After the outstanding results of previous editions of Nuqleus Startup Builder program for supporting and developing deep tech startups, applications are once again open for researchers eager to explore the commercialization potential of their work. The application deadline is November 7th 2025.
Who is Startup Builder for?
Startup Builder is Croatia’s unique program for researchers and students eager to transform scientific results into thriving deep-tech ventures. It’s designed for innovators who want to test the market potential of their research results, validate real-world applications, and take their ideas beyond the lab. Based on many years of experience working with startups, and on global best practices in deep-tech development, the program connects industry, academia, and the startup ecosystem to give you the tools and the network to succeed.
The program is industry-agnostic, welcoming projects across diverse fields – from MedTech, BioTech, and robotics to energy, agriculture, and defence. If your research has the potential to change industries, Startup Builder is the bridge from science to market. Nuqleus’ impact has already been recognized on the international stage: according to the Financial Times, Nuqleus ranks among Europe’s leading startup hubs, earning an outstanding 12th place in mentorship.
What does the program offer?
The program runs in three phases during 12 months, guiding participants from idea validation to business planning and first investment, with continuous support from Nuqleus’ team and expert mentors across science, business, and investment.
The program accepts up to 15 teams in the first phase. Between each phase, an evaluation process is conducted with the support of Scientific and Investment Committees, selecting up to 10 teams to progress to the second phase, and up to 4 teams to advance to the third phase.
Three phases of Startup Builder:
- Ideation & Validation
- Education & Development Planning
- Business & Product Development
Participants benefit from numerous advantages, including:
- Expert Support: Access to top-tier services in law, design, fundraising, and grant consulting,
- Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program: 1-on-1 collaboration with experienced go-to-market, sales and business development experts,
- Mentorship Network: Horizontal support from 60+ global experts across business, science, finance and legal,
- Bootcamps: Hands-on training with experts from the most developed startup ecosystem countries, such as USA, and UK,
- Nuqleus Liftoff: Present at Nuqleus Liftoff, one of the biggest deep tech conferences in the CEE region, and gain an access to the capital of 20 billion dollars AUM (Assets under management) from the world’s leading VCs,
- Networking Opportunities: Engage with peers, investors, and industry leaders at Nuqleus Deep Tech Talks, and other events within the startup ecosystem.
Track record of success
So far, 32 startup teams from fields such as advanced materials, mining, robotics, energy, AI, pharma, and biomedicine have participated in Startup Builder. From these, more than 20 spin-offs have been created, raising over €2.5 million in funding in record time.
Read more about Nuqleus startups successes: Nuqleusovi alumni briljirali na startup natjecanjima i osvojili više od 70.000 EUR, Osam startupova iz prethodnih Nuqleusovih generacija osiguralo je ukupno 1,4 milijuna eura investicija, Synergotron osvojio €15.000 i prestižnu titulu „The Best Startup Company“, EMHANCE osigurao prvu investiciju i nastavlja s ambicioznim planovima u MedTech industriji.
What happens after the program?
By the end of the journey, you’ll have:
Built a powerful professional network across science, business, and investment,
Mastered best practices for launching and growing a deep-tech startup,
Established a solid foundation for scaling your venture globally.
As an alumni of the Nuqleus community, you’ll continue to access tailored support, valuable resources, and international connection, giving you the opportunity to take your startup beyond Croatian borders and onto the global stage.
Ready to build your deep tech startup?
If you’re committed to exploring the commercial potential of your project and launching your own startup, apply today!
📅 Applications are open until November 7th 2025.
