Nestled inside the vibrant cityscape of Berlin is a rich tapestry of entrepreneurial ventures, where entrepreneurs thrive in an environment of inventiveness and ambition. Berlin has emerged as a beacon of opportunity for both budding entrepreneurs and experienced innovators alike. Its favorable economic climate, along with a vast reservoir of talent and resources, has propelled the city to the forefront of the global startup scene. Startup incubators and accelerators are vital to Berlin's entrepreneurial environment, serving as growth catalysts to startups. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of Berlin's startup incubators and accelerators. They have been subdivided into applicability for startups in their 'ideation' or 'launch' stages, so you would be able to find a program that suits you!
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FULL LIST OF STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS IN BERLIN
Ideation Stage Startup Incubators in Berlin
Full list of ideation-stage startup incubators in Berlin:
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: ClimateTech
The Founders for Climate initiative offers a game-changing opportunity for early-stage entrepreneurs pushing innovation in Climate Tech. This seven-month incubator offers a supporting ecosystem for purpose-driven creators, including stipends, personalized business coaching, and access to a worldwide network of partners. The program, financed by the Berliner Startup Stipendium, aims to help impact entrepreneurs reach their full potential by offering financial support, personalized coaching, coworking space, mentorship, visibility through marketing support, and exposure tours. Startups with unique technology solutions to climate change, a working prototype, and an entrepreneurial attitude are invited to apply.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Blockchain
Catena Capital is a company-building and investment organization that is committed to driving innovation in blockchain, the token economy, and decentralized platforms. The firm's goal is to maximize the potential of blockchain technology by providing funding and specialized resources for the development of sustainable enterprises based on industry- and infrastructure-changing products and services. Catena Capital actively seeks for innovative technologies and solutions for the crypto and blockchain communities, providing initial capital, growth tools, individual mentorship, and office space at CryptoTank, the program's office and event venue in the center of Berlin. The incubator also focuses on community building by offering networking opportunities, evening events, mentorship sessions, and a supportive atmosphere for blockchain entrepreneurs.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Construction
Zeppelin Lab, a significant participant in Berlin's startup ecosystem, is committed to cultivating new ideas and promoting innovation across sectors. The program is intended to help early-stage businesses with a focus on technology and sustainability by providing them with a one-of-a-kind platform to develop their business models, verify their products, and create a strong market presence. Zeppelin Lab's 10-month, equity-free acceleration program includes a monthly stipend, office space, personalized coaching, workshops, and access to an extensive network of industry and investment specialists. Every participant receives a €1,500 monthly stipend and has access to a dedicated coach who provides vital support throughout the program. The program's comprehensive assistance seeks to provide startups with the necessary knowledge, experience, and resources to flourish.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: DesignTech
DesignFarmBerlin, a project of the Weißensee School of Art and Design, aims to empower design and innovation enterprises. The initiative offers funding to design-driven firms, as well as bespoke mentorship programs, to foster growth in Berlin's creative tech industry. With an emphasis on areas such as health, interaction, textiles, fashion, and music, the program gradually expands to systemic innovations, providing a one-of-a-kind platform for companies to strengthen their business models and build a strong market presence. Furthermore, the program welcomes entrepreneurs to engage in the objective of promoting design-led innovation, cultivating a distinct voice for design, and empowering a new generation of creatives.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Open Data
The Open Data Incubator for Europe (ODINE) is a crucial 6-month incubator program that aims to empower open data entrepreneurs across Europe. With a €7.8 million grant from the EU's Horizon 2020 program, ODINE intends to accelerate the growth of digital enterprises by offering equity-free finance, mentorship, business and data training, media exposure, and investor introductions. The initiative helps innovators build long-term enterprises that have an economic, social, and environmental impact, while also cultivating an open-data ecosystem. ODINE's comprehensive support system includes up to €100,000 in equity-free funding, tailored mentoring, high-quality media exposure, visibility at international events, and robust introductions to potential investors, making it an appealing platform for startups to thrive and innovate in the open data landscape.