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Scaleup Association · Batch 2027

UNDERSTAND THE
STARTUP WORLD.
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.
MAKE AN IMPACT.

A hands-on programme for students and young professionals who want to explore Austria’s startup and scaleup ecosystem and actively contribute to shaping its future.

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MORE THAN JUST LECTURES

LEARNING IS WHERE IT BEGINS.
TAKING ACTION IS WHAT SETS YOU APART.

The Scaleup Batch combines practical training, online mentoring and hands-on involvement in the Scaleup Association.

You will gain first-hand insights into Austria’s startup and scaleup ecosystem, develop valuable skills and put your knowledge into practice by actively contributing to the community.

Startup Ecosystem
PR
Self-Management
Sales
Fundraising
Social media
Event Management

More than Learning
Make real progress.

WHO IS IT FOR?

FOR CURIOUS MINDS READY TO TAKE ACTION.

The programme is primarily aimed at students and young professionals. Recent graduates, aspiring founders and people already involved in the startup ecosystem are welcome, too. We are looking for ambitious individuals from across Austria, typically in their early 20s to early 30s.

Scaleupbatch – 7-Part Info Panel
Please note

This is not a job

This is

a mentoring programme

We expect

active involvement

Check 1

Interest in startups & entrepreneurship

Check 2

A willingness to learn and take initiative

Check 3

An open attitude – collaboration & feedback

Check 4

Responsibility, time and commitment

FOLLOW YOURCURIOUSITY

Six starting points. Pick one and see what question is hiding behind it.

SB / SCALEUP BATCH FILE | SCALEUP ASSOCIATION  001 002 003 004 005 006 007
CURRENTLY WONDERING ABOUT…

WHO DOES WHAT IN THE STARTUP ECOSYSTEM?

HOW DOES AN IDEA FIND ITS VOICE?

HOW DO YOU MOVE FORWARD WITHOUT A SCRIPT?

WHAT MAKES SOMEONE SAY YES?

HOW DO PEOPLE GET AN IDEA OFF THE GROUND?

HOW DO IDEAS TRAVEL ONLINE?

HOW DO ORGANIZE EVENTS PEOPLE WANT TO ATTEND?

STARTUP ECOSYSTEM PUBLIC RELATIONS SELF-MANAGEMENT SALES FUNDRAISING SOCIAL MEDIA EVENT MANAGEMENT KEEP DIGGING ↗

YOUR YEAR

ONE BATCH. FOUR STAGES OF GROWTH.

The first cohort is scheduled to run from mid-to-late January to mid-December 2027. Expert-led sessions are primarily held online, with activities and opportunities to get involved throughout the year.

  1. Q1 · Jan – Mar

    Getting started

    Onboarding, business fundamentals, self-management, LinkedIn and an introduction to Austria’s startup and scaleup ecosystem.

  2. Q2 · Apr – Jun

    Getting involved

    Communication, PR, moderation and team selection. Take on your first practical responsibilities and start contributing to the association.

  3. Q3 · Jul – Sep

    Taking ownership

    Project management, event organisation, research and business development. You can still switch teams until the end of Q3.

  4. Q4 · Oct – Dec

    Putting your growth into practice

    Advanced learning, independent contributions, programme evaluation, an individual certificate and a final one-to-one review meeting.

YOUR COMMITMENT

YOU GAIN VALUABLE INSIGHTS. YOU BRING INITIATIVE.

Throughout the year, you’ll be supported by a dedicated buddy, monthly check-ins and at least one feedback conversation that you organise independently.

Later membership of the Scaleup Association is selective and not guaranteed.

The programme is voluntary and designed around active involvement. Simply attending events as a guest does not replace the expected hands-on contribution to their organisation and delivery.

80%

Minimum attendance at online sessions

3

Association events to actively support

4

Optional in-person meetups

Throughout the year, you will be supported by a dedicated buddy, monthly check-ins and at least one feedback conversation that you arrange independently.

The opportunity to become a member of the association at a later stage is selective and not guaranteed.

–>
Applications 2027

READY TO DO MORE THAN JUST TAKE PART?

Apply by 15 January 2027. We’re looking for curious, motivated individuals ready to learn, take initiative and contribute to Austria’s startup and scaleup ecosystem. Getting started is easy.

Apply now 20 places · deadline 15.01.2027

What you’ll need

  • Your basic details Name, contact details and a few quick details about yourself.
  • Your CV or LinkedIn profile Share your experience and background. One of the two is enough.
  • A short introduction video We’ll send you three questions after your initial registration.

Prefer applying by email? You can also contact us directly to get started.

Apply via email

Four steps. One opportunity.

YOUR APPLICATION JOURNEY
  1. 1

    Quick application

    Click “Apply now” and register through our Microsoft Form. Share your basic details to get started.

  2. 2

    Share your profile

    Tell us a little about your background by sharing your CV or LinkedIn profile.

  3. 3

    Three questions. One video.

    We’ll email you three questions. Record a short video sharing your answers. No professional production needed.

  4. 4

    Selection & feedback

    You’ll hear from us by 20 January 2027 whether you’ve been selected to join the Scaleup Batch.

We value genuine motivation, curiosity and initiative over perfectly polished applications. Show us who you are and what drives you.

FAQ

FAIR QUESTIONS. STRAIGHT ANSWERS.

Before applying, you deserve clear answers. Here are the essentials to check.

Is the programme online or in person?

The mentoring sessions are primarily held online. Four in-person meetups are planned: two in Vienna, one in Graz and one in Linz. Attending these meetups is optional, and participants are responsible for their own travel expenses.

What language is the programme conducted in?

The Scaleup Batch is conducted entirely in English.

How much time should I commit?

Plan to dedicate approximately two to five hours per week. Participants are expected to attend at least 80% of the online sessions and actively contribute to at least three Scaleup Association events.

Is this an internship or a paid position?

No. The Scaleup Batch is a volunteer-based programme focused on learning, gaining practical experience and contributing to the Scaleup Association. It is not a paid position, and participation does not guarantee future employment.

Can I become an official member afterwards?

Participants who demonstrate exceptional commitment may have the opportunity to become official members of the Scaleup Association after completing the Batch. Membership decisions are based on a qualitative assessment by the team leadership and/or the Board. Membership is not guaranteed.

Will I receive a certificate?

At the end of the programme, participants are expected to receive a personalised confirmation of participation and achievements, highlighting their learning, practical contributions and experience gained throughout the Batch. Letters of recommendation and LinkedIn endorsements are not included.

Who can apply?

The programme is primarily designed for students and young professionals from across Austria. Graduates, career changers and aspiring founders are equally welcome. What matters most is your curiosity, initiative, willingness to learn and ability to collaborate.

What if I miss a session?

No worries. However, make-up sessions are not guaranteed. Recordings of selected sessions may be made available for a limited time, but their availability cannot be assured.

YOUR NEXT MOVE

YOU HAVE
MADE IT
THIS FAR.

KEEP GOING?

A few questions, a little curiousity, a closer look at a world worth exploring.
If something here resonates, find out what the next step really involves

Apply for the Batch