The Accelerator Programme is a six-month pilot initiative designed to help social innovators strengthen, refine, and scale their impact. Through a blend of expert facilitation, peer learning, hands-on tools, and access to European-level networks, participants will co-create the foundations of a new model for supporting social innovation across Europe.
As this is a pilot, participants will play an active role in shaping the future of the programme—your experience and insights will directly influence what comes next.
Important dates
Course info
Language: English
Location:Ireland
Course type: Hybrid
For: Social innovator
Duration: 6 months
Who Is It For?
The Accelerator is designed for mid-cycle or scaling social innovations and early-stage social enterprises that are ready to take the next step in their organisational development.
Ideal participants are:
- Working on a social innovation or enterprise with growth potential
- Interested in European collaboration and co-creation
- Open to peer learning and reflective practice
Up to 30 participants from across the EU will be selected. The programme includes two in-person days in Ireland, which are optional for participants outside Ireland.
Why Join?
Participants in the pilot will benefit from:
- Guided facilitation from experienced social innovation practitioners
- Peer support and a European learning community
- Tailored feedback on their social innovation challenges
- Networking opportunities with experts and fellow innovators
- Mentorship to strengthen organisational and strategic development
- Insight into co-creating a European innovation programme
All participants will receive a Participation Certificate and/or a LinkedIn digital badge via learning platform.
What’s Included
The Accelerator provides a structured, yet flexible learning experience built around:
Programme Structure
- 4 thematic modules
- 6 months of learning and development
- Approximately 4 hours per week
- Hybrid delivery (online via learning platform Howspace + two in-person days)
- Group sessions and 1:1 support
Pedagogical Approach
Participants will engage through:
- Interactive and problem-solving sessions
- Experiential and applied learning
- Site visits
- Collaborative activities and peer feedback
- Ongoing evaluation and reflection
Programme modules
- Module 1: Foundations of Social Innovation Digital, Green & Just Transitions
- Module 2: Stakeholder Engagement & Co-Creation Designing Social Innovation
- Module 3: Social Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Business Building sustainable models and organisational resilience
- Module 4: Impact Measurement & Systems Change Understanding, measuring, and amplifying impact
Where and When
The pilot will run from March 2026 to August 2026.
The programme format includes:
- Online learning and collaboration via Howspace
- Two in-person days: one in Dublin and one in a second location determined by participant distribution
- Hybrid group workshops and one-to-one consultant support
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted via the learning platform (Howspace). The application period is from the 18th of December until the 1st of February.
Application period is closed.
If you have any questions, you are welcome to attend our Application Clinic on 16 January 2026, held via Zoom (see details below). The application process includes an interview, and the dates for the interview will be confirmed after the application period.
Selection Process
Your application will be reviewed based on the following criteria:
- A social innovation ready to accelerate
- A developed Business Model Canvas
- Theory of Change (optional)
- Video pitch
Eligible applications will be invited to an interview in February. Both the application and interview will be assessed on: Social Impact, Innovation, Social Business Model Canvas, Leadership, and Storytelling.
The ESIC consortium will make the final decision on participants in late February, and we will communicate the outcome via email.
For further inquiries concerning this call, please contact us through: esic@rethinkireland.ie
The call is open from the 17th of December until the 1st of February. Please note that applications received after the deadline cannot be taken into account.