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Launched in 2015, Go Silicon Valley is a program that promotes innovation and digitization, with locations in Silicon Valley and Berlin. The program provides its participants with several perks, such as free participation in knowledge transfer sessions, integration into accelerator programs, and discounts on innovation tours and scouting. Members also get free access to innovation laboratories, accelerator programs, and think tanks, creating a climate conducive to the interchange of expertise and knowledge. Furthermore, the program offers a network of over 30 member firms, 50+ foreign cooperation partners, and 40 network partners in Silicon Valley, providing numerous options for collaboration and growth.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The Startup Incubator Berlin, which is affiliated with the Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Berlin, provides a wide range of programs and support to early-stage entrepreneurs. Some of their notable programs include the EXIST Women program, which offers a 12-month program and a 3-month stipend for women interested in entrepreneurship, and the StarTUp Incubator, a milestone-based incubation process that supports up to 30 start-up teams each year. The incubator offers ongoing assistance, entrepreneurial training, and access to a wide range of skills required to start a business, such as mentorship, workshops, seminars, and networking events. In addition, the incubator provides infrastructural assistance, co-working spaces, and access to specific offices and lab facilities tailored to the needs of the entrepreneurs.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Sectors
Impact Hub Berlin is a renowned community and coworking space committed to supporting entrepreneurs to develop meaningful enterprises and solutions that address societal and environmental issues. The hub offers acceleration programs, physical co-working space, digital tools, and a worldwide network of over 24,000 impact entrepreneurs, creating a welcoming atmosphere for startups. It also provides mentoring, professional coaching, exposure opportunities, and networking, all of which help entrepreneurs grow and thrive. Impact Hub Berlin, with its rich ecosystem and initiatives, acts as a key partner for companies seeking access to impact innovation, enabling entrepreneurs to grow and scale through mentorship, networking, and exposure possibilities.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Berlin Startup School is a prominent platform that supports future founders from idea conception to investor-readiness through various programs and individual coaching. Berlin Startup School's major initiatives are the Startup Academy, Impact Accelerator, and Individual Coaching, which provide entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need to succeed in business, including a monthly scholarship, a coaching budget, and access to coworking spaces. As a state-funded initiative, Berlin Startup School does not require entrepreneurs to give away any equity for participation in the programs.
Launch Stage Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Berlin
Full list of launch stage startup incubators and accelerators in Berlin:
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic, Female-specific
The Grace Berlin Accelerator is a pivotal initiative that helps and empowers ambitious female entrepreneurs in Berlin. With an emphasis on promoting gender diversity in the startup scene, the program provides a 6-month program to participating entrepreneurs, including a monthly stipend of €2,200 and access to seminars, coaching, and mentorship. The program is hybrid in nature, combining in-person and online work, with office space in Berlin and live classes at the Founder's Loft in Kreuzberg. The program's goal is to help female entrepreneurs develop their ideas until they are marketable, with a heavy emphasis on personal development and access to a network of like-minded peers and professionals.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
YES!Delft, Europe's biggest innovation incubator, provides a comprehensive startup assistance program that encompasses mentorship, office space, access to a network of specialists and investors, and a thriving community of entrepreneurs. The incubation program, which lasts 12 months, offers startups with specialized coaching, business development support, access to resources and facilities, and culminates in a Demo Day to demonstrate their growth. Graduating businesses can continue to use YES!Delft's facilities and resources, which include cutting-edge office space, infrastructure, and a vast network of mentors, industry experts, and investors. YES!Delft's ecosystem promotes cooperation, creativity, and finance, making it a perfect platform for businesses to grow and scale.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Advanced Materials
