Registrations open — Starting Feb 25

Startup Village Academy

6 free expert-led webinars on rural innovation. From biodiversity and entrepreneurship to digital tools and climate resilience. Register once, access all sessions.

25 Feb — 31 Mar 2026
60–90 min per session
Online — Free
Register now
6
Expert-led sessions
6
Weeks of learning
7+
EU countries involved
100%
Free & online

6 Sessions. 6 Weeks.
One Mission.

Each session is designed as a standalone masterclass. Attend one or attend all — every session gives you practical frameworks you can implement immediately.

1
Tue 25 Feb · 11:00–12:30 CET
ATHENA / AE4RIA

Biodiversity & Circular Economy for Startup Villages

80% of Europe's biodiversity is in rural areas. Who's protecting it? Learn how Startup Villages can turn circular economy principles into real biodiversity action — with frameworks you can apply today.

Trainer: Lydia Papadaki, ATHENA Research Centre / AE4RIA

What if your village could be a living lab for biodiversity? Discover how circular economy strategies can protect ecosystems while creating economic value in rural communities. Real frameworks, real case studies, zero fluff.

2
Tue 3 Mar · 14:00–15:00 CET
RDI Hub

Entrepreneurship & Startup Support in Rural Areas

Rural areas aren't lacking entrepreneurs — they're lacking the right support systems. This session unpacks what actually works to launch and scale startups outside major cities.

From access to funding and mentorship to building local ecosystems that attract talent instead of losing it. Practical insights for anyone building or supporting rural entrepreneurship.

3
Wed 11 Mar · 11:00–12:00 CET
RDI Hub

Digital Tools for Rural Producers

Most digital tools weren't designed with rural producers in mind. This session changes that. RDI Hub walks you through the tools and platforms that are actually working for rural businesses.

From farm-to-market digital solutions to low-cost tech that doesn't require a PhD to use. Leave with a toolkit you can recommend or implement immediately.

4
Wed 18 Mar · 11:00 CET
Fundão

Learnings on Becoming a Startup Village

Fundão didn't just call itself a Startup Village — it built one from scratch. The team behind one of Europe's most recognised success stories shares what actually worked, what failed, and what they'd do differently.

From attracting startups to a remote Portuguese municipality to creating a thriving innovation ecosystem — these are the real lessons no policy document will give you.

5
Thu 26 Mar · 11:00–12:30 CET
Climate KIC

DEI for Startups

Diversity isn't a checkbox — it's a competitive advantage. Wallis Grant breaks down how startups can embed diversity, equity and inclusion from day one, not as an afterthought.

Why diverse teams build better products, how to spot and fix blind spots in your hiring and culture, and what inclusive innovation actually looks like in practice.

6
30–31 Mar · TBC
Climate KIC

Adaptation & Resilience: Business Models

Climate change isn't waiting for rural communities to catch up. Explore how to build business models that don't just survive disruption — they thrive on it.

From adaptation strategies to resilience frameworks, learn how to turn climate risk into economic opportunity for Startup Villages.

Built for doers, not just dreamers

Local Governments

Municipalities and regional bodies exploring the Startup Village model for their territories.

Rural Entrepreneurs

Founders and innovators building businesses in rural areas across Europe.

Innovation Hubs

Incubators, accelerators, and support organisations working with rural communities.

Researchers & Practitioners

Academics and professionals interested in rural development, circular bioeconomy, and territorial innovation.

Startup Village Communities

Citizens, local leaders, and community members already part of — or aspiring to build — a Startup Village.

Register once.
Access all 6 sessions.

Sign up below and we'll send you access links to every session. Pick the ones that interest you — or join them all.

  • Instant access to all 6 Zoom session links
  • Automated reminders so you never miss a session
  • Recordings available if you can't attend live
  • Connect with rural innovators across Europe

Secure your spot

Takes 30 seconds. No spam, ever.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

A FoodCoP initiative · Powered by Horizon Europe

Câmara Municipal do Fundão University of Gloucestershire ATHENA Research Center FOOD+i ENCO Engineering and Consulting SERN – Startup Europe Regions Network RDI Hub Climate KIC Startup Slovenia Tovarna podjemov – Venture Factory Podjetniški inkubator Kočevje Meraki People Câmara de Lobos Bragança Penela Câmara Municipal do Fundão University of Gloucestershire ATHENA Research Center FOOD+i ENCO Engineering and Consulting SERN – Startup Europe Regions Network RDI Hub Climate KIC Startup Slovenia Tovarna podjemov – Venture Factory Podjetniški inkubator Kočevje Meraki People Câmara de Lobos Bragança Penela