Programs

The Startup Elevator is the go-to accelerator for research-based startups in life sciences and bioeconomy in Germany — with no equity, nor fees.  Our sector-specific programs are designed to meet the unique needs of scientific founders, helping you transform your research into a successful company. You can choose between 2 programs depending on your development stage: the Business Accelerator (9 months) or the Investment Bootcamp (12 weeks).

You get in-depth training in 8 key elements every founder needs — but most scientists never learn. We work with a market driven approach, ensuring your technology fits perfectly to your customers. In addition to that you can individualize your program and choose from a variety of optional modules, like team building or international markets. Scientific work doesn’t always follow a fixed schedule — that’s why the Startup Elevator supports you for up to 9 months, offering you the space and time to develop your startup at your own pace. With just 1–2 workshops per month, you stay productive in the lab while gaining entrepreneurial skills efficiently. On top you’ll benefit from extra sessions with industry experts and mentors. To help you stay focused, motivated and organized we also offer weekly Check In’s with your personal coach.

Our commitment doesn’t stop at coachings. We offer an infrastructure package to help you focus on what matters:

      • Free co-working spaces
      • Conference rooms for investor meetings
      • Maker spaces for prototyping
      • in-house Café & event space
      • Laboratories with startup-friendly rents

Your visibility will grow further through the access to international events. Want to grow your network purposefully? Our programs offer tailored industry matchmaking, connecting you with the right partners — from local SMEs to global corporates. Whether you’re aiming to collaborate with leading researchers from the Weinberg Campus, meet your first pilot customer or engage with investors and decision-makers from business and science – we’ll open the right doors.

We connect startups with the infrastructure, expertise, and network they need – we’re here to lift you up.

Global Network

Strong local and international partners, mentors and industry leaders.

Free Co-working Space

Access to sector specific labs, equipment, offices, and shared facilities

Investor Community

Funding support with pitch training, networking and access to our investor community

Custom Coaching

Your personal startup coach to guide you on your journey

Visibility & Events

Get featured in media, pitch on stage, and meet your future partners

Business Accelerator

Duration: 9 months 

Application Deadline: August 15th, 2025 

Focus: Business Readiness and Go-to-Market Strategy

 

Apply for the Business Accelerator, if you… 

  • Are in the seed phase or preparing for it 
  • Need support in business development and product-market fit 
  • Teams looking for strategic guidance, infrastructure, and industry access 

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

Explore practical concepts and tools for developing your business model step by step and turning your idea into a  sustainable and scalable venture. 

Learn how to secure/safeguard your startup’s innovations through IP strategies, patent protection, and trademark basics. 

Learn which certifications matter most in your industry—and how to plan your workload to obtain them. This workshop helps you navigate the rules, so regulations don’t end up holding your startup back.

Learn how to prepare for funding rounds by developing an investor-ready strategy. This session covers cap tables, investment timing, and what to expect during negotiations.

Build the financial foundation for successful fundraising and long-term growth by understanding key financing strategies and the capital sources available to founders. 

Learn how to position your brand in a crowded market, reach your target group and create marketing strategies that convert – without wasting time or budget. 

Get practical insights to lead generation, successful deal closing, sales cycles, and customer communication. 

Refine your pitch, master your story, and learn how to deliver a pitch that resonates with investors, partners, and customers – clear, credible, and compelling 

Investment Bootcamp

Duration: 12 weeks 

Application Deadline: January 15th, 2026 

Focus: Investment readiness and funding strategy 

 

Apply for the Business Accelerator, if you… 

  • Founders looking for funding opportunities or preparing to raise a seed or Series A round.
  • Teams that have a validated product, prototype, or first traction 
  • Startups looking to sharpen their pitch, financials, and deal strategy before engaging with investors 

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

This workshop helps you define and sharpen your business model. You’ll learn how to articulate your value proposition, validate key assumptions, and align your model with investor expectations.

Understand the fundamentals of startup financing—from cost structures and revenue models to funding needs and financial projections. You’ll also explore how to communicate your financial strategy to potential investors.

Learn how to prepare for funding rounds by developing an investor-ready strategy. This session covers cap tables, investment timing, and what to expect during negotiations.

Get a clear overview of the legal foundations every founder should understand. This informal session covers legal forms, tax obligations, and how your company setup affects investment.

This session focuses on the structure and content of your investor pitch. You’ll receive personal feedback and refine your messaging to communicate clearly and confidently.

Your Mentor Could Be

Dr. Stefan Schneider

Director
KPMG

Dr. Marie Kappen

Senior Investment Manager
b.value AG

Jon Flynn

Head of AI GTM
Google 

Dr. Marc Hentz

CEO & Serial Entrepreneur
Open Sesame Therapeutics 

Dr. Jörg Schäffner

Director Global Quality Assurance
Wacker Biotech

Meet our Partners