INAM (Innovation Network for Advanced Materials) is a global organization that accelerates deep technology startups and helps complex inventions reach their intended audience. Since 2016, INAM has promoted collaboration among startups, SMEs, corporations, academics, and investors, expediting the worldwide market entrance of innovations in a variety of industry areas. The organization provides companies with cutting-edge technology in Advanced Materials and Deep Tech, as well as tailored support at every level of their development. INAM operates the AdMaLab incubation program for early-stage firms and research spinoffs, the AdMaCom accelerator program for startups preparing to raise Seed Rounds, and the AdMaCom Scale edition for startups looking to scale up. INAM also offers Open Innovation Challenges with business members, which supplement R&D at crucial points in the innovation process.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: ClimateTech
ClimAccelerator, powered by EIT Climate-KIC, is a global initiative that enables companies to develop, accelerate, and expand the potential of their climate solutions. With a particular emphasis on transforming cleantech companies into profitable businesses, the program provides professional tools, expertise, and networks to assist firms in establishing their climate potential. Startups also benefit from personalized coaching, mentorship, financial assistance, and exposure to consumers, partners, and investors. ClimAccelerator also offers access to various funding alternatives via its marketplace, assisting entrepreneurs in optimizing their climate impact return on investment.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Internet
Rocket Internet is a prominent incubator and investment firm that pioneered a more aggressive approach to new venture formation, earning it the nickname "startup factory." The firm, headquartered in Berlin, builds and expands companies by duplicating Internet-based business concepts pioneered elsewhere, with an emphasis on underserved or unexplored regions throughout the world. Rocket Internet's significant operational support and strategic investments encompass more than 200 enterprises across six continents, employing over 42,000 people and worth about €30 billion. Rocket Internet, with its aggressive replication of successful business models and extensive operational assistance, is a vital participant in supporting global entrepreneurship and allowing businesses to develop worldwide inside Berlin's strong digital scene and beyond.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Life Science
Eckert Life Science Accelerator (ELSA), a subsidiary of Eckert Wagniskapital und Frühphasenfinanzierung GmbH, is a Berlin-based life science incubator that invests and supports biotech, pharmaceutical, and medtech firms seeking seed or A-round venture capital funding. With over 30 years of expertise, ELSA actively assists creators in establishing valuable and sustainable business models, functioning as an authorized business angel with the European Angels Fund and regularly working as lead investors for public entities at the German state and federal levels. The accelerator provides critical early-stage investment, coaching, and direction to firms, assisting them in navigating the transition from startup to mature and valued company.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Sectors
SAP.iO Foundry Berlin provides equity-free programs to help startups increase the value of their workforce through creative solutions. The program focuses on B2B technology companies and offers technical and go-to-market assistance, integration with SAP SuccessFactors, and access to a curated ecosystem for expanding through mentorship, demand creation, and visibility with SAP clients. The program seeks startups with a clear product-market fit for enterprise software solutions, secured VC funding, existing enterprise customers, and the resources to fully participate in the acceleration phase, providing startups with a unique opportunity to accelerate their growth and increase their visibility within the SAP ecosystem. Furthermore, businesses in the program receive selected mentorship, access to SAP technology, APIs, and cooperation opportunities with SAP clients globally.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The SIBB Digital Transition Incubator is a Berlin-based startup assistance program financed by the European Union and the State of Berlin. It is especially designed to empower early-stage enterprises, with a strong emphasis on cultivating female entrepreneurs. Over a 10-month period, the program offers entrepreneurs a monthly stipend to allow them to focus only on creating their companies, as well as seminars, coaching sessions, a mentorship program, and networking opportunities with investors. The incubator caters to entrepreneurs in the digital transition field and provides a specialized location in Berlin-Kreuzberg. The program's goal is to turn unique ideas into successful, influential businesses through hands-on workshops, customized mentorship and coaching, and a collaborative atmosphere, with a special emphasis on companies with little prior experience and those working on early-stage projects.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sports & HealthTech
leAD Sports Accelerator, inspired by the sports industry veteran Adi Dassler, is a one-of-a-kind platform for early-stage sports digital businesses, with a focus on new solutions in linked athletes, derivative markets, and fan interaction. The program offeers entrepreneurs access to a prestigious network of investors, partners, and mentors, allowing founders to tap into a wealth of industry knowledge and accelerate their business growth. The accelerator not only provides smart investment and network access, but also focuses on founder growth via coaching in critical areas such as business, investment, finance, leadership, and pitching. With an exceptional environment for sports technology value creation, leAD Sports Accelerator is a critical platform for companies looking to drive innovation and growth in the dynamic world of sports technology.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
