Introducing the Starburst Accelerator Programme: Your fastest path into the FR & EU Aerospace and Defence market
From start-up to A&D player in 10 weeks, without equity, this is Starburst Accelerator.
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Starburst Accelerator, a new initiative aimed at supporting the growth of the french aerospace and defence industries. This 10-week programme is designed to help French start-ups and scale-ups unlock their full potential by providing them with tailored strategic advice, go-to-market guidance, and exposure to key industry players.
What is Starburst Accelerator?
Starburst Accelerator is an intensive 10-week programme focused on accelerating the growth of French aerospace and defence start-ups. Over the course of the programme, start-ups will:
- Strengthen their strategy: Refine their business model, roadmap and go-to-market strategy with Starburst experts.
- Accelerate their market entry: Understand the European A&D ecosystem, NATO and EU priorities, and identify the right opportunities.
- Build the right connections: Meet corporates, investors and key decision makers through curated introductions.
- Gain visibility: Pitch at a flagship industry event and join the Starburst ecosystem.
The programme aims to foster innovation by helping start-ups scale their operations, refine their market strategies, and forge meaningful connections in the aerospace and defence sectors.
Why should start-ups apply?
- Free entry: 0% equity. 0€ participation fee, start-ups growth should not cost their ownership.
- Real industry access: Direct access to corporates, investors, and institutional stakeholders in the European A&D ecosystem.
- Market fast-tracking: Warm introductions, curated B2B meetings and expert advisory to accelerate their commercial traction.
- Strategic positioning: Work with Starburst experts to sharpen their positioning, roadmap and go-to-market strategy.
Who Should Apply?
Starburst Accelerator is open to TRL4+ french start-ups in the aerospace and defence sectors, with a particular focus on companies based in Île-de-France or those aiming to enter the French and European markets. Whether your start-up is already active in the aerospace or defence space, or you’re looking to penetrate these sectors, we encourage you to apply.
Why Starburst?
We are uniquely positioned to source and accelerate high-potential defence start-ups. Through our curated network of 16,000+ start-ups and partnerships with 80+ corporates from the Defence Industrial and Technological Base (DITB), we can efficiently identify companies that already have mature teams, MVPs and technologies aligned with the programme’s target areas. Our experience running defence innovation initiatives such as NATO DIANA, the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) and acceleration programmes like BLAST 1–4 enables us to rapidly attract and select start-ups that are directly relevant to the programme’s operational and industrial priorities.
Programme Highlights:
- 10 weeks of tailored mentoring and strategic advisory
- B2B networking opportunities with industry leaders and stakeholders
- Increased visibility through events like Demo Day at Eurosatory (TBC)
- Access to industry trends and insights shaping the future of aerospace and defence
Key Dates:
- 30 March: End of call for applications
- 7-8-9 April: Selection Commitee and Final Selection
- Mid-April 2026: Kick-off
- June 2026: Demo Day
How to Apply
Applications for Starburst Accelerator are now open. To apply, visit our application platform and submit your start-up’s details. Our selection process will identify up to 10 promising start-ups that demonstrate strong potential for growth and innovation in the aerospace and defence sectors.
Join Starburst Accelerator and take your aerospace and defence start-up to new heights!
This programme is supported by the Ile-de-France region and co-financed by the European Union.
