Top accelerators and startup programs in Macedonia

North Macedonia’s startup ecosystem continues to expand, with over 500 startups active as of 2025. While the ecosystem is still developing, the growth is supported by the activity of local and regional accelerators, incubators, co-working spaces, and informal networking. Unlike ecosystems heavily reliant on structured programs, North Macedonia’s progress is often driven by founder-led collaboration, mentorship, and community engagement.

This article provides an overview of the most active accelerators and startup support programs in North Macedonia. Together, they form part of the country’s evolving innovation infrastructure, supporting startups from idea validation through product development and market entry.

1. CEED Hub Skopje

CEED Hub Skopje offers three structured programs to support startups at different stages of development: Pre-Acceleration, Acceleration, and Investment Readiness.

The Pre-Acceleration Program is designed for individuals or teams who are in the early stages of developing their ideas. It helps participants assess the viability of their concept by testing with real customers and exploring sustainable business models. 

The Acceleration Program targets early-stage startups that are working on refining their business models, validating product-market fit, and creating financial projections. It includes mentorship and lectures from members of the CEED Business Angels Club, ending with a pitch session in front of investors. 

The Investment Readiness Program is a 12-week course designed for startups in the revenue phase, focusing on preparing for investment by refining business models and developing a clear investment strategy. Participants work closely with business angels and mentors, and the program ends with pitches and potential investments from CEED Business Angels Club members.

2. SEEUTechPark

SEEUTechPark is a technology park located at the South East European University (SEEU) campus in Tetovo, North Macedonia. It was established on May 15, 2013, by the SEEU Board to support the development of new startup companies and foster collaboration with existing small and medium-sized enterprises. The park aims to stimulate entrepreneurship and contribute to long-term job creation by providing an environment that encourages innovation and business growth.

The park features a business incubator designed to support individuals with innovative ideas who may lack prior business experience. The program focuses on sectors such as technology, software, telecommunications, e-commerce, media, and wireless technologies. 

3. BAU Accelerator

BAU Accelerator is a startup and technology accelerator based in Skopje, North Macedonia. Launched in 2018, it operates as part of the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University is supported by partners such as the Crimson Development Foundation. It was one of the first formal accelerators in the country, focusing on supporting tech-driven startups, spin-offs, and early-stage companies. 

The core of BAU's support is its 12-week acceleration program, which helps startups refine their business models, validate product-market fit, and prepare for investment. Each program cohort accepts up to six startups, with selected teams receiving equity-based funding and hands-on support through workshops, mentoring, and access to investor networks. 

After completing the program, alumni continue to receive support in scaling their businesses and securing follow-on investment. To date, BAU-supported startups have raised more than €2 million in additional funding from both local and international sources.

4. X Factor Accelerator

‍X Factor Accelerator is a business accelerator based in Veles, North Macedonia, established in 2018 by a group of experienced startup investors. It is the first accelerator in the country to be located outside of Skopje and was launched with support from the Fund for Innovation and Technology Development (FITD) and the World Bank. The accelerator focuses on supporting early-stage startups from across North Macedonia, with a particular emphasis on fostering regional innovation.

Since its launch, X Factor Accelerator has completed three investment cycles, investing approximately €480,000 in startups selected through its programs. The accelerator typically shortlists applicants for a pre-acceleration phase, after which 5 to 10 teams are selected to participate in the main “Together We Grow” program. It includes structured mentoring, training sessions, and ends with a Demo Day where investment decisions are made.

5. Youth Entrepreneurial Service Foundation

‍Youth Entrepreneurial Service Foundation runs an initiative designed to encourage young people to pursue entrepreneurship. The program supports micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through mentorship, targeted training, and access to key resources. 

It also provides business development support, networking opportunities, and guidance on fundraising to help participants grow their businesses.

6. The Regional Incubator for Social Entrepreneurs (RISE)

‍The Regional Incubator for Social Entrepreneurs (RISE) is a program that fosters reconciliation and cooperation among young people in the Western Balkans through social entrepreneurship. 

It targets young social entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35, providing capacity-building training, one-on-one coaching, and mentorship to help them develop sustainable social business ideas.

7. The EIT Digital Venture Program

‍The EIT Digital Venture Program supports the development of early-stage startups by helping teams transition from idea to a market-ready product in under a year. It is designed for interdisciplinary teams working on innovative solutions in areas such as digital industry, digital technology, digital wellbeing, digital finance, and digital cities. 

The program focuses on market validation, peer learning, and preparation for seed-stage funding to help participants attract investors and build commercial momentum.

8. HEMI Incubator

‍HEMI Incubator is the music business training program of The Hub for the Exchange of Music Innovation (HEMI), targeting music entrepreneurs and companies in nine participating countries, including North Macedonia. The program supports professionals and startups in the music industry by offering incubation and acceleration services focused on business development, entrepreneurial skills, and competitiveness. 

Since its launch in 2022, the HEMI Incubator has completed three cycles of incubation and acceleration each. It serves music entrepreneurs (such as freelancers and micro business owners), music-related companies seeking growth, and service providers from adjacent industries like tech or ticketing. These companies gain access to consultancy, expert guidance, and entry into new markets through partnerships with industry mentors and European music and tech organizations.

9. The .wave Accelerator

The .wave Accelerator is a startup support program focused on environmentally sustainable businesses in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the Carpathian region, including countries such as North Macedonia, Romania, Hungary, and others. 

The program is designed for early-stage B2B startups that have market validation and an active team. It provides zero-equity support through a structured curriculum that includes expert mentoring, tailored training sessions, and networking opportunities with investors and industry professionals.

The program runs for three months and includes both online and in-person components, requiring participants to attend 11 days of sessions on-site. It offers training in areas such as product development, go-to-market strategy, financial planning, impact measurement, and communication. Participants also receive weekly one-on-one mentoring, and the program concludes with a Demo Day designed to attract investor interest. Travel and logistical support are provided for teams coming from outside the host location.

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This article is part of a series that presents the top startup incubators and accelerators across Europe. Stay tuned!