The xG-Incubator is a specialized deep-tech initiative based in Berlin, designed to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial viability in telecommunications. Funded by the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) under the StartUpConnect initiative, the program focuses on advancing 6G innovations. It operates in close collaboration with the 6G Research and Innovation Cluster (6G-RIC), providing high-tech startups and research teams with the financial resources and technical infrastructure to translate complex scientific results into market-ready solutions.
Funding and Financial Support
Non-Dilutive Grants: Equity-free funding with potential grants up to €800,000 to develop and validate 6G technologies.
Phase-Based Financing: Support aligned to venture maturity, covering eligible personnel costs, equipment, and external services for technical prototyping.
Resource Allocation: Funding is earmarked for technical evaluation of research results and the transition toward a sustainable business model.
Technical Infrastructure and Lab Access
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Direct access to xG-RIC laboratories and testbeds in Berlin for hands-on validation.
Technical Validation: Hardware and software environments for high-frequency communication testing and protocol development.
Expert Collaboration: Work alongside leading researchers within 6G-RIC (including partners such as TU Berlin and Fraunhofer HHI) to align developments with next-generation mobile standards.
Mentorship and Business Development
Structured Incubation: Tailored mentorship and business support designed for deep-tech ventures.
Investor-Readiness: Guidance on go-to-market, IP strategy, regulatory considerations, and Access2Finance to prepare for follow-on funding.
Program Phases and Duration
Phase 1 – Technical Evaluation (12 months): Demonstrate feasibility and build a functional prototype or demonstrator.
Phase 2 – Incubation (up to 24 months): Refine product-market fit and prepare for scale. Company founding is not intended during funding; if required, it may occur after Phase 1 and must be completed by the start of Phase 2.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
Target Audience: Research teams from German universities and non-university research institutions, as well as young technology-oriented companies (generally <5 years old).
Technological Focus: Projects contributing to the 6G ecosystem (e.g., radio systems, hardware components, network software, and novel communication protocols).
Geographic Requirement: International teams are welcome; however, grant payout requires a registered office/place of business or R&D facility in Germany. Project results may be used/commercialised only in Germany, the EEA, and Switzerland.
Submission Process: Applicants submit a technical and business proposal for evaluation by experts from industry and academia.
The xG-Incubator strengthens Europe’s position in future connectivity by combining significant non-dilutive funding with world-class lab access and focused mentorship—giving deep-tech founders the stability to advance from scientific proof to industrial application.