Winno launches accelerator programme for WineTech startups
WinWayLab is a free two-month online accelerator for zero-stage startups (you don’t even need an idea at the beginning) in the wine tech industry. The programme kicks off on March 4 2025, offering participants the chance to turn their ideas into successful businesses with expert guidance, funding and resources from Winno.
Why the wine industry needs innovation now
As the global wine industry faces shifting consumer preferences, climate challenges, and increasing digitalisation, innovation is becoming a key driver of its future development. According to the European Commission, wine consumption in the EU is projected to decline by 0.6% annually, reaching 145 million hectolitres by 2035. This still makes the EU the largest wine consumer in the world. At the same time, climate change is disrupting production, and wineries are looking for new ways to adapt.
The programme is debuting at a challenging time for the global wine industry. According to a recent industry report, wine consumption is expected to continue shrinking until at least 2030, forcing wineries to innovate and adapt to new market realities.
What WineWayLab offers
WineWayLab is not only providing an opportunity to develop the startup idea at the intersection of wine, technology, and sustainability – it’s also giving access to the entire Winno ecosystem:
- Expert mentorship: ideas will be evaluated by top-tier experts from the Winno team, venture players, and wine experts, who will provide participants with valuable feedback and insights
- Practical lectures from experts about wine and the secrets of its production, sales, and distribution – wine tourism, the role of a sommelier, and more
- Idea generation, team building, and various tools for validating ideas
- Community of aspiring founders
WineWay Lab’s accelerator programme features a team of experienced lecturers and experts who guide participants through various aspects of the wine industry and startup development.
The programme will run online in English from March 4 to April 25, 2025, concluding with a Pitch Day, where selected participants will have the opportunity to present their projects in front of potential investors.
The first cohort received a record 320 applications from 14 countries for just 60 spots. 10 teams made it to the final pitch day.
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