DRIVE
Empowering Rural Bio-Innovation Across Europe
The project DRIVE is turning Europe’s rural potential into circular-bioeconomy success stories
Map Needs & Opportunities
We survey Startup Villages, incubators and accelerators to pinpoint challenges, best practices and growth niches.
Roadshows & Hackathons
Three two-day events (France, Slovenia, Greece) bring founders face-to-face with investors, corporates and domain experts.
Mentoring & Scale-up Support
Twelve top teams receive 240 hours of bespoke coaching on finance, sustainability, business models, pitching and social innovation.
The innovation of DRIVE
Europe’s future-ready, climate-neutral economy will be bio-based, circular and digital. However, rural innovators often struggle to secure funding, partners, and market traction. DRIVE bridges that gap by nurturing start-ups and SMEs in “Startup Villages,” giving them the skills, networks and investment pathways they need to thrive while revitalising local communities.
12 rural start-ups fast-tracked toward market launch
3 Startup Village Action Plans ready for replication EU-wide
60+ founders trained
240 mentoring hours delivered
We Believe In
Rural Innovation and Quality Knowledge
DRIVE aims to accelerate a new wave of rural bio-economy champions by connecting talent, technology and investment through tailored training, hands-on roadshows and expert mentoring.
Why DRIVE matters
A thriving bio-economy is central to the Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas. Yet rural entrepreneurs still face barriers.
DRIVE removes those barriers through a fully integrated pipeline of mapping, matchmaking and mentoring.
Access to Funding
DRIVE connects rural innovators with investors and funding opportunities through targeted matchmaking events and dedicated investor engagement activities.
Business Support and Mentoring
DRIVE provides hands-on mentoring, training, and accelerator support specifically designed for startups and SMEs operating in rural circular bioeconomy sectors.
Strong Innovation Ecosystem
DRIVE builds regional innovation ecosystems by fostering cooperation between startups, corporates, research institutions, and rural clusters across Europe.
Market Connectivity and Visibility
DRIVE promotes rural startups at European level through demo days, international roadshows, and cross-border networking events that increase their market reach and visibility.
DRIVE propels rural start-ups and SMEs into the heart of Europe’s circular, bio-based economy.
Meet the Consortium
13 partners • 11 countries • 3 rural municipalities
From bio-tech clusters and research institutes to municipal governments and investor networks—every link you need in one powerhouse team.
