ScaleUp - The International Incubator for Social Innovations
From 28th September to 2nd October 2026, the European Social Innovation Alliance (ESIA) – led by Social Impact gGmbH – invites again eight innovative social enterprises from its member countries Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Estonia to join its fully-funded, five-day ScaleUp Incubator Programme near Berlin. Invited are social innovators, social enterprises and civil society organisations. Theme 2026: Strengthening Democracy through Social Innovations and Increasing their Reach
If your area of focus as a social enterprise is strengthening democratic participation and empowering people to shape the future of their communities and you aim for increasing your reach, then this is your chance to learn, collaborate, scale your impact and exchange across borders!
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Social enterprises and civic society organisations which...
… are already established and active in the market or their field of impact, with their head office in Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg or Estonia (no early-stage start-ups and organisations)
… work on innovative solutions in the fields of strengthen democratic participation
… are interested in transnational cooperation and increasing their reach
.. are comfortable with the incubator being in English
Applicants must be registered organisations. Unfortunately individual applicants are not eligible.
We welcome applications from:
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The ScaleUp Incubator offers...
Peer learning & deep knowledge exchange
Inspiring keynotes, international perspectives & best practices
Coaching by experienced trainers from Social Impact gGmbH about:
Increasing impact by making visible the benefits of social innovations, by campaigning, by social media and the use of AI
Exchange with key organisations and initiatives working on democracy building and social activism
All travel and accommodation costs (full board) are covered
Study visit to Berlin
Cross-country exchange
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More information about the programme:
Scope of Activities
Your social enterprise or organisation is active in one of these field of impacts:
Contents
The ScaleUp Incubator takes place from Mon, 28th September until 2nd October 2026 in Beeltiz Heilstätten (near Berlin). We will start with an online Kick-off-Call to get to know each other beforehand on Tues, 15th September 2026 at 11-12:30h (CEST)
Supported by an inspiring programme of keynote talks and workshops led by experts, and guided by coaches, you will be supported to achieve a greater reach, a better visibility for Social Innovations, in campaigning, the use of social media and artificial intelligence, communication and strategy, to devolope your business modell and Leadership as well as you will have the opportunity to transnational exchange and network across Europe – and where appropriate, to expand activities beyond national boarders.
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About the application & selection process:
Application deadline: 23th August 2026, end of day
Two social enterprises / organisations per country will be selected
Maximum 2 participants per enterprise/organisation can attend
Selected participants will be informed by 28th August 2026
Apply via the link below:
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Your trainers
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The location
Located in Beelitz-Heilstätten, around 50 km southwest of Berlin, our campus is housed in a beautifully restored building of a historic sanatorium complex from the early 20th century.
Today, it is a place for learning, collaboration and exchange on Social Entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on Social Innovations and strengthening rural regions and turning structural change into new opportunities.
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Intelligent Finite Elements in Structural mechanics Intelligent
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30 years experience in social innovation
Social Impact gGmbH is a non-profit agency for Social Innovations, operating across Germany. Since 1994, it has developed and implemented programs, projects, and consulting services aimed at increasing social impact. Its focus lies in supporting social enterprises, civil society organizations, and public sector actors in designing and implementing innovative solutions to societal challenges.
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The EU and the Scaling of Social Innovations
The European Union supports Social Innovations as a way to address complex societal challenges - such as unemployment, social exclusion, crisis of democracy, demographic change and the climate crisis - through new and more effective solutions. Recognizing that traditional approaches alone are not enough, the EU invests in projects and networks that test, scale, and share innovative ideas with strong social impact. This support comes through funding programs like the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and its Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) program, which provide resources for research, capacity building, and cross-border collaboration like The European Social Innovation Alliance (ESIA) and its National Competence Centres for Social Innovations. By fostering partnerships between public bodies, businesses, and civil society, the EU aims to create sustainable, inclusive growth and ensure that innovative solutions can be replicated and adapted across member states.
The ScaleUp Incubator 2026 is co-funded by the European Union and wants to foster the scaling of the reach of Social Innovations to strengthen democracy in EU member states, especially in the ESIA member countries Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Estonia.
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Who can apply for the ScaleUp Incubator 2026?
Social enterprises and organisations headquartered in Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Estonia or other European countries who are already established and strengthen democracy by their activies (directly or indirectly), are interested in scaling their reach and in transnational exchange and networking in Europe.
Please note that the whole programme will be in English, so very good English language skills are required.
How is the selection process set up?
What are the costs for attending the ScaleUp Incubator 2026?
All transportation and accomodation costs (full board) are covered.
For transportation this relates to Economy Class flights & 2nd class train tickets plus any additional public transport ticket costs related to the journey to and from the event location. A kilometer allowance will apply, if participants use a car to travel to and from the event location.
Accomodation is covered in a Hotel near the event location in Beelitz-Heilstätten with double or twin rooms (willingness to share a room is therefore required) and food/drinks will be provided in full.
How do you define a Social Enterprise and Social Innovations?
1) Definition of “Social Enterprise” by the European Union: Social enterprises are businesses whose main purpose is social or societal, often expressed through a high degree of Social Innovation. Their profits are primarily reinvested to achieve their social mission, and their governance and ownership structures reflect principles of participation, employee involvement, or social equity.
2) Definition of "Social Innovations" by the European Union: Social Innovations involve the creation and implementation of new ideas, practices and policies designed to address social challenges and enhance the well-being of European citizens. By engaging public authorities, civil society, academia and the private sector, these innovations seek to generate social impact and empower communities to actively participate in driving change.
Who is The European Social Innovation Alliance?
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