German Accelerator

What a year! 🌟 As we wrap up 2024, we’re celebrating the milestones, growth, and connections that defined this incredible year. None of it would’ve been possible without our amazing ecosystem of innovators, mentors, and partners who share our vision of helping startups grow beyond borders. From launching new hubs to empowering startups across continents, here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished together. ✨ Swipe through our 2024 highlights and get inspired for an even bigger 2025. Let’s keep building, innovating, and scaling globally! 🚀

💡What does it take to scale your AI startup in the world’s largest, but also most competitive market? As Sitara Nath (AI Ecosystem Manager, AI Competence Center (AICC)) highlights, true innovation is more than cutting-edge technology - it’s about understanding how cultural, regulatory, and market dynamics shape success, as well as continuously expanding your network. With the U.S. leading the world in AI funding and innovation, the opportunities are endless. However, they are accessible only for those who are prepared. Our U.S. Market Discovery AI program helps you navigate complex regulatory frameworks, build local connections, and refine your value proposition, go-to-market strategy and product-market fit with expert feedback. Sign up to receive a free ticket to SXSW 2025, one of the world’s most renowned conferences, offering your AI startups an unparalleled platform to gain insights from and connect with industry leaders, investors, and global innovators. 🧠 🚀 Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/d2fAEPKd 📅February 10 – Mid March 2025 📍Silicon Valley, CA & Austin, TX ⏰Apply by January 24, 2025

🌎 Why join our U.S. Market Discovery Climate Tech program? Hear firsthand from Kitekraft Co-Founder Christoph Drexler about how the program has helped them gain critical insights into navigating the U.S. energy markets and connect with industry experts at New York Climate Week. 🌱 From one-on-one mentorship and exclusive workshops to immersion in two of the world’s top innovation hubs, our program equips Climate Tech startups with the tools they need to thrive in the highly competitive U.S. market. Tailored specifically for food and agtech startups, our upcoming U.S. Market Discovery Climate Tech program offers access to the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit and Future Food-Tech in San Francisco. These events provide unparalleled opportunities to connect with thought leaders, investors, corporate innovators, and potential partners. Ready to take your startup to the next level? Join our Climate Tech program today! 👉 https://lnkd.in/e96wJiGm 📅 February 3 – Mid-March 2025 📍 San Francisco & Colorado ⏰ Apply by January 24, 2025

🌟 Exciting News from Semanux! 🌟 We’re thrilled to share that German Accelerator alumni, Semanux has officially become part of the alfa corporate group! This marks a significant milestone for Semanux as they continue to innovate in the field of accessibility solutions, empowering individuals and organizations with their cutting-edge technology. Joining forces with alfatraining Bildungszentrum GmbH and alfaview® Video Conferencing Systems will further accelerate Semanux’s vision of creating inclusive and accessible tools while expanding their impact globally. Here’s to new opportunities, collaborations, and making the world a more inclusive place for everyone! 🎉 Congratulations to the entire Semanux team on this incredible achievement! 📖 Learn more about this exciting development: https://lnkd.in/eEBRmY_T

🚀Seoul-Searching Innovations: A Night of Startup Brilliance! 🌟 Earlier this week, we gathered at Local Stitch in Seoul for Startup Pitch Night. This event featured startups from German Accelerator’s South Korea Market Discovery Program, organized in collaboration with the Korea Startup Forum. A heartfelt thank you to Ambassador Georg Schmidt welcoming the crowd and to Felix Kalkowsky, Vice President at AHK Korea (Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry) for your steadfast support in making this event a success. Also a big shoutout to our amazing startups who shared their visionary ideas, aiming to make an impact on the world: • 2Sync: Transforming XR with their adaptive mixed reality SDK. • Loyi: Engaging Gen Z like pros with their no-code gamification platform. • TEDIRO Healthcare Robotics GmbH: Revolutionizing physiotherapy with robotics innovation. • Variowell: Redefining sleep with smart cooling technology. The night was filled with exciting innovations, dynamic pitches, and valuable networking, offering a glimpse into the future of AI, robotics, XR, IoT, and more. Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported this incredible evening. Together, we’re driving global innovation and building connections that matter. Here's to an exciting 2025 filled with success, innovation, and exciting opportunities ahead! 

