OPEN CALL FOR
BUSINESS COACHES

Apply to join the EPIC-X pool of business coaches and support women-led deep-tech startups from 16 European countries through the six-month Acceleration+ Programme.

Find out more

EPIC-X is inviting experienced business coaches, strategic advisors, and other experts to join its pool of coaches for the Acceleration+ Programme.

We are looking for expertise in areas such as market access, commercialisation, scaling, investment readiness, communication, leadership, deep-tech applications, and regulatory or IP-related matters.

profile of the Business Coaches 

Each business coach will be expected to contribute to one or more tailored coaching assignments. Support may include strategic advice, one-to-one coaching, practical feedback, and access to relevant networks and opportunities.

Coaching may be delivered online, in person, or in hybrid format, depending on startup needs.

EPIC-X aims to build a diverse pool of business coaches (only during the Acceleration+ Programme) whose expertise can be matched to the different needs of the selected startups.

open call for business coaches

Programme: April-September 2026

This is an ongoing call assessed in two application rounds: 

  • Launch of the call: 15th April 2026
  • First cut-off for applications: 30th April  2026
  • Second cut-off for applications: 29th May 2026
  • Evaluation and notification: carried out after each cut-off
Guidelines Blank application form Apply here!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Applicants should demonstrate: 

  • at least 5 years of proven professional experience in startup, innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship
  • provide up to 3 relevant examples of previous coaching, participation in networks or references from startups coached
  • proven experience (supported by examples) in at least one of the priority support areas listed above
  • good command of English (at least B2 – Common European Framework of Reference for Language skills)


The following will be considered an advantage:  

  • understanding of the European startup and innovation ecosystem
  • knowledge of one or more of the 16 EPIC-X target countries and their innovation environments
  • proven experience in deep-tech-related environments
  • experience working with women-led ventures or supporting gender equality in innovation
  • access to relevant networks, including investors, corporates, research organisations, clusters, accelerators, public agencies, or ecosystem actors 

Selected business coaches may support one or more EPIC-X startups during the Acceleration+ Programme from April to September 2026.

The expected contribution includes:

  • participation in an online onboarding meeting with the EPIC-X consortium
  • review of startup profiles, self-assessments, and coaching priorities
  • contribution to the definition of coaching priorities and support actions aligned with startup needs
  • brief follow-up or reporting, where required for coordination and monitoring

A startup may work with one or more business coaches. As startup needs vary, the exact coaching format and distribution of support will depend on the assignment.

EPIC-X consortium will match coaches to startups based on the relevance of their expertise to the startup’s specific needs, sector, stage of development, and strategic priorities. Ultimately, the decision is made by the startup according to their needs.

Matching will consider: 

  • thematic expertise (see Profile of Business Coaches)
  • startup growth challenges
  • deep-tech or sector relevance
  • knowledge of specific ecosystems or countries
  • availability and preferred mode of engagement  

Compensation for business coaching is covered through the lump-sum grant awarded to each startup under the EPIC-X Acceleration+ Programme.

Under the FSTP grant framework, startups were awarded a grant that includes 20.000 EUR designated for business coaching.

The financial arrangement will be established directly between each startup and the selected business coach or coaches, in line with the applicable programme rules and the agreed scope of work.

Further information on contracting and implementation conditions will be shared with selected business coaches. 

Interested applicants are invited to apply by completing the EU Survey and submitting the required supporting documents.

Applications should include: 

  • a CV or professional biography highlighting relevant experience
  • a short statement of interest explaining your motivation, expertise, and fit for the EPIC-X programme including relevant examples or references.

All application materials must be submitted in English. 

This is an ongoing call assessed in two application rounds: 

  • Applications submitted by 30th April 2026 will be reviewed in the first cut-off.
  • Applications submitted after 30th April 2026 and by 29th May 2026 will be reviewed in the second cut-off.

EPIC-X may begin evaluation, matching, and onboarding after the first cut-off.

Submission of an application does not guarantee selection, and selection does not automatically guarantee a startup match.
Incomplete applications may not be considered for evaluation.

Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis across two cut-off dates, based on the relevance and quality of the applicant’s experience, alignment with EPIC-X objectives, and potential fit with the needs of the selected startups.

Key milestones for this call are: 

  • Launch of the call: 15th April 2026
  • First cut-off for applications: 30th April 2026
  • Second cut-off for applications: 29th May 2026
  • Evaluation and notification: carried out after each cut-off
  • Matching and onboarding of business coaches: no later than 1 week after notification of selection, where applicable 

Successful applicants will be informed directly by the EPIC-X team. Applicants who are not selected will also be notified.

Selected applicants may be admitted to the EPIC-X pool of business coaches for possible matching during the Acceleration+ Programme. Admission to the pool does not constitute a guarantee of assignment. Matches will be made according to startup needs, expertise fit, availability, and programme requirements.

For any questions related to this coach call, the application process or the EPIC-X Acceleration+ Programme, please contact EPIC-X Team at general@epic-x.eu. 

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