Behind every successful startup stands not only a great idea but also the right support at the right time. That’s exactly what the Startup Lithuania ICT Accelerator is all about. By combining targeted mentorship with expert-led growth sessions, the program empowers early-stage digital innovators to sharpen their business models, refine their market strategies, and fast-track their journey to investment-readiness.

More than 10 startups competed for a single spot in the first intake of the program, representing a wide range of innovation areas – from education and training to voice-controlled technologies, artificial intelligence, and business process optimization. Ten were selected to join the accelerator. Over the course of three months, they’ll be guided by seasoned mentors – leaders who know what it takes to scale an idea into a globally competitive venture.

“Lithuania has tremendous potential to lead in digital innovation. But to unlock that potential, we need to support early-stage startups as they face the most challenges. Structured mentorship plays a critical role in helping founders navigate uncertainty and move from idea to scalable business,” says Karolina Urbonaitė, Head of Startup Lithuania at Innovation Agency Lithuania.

Until mid-August, participating startups will work closely with experts to refine their go-to-market strategies, sharpen their positioning, improve investor pitching, and build stronger teams. The goal is ambitious but clear: to help at least two or three teams secure investment from venture capital funds. Startups also receive a state-backed grant to support product development.

“A strong idea is just the beginning. The real difference between startups that scale and those that stall is execution – and that’s where mentorship is key,” says ICT Accelerator manager Gediminas Rumšas. “We give founders access to expert insights and practical advice that can unlock their next growth stage.”

The mentor team is intentionally diverse – ranging from investors and operators to product and marketing strategists. This year’s mentors include Gytenis Galkis from Superhero Capital, Justinas Pašys from NGL Ventures, team development consultant Austėja Blaževičiūtė, and others. They’re here to challenge assumptions, provide critical feedback, and help founders make smarter, faster decisions.

“We don’t promise success – but we help founders ask the right questions, even if the answer means pivoting away from their original idea,” says Galkis. “A mentor’s role isn’t to lead: to support, challenge, and accelerate the founder’s own decision-making process.”

According to mentor Gintautas Mežetis, what makes the biggest difference is mutual curiosity and the ability to truly listen. “Mentorship isn’t just about sharing knowledge – it’s about building trust-based relationships that can turn into lasting networks,” he says. “That’s how strong communities – and stronger startups – are built.”

The ICT Accelerator is funded by the European Union and the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania. It’s part of a wider effort by Startup Lithuania to strengthen sector-specific innovation. Alongside the ICT Accelerator, the team also runs the GameTech Accelerator (for gaming startups) and the EduChallenger program (for EdTech startups). Startups are also encouraged to apply for global acceleration opportunities via the international Plug and Play platform.