Communities

Hybrid

2hearts Community is a non-profit initiative based in Berlin that has been connecting and supporting people with a migration background in the European tech industry since 2020. Through a digital platform and regional meet-ups, it offers personal exchange, mentoring by experienced professionals and executives, as well as support for entering tech careers or founding startups. The Angel Collective complements this offering with access to experienced investors and founders with similar backgrounds. The goal is to leverage cultural diversity as a strength, create equal opportunities, and make the tech landscape more inclusive in the long term.

In-Person

4WARD Germany, based in Munich, offers climate and sustainability startups comprehensive support in growth, fundraising, and network building. The offering includes the development of pitch decks, go-to-market strategies, and access to investors and partnerships. The target audience is primarily founding teams focused on climate protection, decarbonization, and sustainable business models. Additionally, 4WARD supports companies and organizations with sound consulting for ESG and net-zero strategies.

In-Person

AI Village in Hürth near Cologne is an innovation campus for applied AI and robotics focused on startups and SMEs, funded by the BMWK and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The six-month 'KI Schmiede' accelerator provides individualized support for AI startups — from potential analysis and business model optimization to investor readiness — and grants access to an extensive expert network spanning research, business, and politics. In addition, regular workshops, tech forums, and demonstrators are held to implement practical solutions with companies. Participants benefit, at no cost, from pilot projects, demo days, and data infrastructure on the euronova campus.

In-Person

The Digital Founders Center Alte Schlosserei in Aschaffenburg offers startups comprehensive support from idea development through to business plan creation, including founding consultancy, individual coaching, and a mentoring program. It provides affordable co-working and office spaces as well as workshop and creative rooms with 24/7 access. The center also organizes numerous workshops, events, and networking opportunities with regional companies and partners to promote digital structural transformation. Services include assistance with securing financial resources and legal advice, supported by a broad network spanning business, politics, and educational institutions. Support is provided within a regional ecosystem designed to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship in the Main-Viereck area.

In-Person

The ANsWERK Startup Engineering Program offers professional coaching and mentoring as well as workshops to support the conceptual development of startup ideas. Participants receive targeted guidance in working out their founding projects in order to advance innovation projects both technically and commercially. The program is specifically aimed at founders who want to develop innovative solutions and bring them to market readiness. It is run by an institution with a technological focus that accompanies founders through market entry. The offering includes not only consulting but also network access and practice-oriented development support.

In-Person

Areal Digital in Leipheim offers founders and startups comprehensive support from idea generation through business plan creation to financing and business model development. The support package includes co-working spaces, private offices, meeting and event rooms, and professional equipment to enable productive and flexible working. In addition, regular events, networking opportunities, and coaching services are provided to strengthen connections with established companies and boost innovation in the region. The program particularly promotes digital startups and serves as a central point of contact for questions around digitalization and business formation. The program is run by the Günzburg district authority.

In-Person

ATHENE SpeedUpSecure Accelerator, based in Darmstadt, offers a program to support cybersecurity startups that provide innovative solutions and are in the early founding phase. The focus is on supporting these startups through specialized training, networking opportunities, workshops, and individual mentoring. The goal is to successfully bring these companies to market and increase their sales figures.

In-Person

Bayer CoLaborator, based in Berlin, supports healthcare startups with state-of-the-art laboratory and office spaces, as well as mentoring and expert advice from Bayer specialists. The support also includes networking opportunities with other corporate experts, investors, and scientific communities, while allowing startups to retain their full independence. The CoLaborator in Berlin is connected to renowned research institutions such as the Charité and Humboldt University, and also offers access to facilities at other CoLaborator locations worldwide.

Hybrid

BayStartUP, based in Nuremberg, offers a comprehensive network for startups, investors, and industrial companies in Bavaria. It supports innovative founders through the Bavarian Business Plan Competition, coaching offerings, and access to founding and growth capital. The target audience includes startups across various industries, including biotechnology, electrical engineering, and information and communications technology. BayStartUP also secures a qualified deal flow for private and institutional investors and offers exclusive business angel meetings and investor conferences.

In-Person

Beyond Peers, based in Rostock, is a business network that brings together and supports women from various sectors of the economy in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It offers events, workshops, and platforms for networking and the exchange of experience for female founders, entrepreneurs, and women in leadership positions. The goal is to promote the visibility of women in business and their advancement into leadership roles. Beyond Peers works closely with regional women's networks to provide targeted support.