Last year, Bikademy, an innovative startup from Croatia transforming cycling tourism and urban mobility, was one of the participants in the EU’s Accelerate2Move (A2M) project—an accelerator under EIT Urban Mobility focused on sustainable urban mobility. As part of our ongoing collaboration, BIRD Incubator supported Bikademy by connecting them with our network of mentors and helping them push forward their mission to revolutionize cycling tourism. With this year’s A2M application period now open, we’re excited to share insights from Krešimir Hereceg, founder of Bikademy, on his experience as an alumnus of the program.

Can you introduce Bikademy and explain what your startup aims to achieve in the cycling tourism and urban mobility sectors?

Bikademy encourages people to cycle daily, explore destinations by bike and rewards them for it. We have two main features in our mobile app: Studies (for cycling tourism) and Challenges (for urban mobility). Also, we developed special features for the companies. Our goal is to make cycling more accessible, rewarding, and an integral part of daily life.

How did being part of the A2M EU project help you accelerate your growth, and what specific successes have you seen since joining the program?

A2M provided us with invaluable mentorship, networking opportunities, and insights into scaling our solution within urban mobility ecosystems. Since the program, we’ve expanded our partnerships, refined our business model, and gained visibility in European smart mobility sectors. This has directly contributed to new collaborations and growth opportunities.

How has BIRD Incubator mentor’s network and support played a role in shaping the development and direction of Bikademy?

BIRD Incubator connected us with industry experts on a national level who provided strategic guidance on scaling and market positioning. Their mentorship helped us fine-tune our approach to partnerships and funding opportunities.

What impact do you hope Bikademy will have on sustainable urban mobility, and how does your startup encourage people to cycle more for daily activities?

We aim to make cycling more appealing and practical by integrating exploration, gamification, and rewards. By collaborating with cities and businesses, we encourage everyday cycling through engaging features. Our platform fosters a cycling culture that reduces car dependency and promotes healthier, greener cities.

Looking ahead, what are your main goals for Bikademy in the next 1-2 years, and how do you plan to continue advancing cycling tourism?

We plan to expand into new European markets, introduce new features tailored to urban cycling, and integrate more smart mobility solutions. Strengthening partnerships with tourism boards, municipalities, and companies will be key to increasing engagement. Additionally, we aim to launch digital innovations that further enhance user experience and cycling accessibility.

What advice would you give to startups considering participating in programs like A2M based on your experience?

Take full advantage of mentorship, networking, and feedback opportunities within the program. Be open to refining your business model based on expert insights and market needs. Most importantly, stay proactive in leveraging the program’s resources to form meaningful partnerships and accelerate growth.