Join the 5G-DiGITs
Accelerator Programme
A transnational, challenge-based accelerator for student-led startups working on 5G/B5G and green technology innovation. Solve real industry challenges posted by leading companies — and pitch your solution at the Demo Day.
What does the 5G-DiGITs Accelerator offer?
Everything you need to go from a challenge-driven idea to an investor-ready solution — in 4 months, with the support of a European network of mentors, industry leaders, and innovation experts.
Challenge-Based Model
Work on a real industry challenge posted by a Challenge Owner company. Your entire programme — workshops, mentoring, pitch prep — is built around delivering a solution that solves a genuine market problem.
Expert Mentoring
- Dedicated Lead Mentor for overall strategy
- Technical Mentor for 5G/B5G solution design
- Business Mentor for market & investment readiness
- ~12–15 hours of tailored mentoring per startup
5 Thematic Workshops
- 5G/B5G Innovation Landscape & Green Transition
- Sustainable Technology Architecture
- Business Models in the 5G Ecosystem
- MVP Development & Impact Measurement
- Investment Readiness & Pitch Preparation
Networking & Ecosystem Access
- 3 structured networking sessions
- Direct engagement with Challenge Owner companies
- Connections to investors and innovation hubs
- Access to 8-country European partner network
Demo Day & Recognition
- Live pitch to Challenge Owners & investor panel
- Awards: Most Innovative · Best Sustainability Impact · Best Market Potential
- Post-event networking for investment & partnerships
Industry Connections
- Work directly with Challenge Owner companies
- Exposure to telecom operators & tech providers
- EU funding guidance and investor introductions
- Post-programme follow-up opportunities
Who can apply?
The 5G-DiGITs Accelerator is open to student-led startup teams working on 5G/B5G and green technology innovations from all European or Horizon-associated countries.
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Student-Led Teams
At least one team member must be a current student or recent graduate of an HEI or VET institution. (You can apply either as a Start-up / Individual Innovator / Researcher / Academic Team check the application form for more).
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Challenge Alignment
Your solution must address one of the challenges posted by Challenge Owners, or you can opt for no challenge to be tackled. You select your preferred challenge at the time of application.
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Eligible Countries
All European or Horizon-associated countries. Transnational teams — members from different countries — are strongly encouraged.
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Thematic Focus
Your solution must be relevant to one or more domains: 5G/B5G technologies, Green digital innovation, IoT & edge computing, AI-enabled services, or Digital manufacturing.
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Originality
The solution must be the team's original work — not a copy or reproduction of an existing commercial product or service.
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Full Commitment
All team members must commit to attending all workshops, mentoring sessions, and the Demo Day for the full programme duration (October 2026 – January 2027).
Challenge Owner Companies
These leading industry companies have posted specific 5G or green technology challenges. Apply to solve one — or propose your own solution independently.
Eligible technology domains:
Key Dates
From open call launch to Demo Day — mark your calendar.
June
Open Call Launch
Day
Digital Info Day
Sept
Application Deadline
2026
Evaluation & Results
Jan
Business Support Programme & Demo Day
Highlights of the Challenges
Five real industry challenges posted by leading companies across Europe. Choose one to solve — or propose your own solution independently. Full descriptions are in the Challenge Descriptions document.
Safer Public Spaces
Build a 5G-enabled digital twin of a public space using real-time IoT sensor data. Detect risks, create shared situational awareness, and support coordinated incident response. Goal: an integrated, scalable safety management system for municipalities.
Smart Cities · Digital Twin · IoT5G/6G ISAC & Digital Twin Sensing
Simulate ISAC-based sensing in a digital twin, primarily for bridge structural health monitoring. Use reflected 5G/6G radio signals to analyse vibration frequency and amplitude. Optional extension: detect fire scenarios through environmental sensing.
ISAC · Digital Twin · Structural HealthAI-Driven EMF Exposure Mapping & Hotspot Identification
Develop an AI-centric methodology and toolset for improved modelling, mapping and prediction of RF-EMF exposure across a national territory, with a particular focus on identifying potential hotspots in locations that are difficult or impractical to measure directly.
AI · EMF · Geospatial · RegulatoryAI Emergency Response on Private 5G
Create an AI situational-awareness module for emergency response over Private 5G. Integrate telemetry, dashboards, predictive alerts, and automated workflows. Goal: help incident commanders make faster, safer, real-time decisions.
AI · Private 5G · Emergency Response5G Network Slicing & Telco API Platform for Dynamic, Demand-Based Premium Services
Design and build a platform that enables applications and services to dynamically connect with mobile network operators via 5G network slicing and CAMARA global telco APIs. The platform should detect when a subscriber's application requires enhanced connectivity, request the appropriate network slice on demand, and deliver premium, context-aware services — taking into account user location, past behaviour, and real-time network availability.
Network Slicing · Telco APIs · NaaS · CAMARAFull challenge descriptions — including detailed problem statements, expected solution directions, and Challenge Owner contacts — are available in the Challenge Descriptions document in the Resources section below.
You may also apply without addressing a specific challenge.
Call Documents
Download the official documents and read them carefully before submitting your application.
Guidelines for Applicants
The official guide covering eligibility criteria, the evaluation process, programme requirements, legal obligations, and everything you need to know before applying.
⬇ Download PDFChallenge Descriptions
Full descriptions of all challenges posted by Challenge Owner companies, including problem statements, expected solution directions, and Challenge Owner details.
⬇ Download PDFHave questions? Get in touch.
For questions about the programme, eligibility, or the application process,
reach out directly to the 5G-DiGITs team.
Your questions, answered
Everything applicants have been asking about eligibility, the application process, and how the 5G-DiGITs Accelerator Programme works. Can't find what you're looking for? Reach out to the team via the contact details above.
Still have questions? Reach out to the 5G-DiGITs team contact details are available in the Get in Touch section above.