Campus Founders offers a suite of 12-week, execution-focused programs designed for early-stage startups that have developed a minimum viable product (MVP) and are showing initial signs of traction. These cost and equity-free accelerators aim to equip founders with the necessary tools to validate their business models, gain market momentum, and achieve investor readiness. The programs are structured to help participants refine their business strategies, prepare for funding rounds, and connect with a network that supports their next phase of growth within Heilbronn's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Program Overview
• Program Streams: Two distinct programs are available based on startup focus: 'AI Founders' for AI-native startups and 'Accelerator' for B2B tech startups.
• Duration: Both programs run for 12 weeks.
• Cost: Participation is free of charge and equity-free.
• Primary Goal: To assist startups in refining their business model, maximizing market potential, advancing beyond the MVP stage, optimizing sales processes, and mastering fundraising.
Target Audience and Requirements
• Ideal Candidate: Early-stage startups with an established MVP and early traction.
• Team Composition: The program is designed for teams with at least one technical and one business co-founder. High-potential single founders may be considered.
• Commitment: Full-time dedication from at least one co-founder is required, as participants are not permitted to be enrolled in other accelerator programs concurrently.
• Location: Physical attendance in Heilbronn is a requirement for the duration of the program.
Program Structure and Key Offerings
• Dual-Track Approach: The program features a 'Business Track' for strategy refinement and a 'Well-Being Track' focused on conscious leadership and sustainable self-management.
• Advanced Business Workshops: Tailored, hands-on sessions with industry experts covering product-market fit, customer discovery, marketing, fundraising, and sales.
• Mentorship: Access to a diverse pool of experienced mentors providing industry-specific guidance and feedback.
• Strategic Milestone Coaching: Regular check-ins with startup managers to set milestones, provide continuous guidance, and assess progress.
• Workspace Access: Participants receive 24/7 access to 'Gravity,' a 7,000-square-meter innovation hub with top-tier amenities.
• Founder Wellbeing: A science-based retreat series offers practical tools from psychology and neuroscience to build resilience for the entrepreneurial journey.
Funding and Financial Support
• Financial Assistance: Startups have the opportunity to receive up to €25,000 through a founder-friendly loan from financial partners, featuring a limited repayment obligation. Disbursement is tied to achieving program milestones.
• Founder Scholarship: A scholarship of €1,500 per month per founder is available for up to six months. This support is also milestone-based and intended to cover living costs.
Program Timeline and Curriculum
• Weeks 1-2 (Kick-Off & Goal Setting): Includes an introduction to the ecosystem, an overview of funding opportunities, and setting 12-week milestones. The Well-Being Track focuses on tools for focus and clarity.
• Weeks 3-7 (Customer & Business Readiness): Covers topics such as accelerating sales, pricing, marketing strategies, product development, and GTM strategies. The Well-Being Track addresses money, fundraising, and self-worth.
• Weeks 8-12 (Funding Readiness): Focuses on deal structuring, legal aspects, venture capital dynamics, investor negotiations, and mastering pitching. The Well-Being Track explores creativity, emotional release, and presence.
Application and Key Dates
• Application Deadline: 01 March 2026, 23:59 GMT+1.
• Program Start Date: April 13, 2026.
• Program End Date: July 3, 2026.
• Selection Process: Submissions are reviewed by a diverse team of evaluators. Shortlisted teams will be invited to pitch, with up to 10 teams selected for the cohort.
• Program Language: All program activities are conducted in English.
• Information Sessions: Join the Info Sessions on February 10 (AI Founders at 2:00 pm, Accelerator at 4:00 pm) or a Q&A session on February 25, 2026, from 16:00-17:00. Weekly office hours are also available on Wednesdays from 14:00-14:30.
Founders interested in leveraging hands-on support, expert mentorship, and potential funding to scale their ventures are encouraged to review the program details and application requirements. Further information can be obtained by attending the scheduled information sessions or reaching out to the program contacts provided in the source materials.