ExciteLab serves as a specialized high-tech accelerator based in Dresden, Germany, specifically designed to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial market success. As a joint venture between SpinLab (The HHL Accelerator) and TUDAG (TU Dresden Aktiengesellschaft), the program provides a strategic platform for deep-tech startups to scale their hardware and complex software solutions. The initiative leverages the "Silicon Saxony" ecosystem to offer founders unparalleled access to world-class research facilities, corporate partners, and a robust network of investors.
Primary Technology Focus Areas
The accelerator is tailored for startups developing transformative technologies in several core domains:
- Robotics: Innovations in industrial automation, autonomous systems, and human-robot collaboration.
- Sensors: Advanced sensing hardware, signal processing, and high-precision measurement technologies.
- Internet of Things (IoT): Smart connectivity solutions, industrial IoT, and integrated hardware-software systems.
- Semiconductors: Novel chip designs, microelectronics components, and hardware architecture.
- Quantum Technologies: Breakthroughs in quantum computing, sensing, and secure communication.
Strategic Program Benefits
Participants in the ExciteLab program receive a comprehensive support package focused on rapid growth and market readiness:
- Zero-Equity Model: The program does not take any shares or equity from the participating startups.
- Tailored Mentoring: Access to personalized 1:1 coaching from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.
- Corporate Access: Direct introductions to major industry players such as Infineon, ZEISS, and SAP for potential pilot projects and partnerships.
- Academic Network: Direct links to the expertise and infrastructure of TU Dresden, one of Germany’s leading technical universities.
- Marketing and Visibility: Extensive exposure through the program’s media channels and opportunities to pitch at high-profile events.
Funding and Financial Incentives
ExciteLab provides significant financial pathways to support the development of high-tech prototypes and business scaling:
- Non-Dilutive Funding: Startups may qualify for up to €30,000 in funding through the Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB), provided they are based in or relocate their legal entity to Saxony.
- Prize Awards: Opportunities to win additional capital through the Community Award, Academy Award, and the Investors Day Pitch.
- Investor Relations: Direct access to a network of over 100 venture capital firms and angel investors specifically interested in deep-tech and hardware.
- Partner Deals: Exclusive discounts and credits for technical tools, software, and infrastructure services.
Program Structure and Methodology
The accelerator utilizes a hybrid curriculum designed to maximize impact while respecting the operational needs of a growing startup:
- Six-Month Duration: An intensive half-year journey focused on technology validation and investment readiness.
- Hybrid Delivery: The program combines on-site weeks in Dresden for networking and physical workshops with remote sessions for continuous coaching.
- International Reach: Participation in a global community of mentors and alumni spanning across the tech ecosystem.
- Investors Day: The program culminates in a major pitch event, allowing founders to present their solutions to an elite group of international investors.
Application Requirements and Eligibility
To maintain a high standard of peer learning and professional excellence, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Target Stages: The program is ideally suited for startups in the pre-seed or early expansion phases.
- Team Composition: Applications are encouraged from motivated teams consisting of 2 to 4 founders with complementary technical and business skill sets.
- Language Proficiency: A high level of fluency in English or German is required to participate in the curriculum.
- Required Documentation: Prospective participants must submit a comprehensive pitch deck (approximately 10–15 slides) outlining their solution, market potential, and team background via the F6S platform.
Key Dates for the Upcoming Cohort
The selection process follows a strict timeline to ensure timely onboarding:
- Application Deadline: The current call for applications closes on January 13, 2026.
- Selection Process: Following a review of digital submissions, shortlisted teams will undergo a rigorous evaluation and pitching phase to determine the final cohort.
ExciteLab offers a unique vantage point for high-tech founders seeking to integrate into one of Europe's most advanced microelectronics clusters. By providing a combination of specialized industry expertise, academic resources, and equity-free financial support, the accelerator creates an environment where complex technological visions can be transformed into commercially viable enterprises. Interested teams can submit their applications through the official portal to join this intensive six-month program and accelerate their entry into the global industrial market.