The xG-Incubator program is designed to bridge advanced telecommunications research with entrepreneurship, supporting the development of next-generation communication technologies, including 5G, 6G, Open RAN, and related ComTech solutions. In close collaboration with xG-RIC, the incubator gives founders and researchers access to labs, testbeds, technical expertise, mentorship, and business support. Its mission is to help transform scientific research into real-world, market-ready innovations.
Program Structure and Funding
• Phase 1 - Evaluation Program (12 months): This phase focuses on validating the startup idea and proving its technical feasibility. Participants can receive up to €800,000 in equity-free funding, as well as support for technical evaluation and the development of a demonstrator or proof of concept (PoC).
• Phase 2 - Incubation Program (up to 24 months): This phase supports companies in preparing for market entry and long-term growth. Participants can receive up to €800,000 in equity-free funding and take part in a structured incubation process focused on market readiness, business model validation, and support in securing follow-up financing.
Eligibility and Application Process
• Eligible Applicants: The program supports teams at universities and research institutions that are interested in founding a company under Funding Phase 1, as well as non-listed, technology-oriented small companies whose commercial register entry dates back no more than five years under Funding Phase 2. Teams that have participated in the StartUpSecure program are not eligible to join StartUpConnect.
• Funded Projects: The program funds individual research projects and, in exceptional cases, joint projects that aim to rapidly transfer research results in communication technologies into practical applications. The focus is on research, development, and evaluation of demonstrators for specific application scenarios.
• Application Steps: The application process includes six key stages: Proposal Submission, Review, Pitching, BMFTR Application, BMFTR Evaluation, and the Funding Process. Applicants are encouraged to contact the xG-Incubator team before the deadline for guidance and support.
• Language Requirements: The 10-page proposal must be written in German because the formal BMFTR application must be submitted in German. However, the pitch may be conducted in English.
Community and Networking Opportunities
• The Berlin Telecommunications Community: This community connects researchers, founders, engineers, R&D professionals, and industry partners in Berlin who are working on wireless communication technologies. It provides a space to exchange ideas, find collaborators, discuss challenges, and move research-based ideas toward real-world applications.
• xG-Afterwork Events: xG-Afterwork is a quarterly networking event for Berlin’s 6G and telecommunications ecosystem. It brings together researchers, founders, industry partners, and young talent through keynotes, open pitches, an Opportunities Wall, and informal networking.
Support and Resources
• Readiness Assessment: Applicants are encouraged to use the KTH Innovation Readiness Level™ tool to assess their startup’s progress across six dimensions: Customer, Technology, Business Model, Intellectual Property Rights, Team, and Funding.
• Startup Portfolio: The incubator supports a portfolio of communication technology startups working on areas such as wireless infrastructure, connectivity, radio systems, and advanced telecommunications applications.
• Dedicated Team: The xG-Incubator team supports startups with incubation, coordination, mentoring, business development, ecosystem building, and innovation support.
• Strategic Partners: The program works with partners across Berlin’s telecommunications, research, and startup ecosystem to support technology transfer and startup growth.
For researchers, founders, and early-stage technology companies aiming to turn communication technology research into market-ready solutions, xG-Incubator offers a structured support system combining funding, incubation, expert guidance, technical infrastructure, and ecosystem access. Interested applicants can contact the team for further information or application guidance.