SeedBlink Blog

What makes Germany one of the most attractive destinations for startups in Europe?

With a strong economy, strategic location, and a growing network of innovation hubs, the country has become a friendly community for entrepreneurs looking to turn bold ideas into successful businesses.

At the core of the ecosystem are accelerators, programs designed to provide startups with resources such as funding, mentorship, and market access. Accelerators and startup programs typically offer a structured environment where founders can refine their business models, develop go-to-market strategies, and prepare for funding rounds.

This article highlights the top 10 startup accelerators in Germany that you should know about as a startup founder and provides key essential information. So, if you haven’t been part of a startup program or applied to an accelerator, here is a good place to start learning about them.

1. Siemens Technology Accelerator

Siemens Technology Accelerator was established in 2001 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens AG, headquartered in Munich, Germany. STA commercializes non-core Siemens technologies by forming startups or licensing agreements, primarily in the energy, industry, and healthcare sectors.

The accelerator collaborates with external investors for each company, aiming to transform innovative technologies into market-ready solutions. Notable successes include the formation of companies like MetisMotion and Rethink Robotics.

2. SpinLab - The HHL Accelerator

SpinLab – The HHL Accelerator, founded in 2014, is a startup accelerator based in Leipzig, Germany. It supports the growth of entrepreneurial and innovative teams aiming to scale their businesses.

The program offers a six-month acceleration cycle, providing startups with modern co-working office space, access to various technologies from partners, and comprehensive support through experienced coaches and mentors.

3. SpielFrabrique

SpielFabrique is a Franco-German accelerator dedicated to the video game industry, offering support to startups through mentoring, networking, and access to funding opportunities.

The accelerator offers a structured program, including workshops, mentoring sessions, and direct access to industry experts, tailored to address the challenges of game development and commercialization.

4. Hubraum

Hubraum, created in 2012, is Deutsche Telekom's tech incubator. It fosters innovation by connecting startups, developers, and ecosystem partners with the resources of a leading European telecommunications company. Operating from campuses in Berlin and Krakow, Hubraum focuses on emerging technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT).

The incubator offers various programs, including the Digital Innovation Program and the AI Co-Creation Program, providing participants with access to Deutsche Telekom's infrastructure, expert mentoring, and collaborative environments to test and refine their ideas.

5. E.ON :agile

E.ON :agile, established in 2013, is the accelerator and seed investment program of E.ON SE, a leading European energy company headquartered in Essen, Germany.

The program focuses on identifying and supporting scalable business models related to the energy sector, offering startups up to €22,000 in funding, a three-month acceleration period, coaching, sprint sessions, and access to E.ON's extensive network.

6. Microsoft Accelerator / Microsoft for startups

Microsoft Accelerator Berlin, launched in 2013, was part of Microsoft's global initiative to support early-stage technology startups. The program offered a four-month acceleration cycle, providing selected startups with mentorship from industry experts, access to Microsoft's extensive network, and resources to scale their businesses.

In 2016, Microsoft rebranded its venture activities, and the accelerator programs evolved into Microsoft for Startups, continuing to support startups globally.

7. The EIT Climate-KIC Accelerator

The EIT Climate-KIC Accelerator, based in Berlin, is a European program dedicated to supporting cleantech startups with a focus on climate impact.

Operating in three stages, the accelerator provides startups with essential resources, including financial grants, mentorship, and access to a vast network of industry experts.

8. VentureVilla Accelerator

VentureVilla Accelerator, established in 2016 and based in Hanover, Germany, is dedicated to supporting early-stage startups in the web and software technology sectors.

The accelerator offers a 100-day program that provides individualized coaching, mentoring, and workspace in the heart of Hanover. Participants also gain access to an extensive network of investors and partners, facilitating business development and growth.

9. Campus Founders

Campus Founders, established in 2018 in Heilbronn, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a center for entrepreneurship and innovation. Supported by the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, it aims to cultivate a startup ecosystem in the Heilbronn-Franken region, one of Europe's economically robust areas.

The organization offers a range of programs and services tailored to various stages of the entrepreneurial journey. These include the Incubator program, designed to assist early-stage founders in transforming concepts into viable businesses, and the Accelerator program, which focuses on validating business models and achieving investor readiness within a 12-week timeframe.

10. DIGITALHUB.DE

DIGITALHUB.DE, established in 2017 in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, serves as a central hub for startups, established companies, and innovators in the Rhineland region. It offers a comprehensive ecosystem designed to accelerate digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

DIGITALHUB.DE provides structured accelerator programs that support digital startups through various stages of development to offer mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to potential investors.

Stay connected!

This article is part of a series where we present to you the top startup incubators and accelerators across Europe. Stay tuned!

Looking for Germany's top startup venture capital firms instead? Check out our complete list of venture capital firms in Germany here.