Use technology to help revolutionize the Retail Industry
We’re looking for startups that can help our corporate retail partners solve their warehousing, workload, sales, and other retail challenges.
Our business partners:
Scale your Retail Technology with StartSmart CEE’s Acceleration Program
Develop your retail technology with the support of an MIT-affiliated startup accelerator and Poland’s biggest corporate retail chains.
Get connected to a partner that’s looking for a startup just like yours to solve their retail challenges. Get valuable feedback, access a wealth of resources and data, and test-drive your idea in real-life scenarios.
Develop your proof of concept, polish your innovation, and go from a growing startup to a fully operational business.
Leverage the expertise that came from 300+ success stories and become our next successful retail tech startup.
Why join our Retail Tech Acceleration Program?
Get access to resources, know-how, and guidance from an established corporate partner. Scale faster and get to market before your competitors.
Join networking and brainstorming sessions and get a better look at the issues experienced by your target audience.
Get guidance from experienced business professionals. Avoid costly business mistakes and save time and money you can invest in scaling.
Accelerate development by testing your innovation in a test environment created by one of our corporate partners.
Work with established, well-known corporate partners and Increase your brand’s visibility.
Get a chance to get your first high-value client even before you finish the accelerator.
Receive funding for testing and technology development, in partnership with our corporate sponsors. *This grant is available for a limited number of startups meeting the formal requirements.
Become a member of an exclusive startup ecosystem that connects tech startup entrepreneurs, investors, and service providers. Access alumni-only offers and networking events.
Our Corporate Partners
Rossmann
Rossmann has been operating in Poland since 1993, establishing a formidable reputation as an industry leader. With a steadfast commitment to offering a diverse range of high-quality products and exceptional service, their 17,000-strong team operates across more than 2,000 drugstores, 4 distribution centers, and an independent IT center. This extensive network enables Rossmann to serve over 9.3 million customers, offering a selection of more than 24,000 products.
European Leasing Fund S.A.
European Leasing Fund S.A. (EFL) has been a key player in Poland’s financial sector since 1991, emerging as one of the country’s first leasing companies. As part of the Crédit Agricole Group, one of the world’s largest financial institutions, EFL has consistently supported domestic entrepreneurship.
With decades of experience, EFL has evolved into a dynamic financial institution offering a comprehensive suite of financial solutions, including leasing, loans, long-term rentals, factoring, and other financial services. The company prioritizes innovation and efficiency, collaborating with startups and technology firms such as CUX, PIWIK, Authologic, Asseco DS., Objectivity, and Fast White Cat to drive forward-thinking solutions.
Who should apply?
We’re looking for innovative ideas that fit the industry needs of our Startup Acceleration Program.
During each round, we partner with established businesses looking for innovative startups to help them solve their key business challenges.
Our accelerator requires all applicants to have market traction or at least a functioning prototype of their innovation.
One of the goals of the Startup Acceleration Program is to commercialize your idea – usually, with the help of your corporate partner.
Recruitment is closed!
Recruitment for the Spring 2025 edition is closed, subscribe to our newsletter to get notified about the start of the next Acceleration and other opportunities.
Use Retail Tech to Help Other Businesses Become More Competitive
Retail Technology is crucial in helping reduce inefficiencies, building better processes, and making businesses more competitive.
At StartSmart CEE (formerly MIT Enterprise Forum CEE), we’re working with the leading Polish and international retail companies looking for innovative, agile startups that can help them solve their retail challenges.
If you believe your startup can leverage modern technology to address one of our partner’s retail challenges – apply today to Poland’s only MIT-affiliated Retail Tech Startup Accelerator.
Application Guide
Learn detailed information about application requirements, key dates & deadlines, as well as necessary documents. Start the application process, join StartSmart CEE (formerly MIT Enterprise Forum CEE) Startup Accelerator, and scale your innovation!
Rules & Regulations
Learn the eligibility criteria for StartSmart CEE (formerly MIT Enterprise Forum CEE) Accelerator Programs. Discover the formal regulations and rules your startup must comply with to apply.
Check out our success stories
Scale your Retail Tech Innovation with StartSmart CEE Acceleration Program
Over the last few years, we helped 300+ startups reach their business goals.
Apply to one of our Acceleration Program today and become our next success story.