Fit 4 Start breaks records and reinforces Luxembourg's global status

The call for applications for the 16th season of the Fit 4 Start accelerator programme, which closed on 11 August, showed unprecedented interest: Luxinnovation received 495 applications - 16% more than in the previous season and the absolute maximum in the ten-year history of the programme. The launch of this cycle is scheduled for January 2026.

Initiated by the Luxembourg Ministry of Economy, the project has over the years become an internationally recognised platform for startups, as evidenced by the geography of the participants: 302 applications came from abroad versus 193 local applications. The most active were entrepreneurs from South Korea (31 applications), the UK (19), and the US and Germany (18 each).

EasyBiz

The selection stages will take place during Luxembourg Venture Days on 22-23 October. The jury will select 20 start-ups that will receive six months of specialised coaching. Each team will receive €50,000 from the Ministry of Economy, provided they are registered in Luxembourg. Those that attract private investment and hire at least two employees will have access to an additional €100,000 in funding.

As Luxinnovation's startup advisor Mickael Borger points out, this increase in interest reflects a decade of work to create a favourable environment for innovation and business scaling in Luxembourg. By bringing together ambitious projects from around the world, the programme not only stimulates economic growth and employment, but also accelerates the adoption of cutting-edge solutions in key sectors.

Applications for coaching roles will open in September, and those wishing to join the pitching panel can apply now.