<aside> 💡 Welcome to our Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer HHI Application Guide

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<aside> 💡 We’re thrilled that you're considering applying! We know how much work you've put into your idea and startup, and we want to see you succeed. Use this guide to find out exactly what we're looking for and how you can best present your startup to stand out and get a positive response.

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Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer HHI

We are excited about your interest in applying. Our offer to startups is not like other programs - we have a unique proposal for Deep Tech startups willing to collaborate with Fraunhofer HHI researchers to level up their know-how and technology to scale. We’re looking for the next VC case startups that can already demonstrate to us in the early stage a clear product-market fit and technological fit with HHI research fields. That’s how we know you’re the right startups to be selected! Does it sound like your venture?

Check more about our offer to startups, and details you should know before applying on our FAQs page.

Crafting a Winning Application

There are 2 main important parts of your application:

  1. Technology Information 🦾
  2. Pitch Deck 🫀

1. Your Technology - the muscle of your company 🦾

Another key part of your application is your technology. In the application form, the technology section asks essential questions to assess the fit between your startup and Fraunhofer HHI research, as well as your team's capability to execute the company's vision.

2. Pitch Deck - the heart of your application 🫀

Your pitch deck is the star of the show for the initial evaluation of your application! It's an essential document we use to assess your startup's potential.

In the first round of evaluation, the Silicon Allee Internal Committee, made up of fellow founders and experienced entrepreneurs, will carefully review your pitch deck based on the criteria below. Once approved internally, it moves to the Investor Advisory Committee, where we'll gather insights from our VC partners. Investors excel at analyzing startup pitch decks and identifying the key questions that reveal your business's market potential. Your deck needs to be ready for that scrutiny.

Your pitch deck isn't just a formality, it's your opportunity to show why your startup is poised for success and why your team is the right one to launch and scale this product. Use it to highlight your vision, demonstrate your market understanding, and explain why your solution is innovative, necessary, and unique.

Here’s a practical guide of what we expect to see in your deck, and you need to include:

Essential components of your pitch deck

  1. Problem 😱 (1 slide)

    What problem does your startup solve?