🚀 Now Open — Phase 2 · 2026
TRIANGLE Startup Mentorship Programme
Structured guidance for early-stage startups — connecting founders with experienced mentors from academia, industry, and European innovation ecosystems.
~2
months per cycle
Free
no participation cost
Online
hybrid or in-person
May–Oct
2026 programme window
The TRIANGLE Programme
TRIANGLE runs a structured online programme for entrepreneurs, researchers, students and innovators across Europe — combining training sprints, mentoring, and in-person events to turn ideas into viable startups.
✓ Completed
Phase 1 — Pilot Programme
The first edition tested and refined the programme framework across four partner countries.
- Albania, Greece, Cyprus & Spain
- Limited pilot cohorts
- 2025
→
🚀 Active Now
Phase 2 — Full-Fledged Programme
Building on the pilot, the programme is now open to participants from all EU Member States.
- All EU Member States
- Pilot alumni returning as mentors
- 2026
↓ Read below for full details on each phase
✓ Completed
Phase 1 — Pilot Programme (2025)
The pilot edition of the TRIANGLE programme was implemented in Albania, Greece, Cyprus and Spain. Following an agile Plan → Design → Develop → Test → Deploy → Review methodology, it tested and refined the full programme framework — from training content and mentoring structure to the AI-powered participation tools — before scaling EU-wide.
📚
Training Sprint
Six training modules delivered over six months, covering core entrepreneurial competencies
🤝
Mentoring Sprint
Structured one-on-one and group sessions with mentors from partner institutions across AL, CY, GR and ES
🌍
In-Person Events
Integration events fostering collaboration among participants, mentors and trainers, and showcasing startup progress
📖 Six Core Training Modules
1. Business model development
2. Market analysis & validation
3. Customer development
4. Product development & prototyping
5. Open innovation
6. Pitching & fundraising
🔗 What Was Established in Phase 1
- 2 formal partnerships between academic institutions and ecosystem actors
- 2 improved innovation support structures, including one dedicated to female entrepreneurs
- Mentor pool built from entrepreneurial alumni and professionals across the four partner countries
- "Train-the-trainer" sessions to align mentors on the scientific approach and mentoring techniques
- Continuous feedback loops from participants and mentors to refine the programme for Phase 2
What came next: Insights and feedback from pilot participants directly shaped the full-fledged Phase 2 programme. Pilot alumni are now returning as mentors and ambassadors to support new cohorts across the EU.
🚀 Active Now
Phase 2 — Full-Fledged Programme (2026)
Building on the pilot, Phase 2 opens the TRIANGLE programme to participants from all EU Member States. The programme combines an online training sprint, a structured mentoring cycle, and three in-person integration events where the most promising projects are showcased to investors, innovation hubs and policymakers.
📚
Training Sprint
Online modules on entrepreneurship, innovation, digital & green skills
🤝
Mentoring Sprint
Structured one-on-one and group sessions across a ~2 month cycle
🌍
In-Person Events
Three integration events showcasing top projects to investors and policymakers
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to early-stage startups and entrepreneurial teams connected to higher education and research. Applicants may be:
🎓
Students
Bachelor, Master or PhD
🔬
Researchers
Academic & non-academic staff
🏛️
University Spin-offs
Ideas emerging from HEIs
💡
Entrepreneurs
Innovation-driven ventures
Startup registration requirement: Applicants must meet at least one of the following:
- The startup is legally registered with an official registration number (VAT, CIF, or equivalent)
- The startup is currently in the process of being registered
We particularly welcome applications from women and underrepresented groups, participants from low-innovation regions, and SME intrapreneurs.
Mentoring Structure
Each startup follows a structured 5-stage development pathway over approximately two months, guided by an assigned Partner Leader from the TRIANGLE consortium.
1
Kick-off & Needs Assessment
Startup teams introduce their project and establish a personalised mentoring roadmap with their assigned mentor.
2
Business Model Validation
Refine your value proposition, revenue model, and Business Model Canvas with expert mentor feedback.
3
Customer Development
Validate market demand through customer discovery processes and identify your product–market fit.
4
Market & Brand Strategy
Define your competitive positioning, branding, and go-to-market strategy with mentor guidance.
5
Network & Ecosystem Development
Connect with innovation hubs, potential partners, and funding opportunities across the European ecosystem.
👥 Our Mentors
The programme draws on a diverse network of mentors who contribute their expertise to guide startups through key entrepreneurial challenges:
- Experienced entrepreneurs & startup founders
- Industry professionals & innovation ecosystem experts
- Academic experts with entrepreneurial experience
🤝 Mentorship Format
- Minimum 3 sessions per startup
- Online, hybrid or in-person
- Task assignments between sessions
- Pitch deck & document reviews
🏅 Certification
Participants who complete the programme receive the official TRIANGLE Startup Mentorship Programme Certificate.
How to Apply
1
Complete the Online Form
Share your team details, institution, and startup idea.
2
Submit a Project Summary
Describe the problem, your solution, and its connection to research or academia.
3
Screening & Selection
Applications reviewed on innovation potential, feasibility, and team commitment.
🎯 What You Will Gain
✅ Stronger business model & value proposition
✅ Validated customer needs & market opportunities
✅ Strategic thinking & entrepreneurial skills
✅ Expanded professional network
✅ Advanced startup project development
✅ Official TRIANGLE Certificate
Applications Are Now Open
Join the 2026 cohort and take your startup to the next level with TRIANGLE mentorship. Free, structured, and EU-wide.
Apply Now →📬 Questions?
Contact the TRIANGLE project coordination team:
- General enquiries: info.triangle@umb.edu.al
- Programme coordination: Lm00@aubmed.ac.cy
From research to reality, from ideas to impact
A structured pathway transforming European academics into innovative entrepreneurs through training, mentoring, and real-world connections.
TRIANGLE's programme combines online learning with in-person immersion, personalized guidance with peer collaboration, and academic excellence with entrepreneurial action. Whether you're a student with a breakthrough idea, a researcher ready to commercialize your work, or faculty supporting innovation—this is your launchpad.
An Agile, Collaborative Approach to Innovation
TRIANGLE follows an innovative agile methodology designed to foster entrepreneurship and commercialization of research within European academia. Our structured online program is accessible to all potential entrepreneurs from EU universities, covering fundamental topics to lead successful and profitable startups.
The program combines training modules for capacity building with personalized mentoring sessions, complemented by three in-person events where the most promising projects are invited to participate. By fostering transparency and collaboration, we're building an innovation ecosystem that is efficient, inclusive, and resilient.