FAQ

What is the C Nest Accelerator?

The C Nest Accelerator is a partnership initiative that offers a supportive environment for business incubation and acceleration, aiming to help entrepreneurial efforts evolve into rapidly growing and successful businesses. It also aims to influence conditions for the creation of partnerships and collaborative clusters.

It includes physical and digital infrastructures for receiving and hosting businesses at different stages of their development, preliminary information, selection and training actions in periodic implementation cycles, support and advisory services and accompanying services to support the exit of businesses from the incubator.

Who can use the services of the Incubator?

Beneficiaries of the program include:

Entrepreneurial teams & newly established businesses
Start-ups and early-stage companies
Business support & innovation organizations

They must be located in the Region of Crete, within the Just Development Transition Programme (JDT) application areas.

The services provided are offered equally to new, start-up or existing businesses, covering the full range of economic activity (all sectors), and particularly businesses located in Crete’s Transition Areas, as defined by Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 and the Territorial Just Transition Plans. No specific eligibility criteria or conditions are set for accessing these services.

What services and benefits does C Nest offer?

Tailored Innovation Coaching
Practical and strategic knowledge tailored to each entrepreneur’s needs, resulting in a personalized open innovation action plan.
Business Acceleration Services
Support for business growth through key tools, planning, and implementation of business strategies. A dedicated team of mentors, advisors, and experts will guide participants to become high-growth ventures.
Access to physical and digital co-working spaces,including:
- Office desk with furniture and a computer with required peripherals
- Phone access
- Access to office automation software
- Use of meeting/collaboration rooms
- Access to the workspace from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays
Strategic Business Planning
Collaboration with specialists to strengthen and align business plans with market dynamics.
Workshops
A safe and controlled space to test and execute business strategies.
Mediation for Partnerships and Open Innovation Projects
Helping participants find suitable collaborations and plan joint projects.
Access to the European Business Angel Network (EBAN)

How and when can I apply for the C Nest Accelerator?

You can find the Application Form for participation on the website: www.cnest.gr, along with the submission guidelines.

Alternatively:

Submit your application by email: info@cnest.gr

The submitted file must contain the signed application, sworn statements, business plans and all mandatory supporting documents.

The application submission deadline is posted on the website and is communicated with each invitation to participate.

6 invitations will be issued for the participation of beneficiaries in the 6 cycles of the program, until May 2028.

The first invitation was issued on 29 July 2025 and the deadline for submitting applications to participate in the first cycle of the program ended, after two extensions, on 17 September 2025.

Is equipment or other support provided?

In the context of the provision of usable spaces of the Incubator, the following equipment and supporting means will be provided:

Fully equipped workstations for at least 30 users in a space of minimum 150 m², including:
- Adequate office furniture
- passive structured cabling infrastructure
- access to network / telecommunications infrastructure
- PC with the required peripherals and a telephone for each user.
- Meeting/collaboration spaces with a total capacity of at least 25 people, with adequate furniture, at least 4 voice and data terminals and presentation infrastructure (projector, screen)
- Reception/waiting area (capacity of ≥5 people)
- High-speed internet (>100 Mbps) and integration with network management systems
- Accessibility for people with disabilities (PwD)

Additional services:

Mail collection & distribution
Use of printer and photocopier
Kitchen, restaurant area
Secretariat support
Free access to e-journals and libraries
Free car parking
Flipcharts in all meeting rooms

Are there events and activities at C Nest?

Yes. C Nest will organize meetings, workshops, events, and information sessions to present the project’s goals, actions, and outcomes to the public.

Exhibition spaces will be created for displaying materials such as slides, posters, and informative brochures, including accessible formats for people with disabilities.

There will be at least two major public info sessions (introductory & summary type) throughout the project. The events aim to:

Ensure participants fully understand the project and its benefits
Engage new scientists and people with disabilities
Encourage businesses to actively support their employees' participation

How can I contact C Nest Accelerator support?

For more information or any clarifications you may need, you can contact the e-mail: info@cnest.gr and the C Nest Accelerator Secretariat at: 2810 391500-2 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.