vilnius.

  • The accelerator will include three batches, each with ten to fifteen startups. All activities will continue until March 2026. The program is sponsored by the EC Recovery and Resilience Facility under the Next Generation EU.

“The launch of the Edu Challenger accelerator in Lithuania is an important step in fostering innovation in education in our country as well as across the globe. This programme will provide a unique opportunity for startups to grow their businesses, access international markets and attract investment, in turn resulting in the economic growth and stronger innovation ecosystem in Lithuania. Startups selected for the programme will be eligible for the grants of 39 thousand EUR and 59 thousand EUR provided by the Innovation Agency”, says Minister of Economy and Innovation Aušrinė Armonaitė.

About Edu Challenger and its management

  • Startup Lithuania, a branch of the Innovation Agency Lithuania, Civitta, a global digital advising firm, and xEdu, an edtech accelerator based in Finland, will manage the Edu Challenger accelerator. Startup Lithuania serves as a national hub for the startup ecosystem, acting as an intermediary between the government, rapidly expanding companies, accelerators, venture capital funds, and innovation-friendly businesses.

  • For almost a decade, Civitta has been conducting business support programs. More than 1200 startups have benefited from its support; among its clients are Bolt, Slido, and Nanoavionics. It has also assisted entrepreneurs in obtaining over €1.3 billion in funding.

  • xEdu is a founding member of the Baltic & Nordic sponsoring partner of the European Edtech Alliance. Since 2017, xEdu has also been the venue for Slush's official Edtech side event. They have helped more than 100 entrepreneurs raise a total of more than 50 million euros in funding.