Our offerings

Empowering innovators from idea to scale

We support founders, researchers, and industry innovators along the entire startup journey — from the first spark of an idea to market entry and long-term growth. With programs, partnerships, funding opportunities, and a strong regional and international ecosystem, we help deep-tech founders turn breakthrough ideas into real impact.

Our startup programs guide you through the key phases of venture development

Each format is tailored to activate talent, validate ideas, accelerate growth, and open doors to industry and capital.

START

Automation, digital manufacturing, and new materials define the landscape of Future Industry. Thanks to its central location in Europe and its high density of industrial companies undergoing major transformation, the Ruhr Region is ideally positioned to advance next-generation production processes — with a strong focus on climate-neutral manufacturing.

Challenge

This 2–3 day sprint brings together diverse minds to to turn research ideas into business opportunities.

Hackathon

This 2–3 day sprint brings together diverse minds to to turn research ideas into business opportunities.

BUILD

We support teams as they move from incubation to acceleration. This phase focuses on validating market needs, matching research with real problems and developing early prototypes that pave the way for deep-tech venture creation.

Bootcamp

This 2-month program sharpens your business idea into a clear problem–solution fit.

GROW

We accelerate high-potential startups on their way to market. This phase focuses on securing pilot customers, refining the product–market fit, attracting investment, and setting up scalable structures for growth.

Accelerator

This 12-week program is designed to fast-track your deep-tech startup with business mentoring, tech guidance and fundraising support.

SCALE

We support scaling startups with long-term, needs-based offerings. This phase focuses on global expansion, capital access and maintaining momentum as teams grow into international deep-tech companies.

Portfolio Support

Get targeted support in fundraising, team growth, ecosystem access, alumni exchange, and increased visibility across our channels and media

CONNECT

As part of our programs and beyond, we create the platforms, formats, and environments that founders, researchers, investors and corporates need to collaborate effectively.

Community

We cultivate the connections, moments, and spaces that spark meaningful exchange and collaboration.

Our Startup Programs

Our startup programs guide you through the key phases of venture development: Start, Build, Grow, Scale and Connect. Each format is tailored to activate talent, validate ideas, accelerate growth, and open doors to industry and capital.