Over the course of the program, DEEP will generate 18 tailor-made datasets for partners and startups, provide 45 hours of individual consulting (online or in-person), and create 48 pieces of expert content such as articles and strategic briefings. To support evidence-based decisions, 34 data visualizations will also be delivered.

Participants will benefit from two international networking events, each bringing together more than 60 ecosystem actors. In total, the program will facilitate over 1,150 expert connections across regions and sectors, while also introducing participants to 85 relevant partner organizations, including investors, accelerators, and corporates.

The program supports the development of 60 ecosystem growth plans and strategic materials tailored to local needs. In addition, 13 peer-exchange workshops will be organized to share best practices and foster learning across the DEEP global network.

Through targeted matchmaking activities, the program will facilitate 180 startup–partner connections focused on collaboration, technology scouting, and investment opportunities, ensuring that innovative solutions reach the right stakeholders.

To increase access to funding, DEEP will compile 13 tailored lists of funding opportunities for startups and identify 23 strategic funding calls. Furthermore, the program will support the formation of 9 international consortia and co-develop 9 ready-to-submit funding applications with selected participants.

Initiatives are coached to build resilient, efficient business models and reduce operational costs.

The basic definition of a business ecosystem is best described by J. Moore (1993): “In a business ecosystem, companies co-evolve capabilities around a new innovation: they work cooperatively and competitively to support new products, satisfy customer needs, and eventually incorporate the next round of innovations.” [Moore, James F.: Predators and Prey: A New Ecology of Competition. In: Harvard Business Review, May–June 1993]

Ecosystems are the most powerful and sustainable way of solving social and environmental problems by creating an environment where different stakeholders such as entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, venture capitalists, and business developers work together in a complex system to advance a shared vision of innovation. As ecosystem builders, it is on us to shape a joint vision and to make these systems function.

An ecosystem accelerator is a structured program designed to rapidly strengthen and advance an innovation ecosystem as a whole—not just individual startups. Unlike typical startup accelerators, which focus on growing single companies, an ecosystem accelerator supports collaboration and capacity building among all key actors: entrepreneurs, investors, universities, corporations, policymakers, and ecosystem builders.

By bringing these stakeholders together through targeted workshops, mentoring, and joint projects, an ecosystem accelerator creates the conditions for sustainable growth, knowledge exchange, and collective impact. The goal is to align the ecosystem’s strengths, address key challenges, and unlock new opportunities for innovation at scale.

In short:
An ecosystem accelerator helps a region or sector build stronger networks, shared resources, and a thriving environment for innovation—accelerating progress for the entire community, not just for individual startups.

A moonshot is a bold, ambitious project that aims to achieve breakthrough results by solving challenges that seem almost impossible today. The term originates from the Apollo 11 mission, which required visionary thinking, innovation, and exceptional collaboration.

For DEEPSEA Hungary, moonshots are high-impact initiatives that tackle the most important challenges facing the Hungarian innovation ecosystem. This includes topics such as improving technology transfer from universities, engaging the Hungarian diaspora worldwide, and attracting international growth capital. Over the next two years, DEEPSEA Hungary will launch and support eight of these transformative projects, each designed to create lasting value and drive systemic change for startups and innovators in Hungary.

In essence, a moonshot in DEEPSEA Hungary is a visionary project with the potential to deliver extraordinary results for the ecosystem.

• Startup Support Organizations – Incubators, accelerators, and innovation hubs
• Economic Development Agencies – Government entities focused on innovation & entrepreneurship
• Universities & Research Institutions – Building startup ecosystems around knowledge transfer
• Corporates & Industry Clusters – Driving open innovation and venture engagement
• Investment & Funding Bodies – Seeking high-potential regional ecosystems

There is no upfront fee to join the program. However, we operate on a success-fee model, meaning a contribution is only required if your project receives funding or generates revenue as a result of the accelerator. Review the participation agreement here.

Yes, since the program aims to accelerate the Hungarian innovation ecosystem, your activities or services must be based in or directly serve Hungary.

All modules, workshops, and learning materials are in English.

Your own offerings can be in the commonly used language of your ecosystem.

The accelerator program follows a hybrid format and includes mandatory in-person components. Some travel—particularly to Budapest for events like bootcamp and the Demo Day—will be required.

The program follows a hybrid format and includes mandatory attendance at key events such as the bootcamp and Demo Day, which are planned to take place in Budapest.