What is the Edu Challenger Accelerator programme?

Edu Challenger is a tailored 3-months acceleration programme designed specifically for EdTech startups. Powered by Startup Lithuania and led by xEdu and Civitta. The programme provides mentorship, resources, and opportunities to scale startups in the global market, assisting with international expansion and investment attraction.

How long is the programme?

Edu Challenger is a 12-week programme.

Who can apply for the Edu Challenger programme?

The programme is suitable for early traction EdTech startups particularly those based in Lithuania and the rest of the world. Foreign startups wishing to apply to the programme must establish a business in Lithuania.

What are the benefits of applying to Edu Challenger Accelerator programme?

Key benefits of joining the program include receiving a global class support tailored for EdTech solutions to bring your startup from MVP to international success, connections with world-class experts, mentors, leading corporations, and strategic partners globally, engage with key players in the local education ecosystem to test your product, and securing funding.

Is in-person attendance required?

Yes, in-person participation is essential. Edu Challenger is a hybrid experience, with online and in-person sessions held in Vilnius, Lithuania. To successfully complete the programme you must attend the kickoff meeting, six in-person workshops, mentoring sessions, and the Demo Day - most of which taking place in Vilnius. The detailed schedule will be provided to all selected startups.

How do I apply? What is the deadline?

The form to express your interest for the 3rd program will open in March 2025. You can fill out the express of interest form on our website to find out about your suitability for the programme. Make sure to provide detailed information about your startup. All provided information will be treated with complete confidentiality, governed by our Privacy Statement.

The official Open Call will start from May, 2025 through ESinvesticijos.lt, where you will have to fill in an application form to get selected.

Can I apply if I am not based in Lithuania?

We welcome applications from all over the world! To be eligible to participate and receive a grant, you must register a legal entity in Vilnius and participate in the programme in person. Don’t worry, the process is easy-peasy and we will support you along the way! Fore more info you can contact us at: julija@startuplithuania.com.

Registering a company in Vilnius is as easy as an ABC

A guide on setting up a legal entity in Lithuania:

1. Prepare articles of association, along with founding act/founding agreement

2. Reserve a temporary company name (optional)

3. Open an accumulative bank account

4. Transfer share capital to that accumulative account

5. Notarise the founding documents at a registered notary’s office

6. Register the company in the Register of Legal Entities

7. Convert the accumulative bank account into a settlement account

Still confused? Check out this extensive guide.  If you are not an EU citizen, learn more about getting a startup visa here.

What is the cost of participating in Edu Challenger?

There is no upfront cost to join the Edu Challenger Accelerator, and all program activities are fully covered. However, participants are responsible for their own relocation expenses to Vilnius, if applicable. Additionally, selected startups will be eligible to receive a grant.

Do I need to give up equity?

No, you don’t need to give up any equity to participate in the programme. Moreover, selected participants will be eligible to receive a grant starting from 39K EUR and we will support you with investment readiness and access to funding.

Will my startup get any funding?

Yes, 8-7 selected batch participants will be eligible to receive the grant depending on their stage of development. 

Pre-MVP startups will be eligible for a grant up to 40k EUR.

Startups that are working to build an innovative product will be eligible to receive a grant up to 60k EUR.

To receive the grant, you will need to sign a grant agreement and after successful completion of the programme (but completing the commitments no longer than 3 months after the programme). The grant will be paid in two instalments:

1) First instalment: a 30% advance payment after 25% of the programme is completed.

2) Second instalment: the remaining amount will be paid when 2 conditions are met:

• upon successful completion of the programme;

• product/MVP is developed as foreseen in application form (no later than 6 months after signing the contract).

Overall, a total 3 participants throughout 3 batches will also be able to raise an additional 42k EUR in investment, and the strongest teams will get an additional 24k EUR.

We have applied, what happens now?

For the third batch, the selection will be held during the month of June 2025. All selected participants (and rejected candidates) will be informed before the programme starts in September.

Once the application form is submitted through Esinvesticijos page, applicant eligibility will be reviewed, followed by the selection process.

For any questions about the Edu Challenger Accelerator Open Call,

feel free to reach out to us at info@educhallenger.com.