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We invest in existing early-stage deep tech startups, help researchers become founders, and build companies from scratch around promising ideas with strong business potential.
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<aside> 📌 Every company and every team is different. Everyone starts their journey at a different place. For this reason we have a comprehensive two stage program that sets you up for success no matter where you start.
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This is where the rubber hits the road. Companies accepted into our accelerator program undergo thorough vetting by our team, VCs, and technical experts at Fraunhofer.
Our core program is designed to help early-stage deep tech startups grow. To join, startups should have a validated concept, a team, and a complete pitch deck. The accelerator provides resources to help teams transition from early-stage ventures to successful businesses, including hiring 3 full-time team members, offering dedicated office space, personalized mentorship, and access to a strong network. External startups are also welcome to join and benefit from these opportunities.
Together, we'll create a custom roadmap for your next year and work hand-in-hand to achieve your goals. The ultimate finish line? A major venture capital investment. Full speed ahead!
Our accelerator is exclusively for startups developing products based on Fraunhofer HHI’s core technologies - AI, video and imaging, photonics, and wireless communications and networks. To be a good fit, startups must have a deep-tech element at the core of their product and align closely with our research domains. Check Fraunhofer HHI’s research departments here.
<aside> ✅ The goal of acceleration is to raise at least €1,000,000 in venture capital within 1-2 years
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This is for future founders from Fraunhofer HHI still missing one or two essential pieces: a complementary co-founder who balances your weaknesses, a significant commercial problem to solve, or the groundbreaking technology to solve that problem.
The Incubation program is designed for researchers and aspiring founders at HHI looking to turn an idea or research project into a startup and become founders themselves. We support team formation, MVP development, and business model validation to lay the foundation for a successful business. The goal is to prepare startups for the Accelerator, where they can receive funding, mentorship, and resources to scale their business.
Incubation consists of targeted workshops where you'll master key founder skills while refining your idea, pitch, and team. We believe great founders are self-aware and know what they need to learn—so instead of a rigid curriculum, you choose workshops that address your specific gaps.
We also provide personalized one-on-one coaching and in-depth sessions when you need extra support.
<aside> ✅ The goal of incubation is to get your company ready to apply for acceleration.
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The Venture Building initiative helps commercialize high-potential research at HHI. This initiative is for HHI group leads and researchers who may not have the resources or desire to develop the startup themselves. Our dedicated team of experts in market, product, and technology identifies promising projects, validates their market potential, and develops a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). If successful, the project transitions into the Accelerator for further funding, scaling, and growth.