The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has opened applications for the 2025 Star Venture Programme, designed to accelerate high-potential, tech-enabled startups in Morocco, Azerbaijan, and Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan). This prestigious initiative connects promising young ventures with world-class mentorship, investor networks, and tailored business support aimed at driving innovation and scaling growth across emerging markets.
Applications are now open with region-specific deadlines:
Morocco: 10 November 2025
Azerbaijan: 17 November 2025
Central Asia: 30 November 2025
Launched by the EBRD to support early-stage entrepreneurs, the Star Venture Programme identifies startups with the potential to become high-growth, market-leading businesses. The initiative targets companies that are creating innovative, scalable, and tech-driven solutions to address pressing local and global challenges.
Through a 24-month acceleration journey, selected startups receive comprehensive, hands-on support to strengthen their operations, enhance their competitiveness, and access investment opportunities. The programme aims to bridge the gap between local startups and international markets, helping founders build sustainable business models and achieve long-term growth.
The Star Venture Programme welcomes applications from startups that meet the following eligibility criteria:
Innovative, tech-driven model: Applicants must offer a scalable product, service, or technology that leverages digital tools or innovation.
SME qualification: The business must qualify as a small or medium-sized enterprise under EU definitions.
Turnover: Annual revenue must be less than EUR 1 million.
Location: The company must operate in one of the EBRD’s countries of operation and be majority-owned by citizens of that country.
Age: The business must be less than 10 years old from the date of registration.
Commitment: Startups must be willing to participate actively in the 24-month acceleration programme.
The programme is open to ventures across diverse industries, including fintech, agri-tech, clean energy, health technology, and digital solutions. However, companies involved in military products, gambling, or tobacco are not eligible.
Selected startups will benefit from an exclusive growth platform that includes:
Expert-led mentorship: One-on-one advisory sessions with global business experts and experienced entrepreneurs to refine strategy, strengthen operations, and build leadership capacity.
Investor networking: Opportunities to connect with international investors and venture capitalists to secure funding and strategic partnerships.
Tailored business support: Access to tools and resources for scaling, improving business processes, and exploring new markets.
Global exposure: Visibility through EBRD’s regional and international platforms, enabling startups to position themselves as leaders in innovation and sustainability.
Beyond mentorship and investment opportunities, participation in the programme signifies global recognition—placing selected ventures among the most promising startups in their regions.
Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria carefully and apply through their respective regional application portals. The selection process prioritizes ventures that demonstrate both high growth potential and social or economic impact within their local ecosystems.
Startups that successfully complete the application process and are selected for the programme will gain access to customized mentorship, potential investment linkages, and ongoing business development support for up to two years.
The EBRD’s Star Venture Programme reflects the organization’s broader mission of empowering entrepreneurship and innovation across emerging economies. By identifying and nurturing early-stage companies, the programme helps foster job creation, strengthen digital transformation, and promote sustainable economic growth.
Through partnerships with investors, accelerators, and business experts, EBRD continues to build a vibrant ecosystem where local innovation meets global opportunity—especially in regions where access to mentorship and capital remains limited.
Explore more about what Star Venture has to offer here!
Interested startups should visit the EBRD Star Venture Programme website to access detailed application guidelines for their respective regions. Applications must include company information, business model details, financial data, and a brief statement of interest outlining how participation in the programme will help achieve business goals.
Applicants are encouraged to submit early, as competition is expected to be high and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
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