The Techstars Berlin Accelerator offers a comprehensive program to assist entrepreneurs and startups in rapidly growing their businesses. The program, which focuses on Novel AI & ML, Space, Life Science, Robotics, Climate Tech, Future of Computing, Future of Mobility, and other innovative fields, provides a nurturing environment that combines investment, mentorship, tools, and important networks to help entrepreneurs flourish. During a three-month program, participants have access to a large network of over 6,000 mentors, hands-on assistance from local accelerator teams, and connections to thousands of alumni firms, which provide substantial customer potential. Furthermore, the program provides businesses with the essential tools for effective fundraising, delivering access to a network of over 18,000 investors as well as assistance in pitching and securing deals. Startups also get lifelong access to the global Techstars network, which includes over $400,000 in cash equivalent hosting, legal help, and accounting, as well as a variety of credits and bonuses.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Hubraum, Deutsche Telekom's tech incubator, serves as an important venue for entrepreneurs looking to promote innovation in the telecommunications industry. The program provides strategic investments and support to entrepreneurs in the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, with an emphasis on technology solutions in fields such as 5G, AI, IoT, XR, quantum computing, and the metaverse. Startups benefit from Deutsche Telekom's comprehensive assistance, which includes access to its technology and business experience, 5G early access programs, prototyping campuses in Berlin and Krakow, and possibilities to engage with the telco's infrastructure and APIs. Furthermore, entrepreneurs benefit from the wide network and high-profile events, such as the Mobile World Congress and Startupnight in Berlin, which increase their exposure and connectedness in the sector. The partnership with Hubraum extends beyond just investment, providing entrepreneurs with strategic collaborations, passionate advocating, and dedicated support as they strive to become key market players.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology, Social Impact
Reaktor Berlin is a 6-month acceleration program designed for pre-seed firms that intends to boost entrepreneurs' expertise and assist them in putting their ideas into reality. The program includes mentorship, coaching, bootcamps, and masterclasses, as well as supportive community and a €2,200 scholarship per founder each month, with no equity required. The program is supported by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the State of Berlin and offers businesses up to €36,000 in financial support as well as access to a network of renowned entrepreneurs, business angels, venture capitalists, and specialists. Startups also have access to a coworking and event space in Berlin, as well as a personalized training program, peer-to-peer learning sessions, and continuing support from the Reaktor team and renowned mentors.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team / Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Digital Health
The G4A program in Berlin is an innovative accelerator that aims to develop and drive healthcare entrepreneurs. With a focus on creating new ideas and solutions, G4A provides participating entrepreneurs with a comprehensive support system that includes mentorship, funding, and access to a large network of industry experts and resources. Startups engaged in G4A acquire crucial insights to develop their products and business model and increase their growth trajectory, thanks to personalized mentoring programs and strategic support. In addition, the program offers financial support and investment options, allowing startups to develop their operations and bring their inventions to market quickly. Overall, G4A acts as a catalyst for healthcare innovation, promoting collaborations between startups and established organizations to address critical issues and transform the sector.
Closing Thoughts on Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Berlin
Berlin's startup industry has skyrocketed, earning it the nickname "Silicon Allee" - a tribute to the city's bustling startup scene and renowned tree-lined avenues. What distinguishes Berlin is its distinct combination of innovation, diversity, and resilience, attributes that have driven the success of many companies across a wide range of sectors. From cutting-edge software businesses to pioneering social enterprises, Berlin's startup environment is broad and dynamic, providing possibilities for entrepreneurs of all types to prosper. By engaging with a Berlin startup incubator or accelerator, ambitious entrepreneurs may have access to a plethora of resources and experience, expediting their path from idea to market reality.
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