This overview details a hybrid, equity-free accelerator program designed to support and scale startups in the energy, smart city, and eHealth sectors. The program combines e-learning content from industry experts with interactive on-site workshops, with a focus on financing, market entry, and securing pilot projects with corporate partners. It offers founders the opportunity to grow their ventures with substantial support and resources without giving up equity.
Program Details
• Program Duration: 6 months
• Program Format: Hybrid, combining online learning with on-site focus weeks at the headquarters in Leipzig
• Key Sectors: Energy, Smart City, Digital City, eHealth, Mobility, Cleantech, Cybersecurity, Deeptech, Big Data, SaaS, and IoT
• Supported Technologies: Hardware, IoT, Big Data, SaaS, AI/ML, Apps, and Sensors
• Target Startup Stages: Pre-seed, seed, early-stage, growth, and scale-up
Benefits and Offerings
• Equity-Free Funding: Up to €50,000 in non-dilutive funding is available. Accepted startups receive an initial €6,000 to help cover living costs, with additional prize money for the best pitch and most sustainable idea.
• No Equity Taken: The program takes no equity, shares, or intellectual property from participating startups.
• Personalized Support: Participants receive tailored coaching and one-on-one mentorship from industry experts and experienced founders.
• Corporate Access: The program facilitates pilot projects and access to an extensive partner network, including companies such as Porsche, Leipziger Gruppe, VNG, and AOK.
• Investor Network: Startups gain access to an international network of investors.
• Resources and Perks: Benefits include free office space, technology deals, and free or discounted access to conferences and events.
• Community and Visibility: Participants join a supportive startup community and gain visibility within the broader innovation ecosystem.
• Internationalization: Support is provided for international expansion through strategic partnerships.
Application Timeline
• Application Period Opens: July 2026
• Application Deadline: 08 October 2026
• Program Start Date: January 2027
• Program End Date: June 2027
Eligibility and Application Process
• Team Requirements: Applicants should have a complete founding team of 2–4 members covering the key skill sets needed to build and grow the startup.
• Language Proficiency: Business-level fluency in either German or English is required.
• Startup Phase: The program is suited to startups in the pre-seed or expansion phase. A prototype or MVP should be ready during or by the end of the 6-month program.
• Idea Scalability: The startup’s concept should be distinctive, scalable, and market-relevant.
• Previous Funding: Startups that have already raised funding are also eligible to apply.
• Application Submission: Applications must be submitted through the official form on F6S.
• Pitch Deck: Applicants must provide a current pitch deck of 10–15 slides or a pitching video of 7–10 minutes covering the problem, solution, customers, market size, competitors, business model, team, and financial plan.
This program offers a structured support system for technology-driven startups operating in high-growth sectors. Through equity-free funding, access to corporate partners for pilot opportunities, and personalized mentorship, it is designed to help founders strengthen their business, improve investment readiness, and accelerate market entry. Interested applicants should review the eligibility criteria and application timeline carefully before applying.