“Standing on the shoulders of giants” 🌟 That’s how Silicon Valley thrives – and it's a philosophy that powers our programs. 🚀 Meet John Younger, one of our exceptional mentors in Silicon Valley. For over six years, John has been a dedicated mentor in our programs, guiding startups through critical challenges like executive management, hiring, culture building, and more. His goal? To share lessons learned from his own journey so founders can avoid common pitfalls and forge their unique paths to success. As John puts it: "This program is extraordinary because it taps into the depth and breadth of experience that most entrepreneurs and companies never get to access.” We’re proud to have mentors like John who bring their expertise – and passion – to help startups reach their full potential. 💬 What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received as a founder or executive? Share it below!

🤖 AI innovation goes beyond algorithms and models - it’s about solving real-world problems and adapting to new challenges. 🌎 Hear directly from Michelle Yi, one of our AI mentors based in the San Francisco Bay Area, as she shares her perspective on various AI topics. 🌉 If you’re looking to expand into the U.S. and gain the tools, strategic knowledge, and networks needed to succeed in the world’s biggest AI market, join our U.S. Market Discovery Program today! When: February 10 – Mid March 2025 Apply until: January 24, 2025 On-site locations: Silicon Valley, CA & Austin, TX In the program you will: ✔️ Gain first-hand insights into this dynamic market ✔️ Refine your value proposition, go-to-market strategy and product-market fit with expert feedback ✔️ Build a network of U.S. customers, partners, and investors ✔️ Participate in SXSW, the world-renowned tech conference 👉 Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/dwZgg-Cw

As one of the fastest-growing economies, India is striving to balance economic growth with impactful sustainability efforts 🇮🇳 🔋 Did you know? ✅ India is the 3rd largest producer of renewables, with 42% of its power from clean sources. ✅ It ranks 4th in wind power and 5th in solar power globally. ✅ Indian climate tech investments soared to $1.29 billion in 2023, with rising climate-focused funds and accelerators driving innovation. 💡 Indian CXOs are leading the charge, with 91% increasing sustainability investments last year (Deloitte CXO Sustainability Report). 🎯 Why India? A thriving market, active ecosystem, and consumer shift toward sustainability make it a hotspot for global companies. However, India’s size, diversity, and competitive landscape; and the complexities of accessing funding and customer acquisition, can make achieving sustainable profits challenging. 🚀 For German startups exploring India’s sustainability market, here's expert advice from Ashwin Kak, SCR®, Startup Mentor & Sustainability Specialist: Discover actionable insights, connect with growth partners, and scale effectively through our India Market Discovery Program. 🌱 Apply Now: https://lnkd.in/grti7XFe Shivi Jain | Harie Naarayanan | Akhil Madav | Sreelakshmi Ajith

🌾 Calling all food and agtech innovators! Is your startup ready to take on the U.S. market – the ultimate playground for scaling game-changing ideas? With its investment-rich landscape and innovation-driven ecosystem, the U.S. offers unparalleled opportunities for German startups to expand globally. Germany’s strengths in sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly solutions align perfectly with the U.S. demand for transparency, traceability, and plant-based innovations. Add dynamic consumer trends and a global network of industry leaders, and the U.S. becomes the perfect launchpad for your breakthrough ideas. 🌱 With our U.S. Market Discovery Climate Tech program, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From personalized mentorship and exclusive workshops to connecting you with food and agtech experts at world-renowned events, this program is your gateway to thriving in the U.S. market. Program Details: 📅 February 3 – Mid-March 2025 📍 San Francisco & Colorado ⏰ Application deadline: January 24, 2025 Learn more and apply today! https://lnkd.in/eB3zztrt

Germany and South Korea Unite for Global Innovation! On November 27, German Accelerator, through Start2 Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korea International Trade Association(KITA)). This landmark agreement will empower startups in both Germany and Korea to collaborate, innovate, and scale their ventures globally. This partnership, initiated during the ‘Korean-German Open Innovation Week’ in Berlin last September, aims to: - Strengthen bilateral innovation - Support global startup expansion through mutual resource sharing and ecosystem access To help achieve these goals, German Accelerator will establish a dedicated office in South Korea by 2025. “KITA is a key partner to propel cross-border cooperation and promote the exceptional innovation capabilities of German startups in Korea,” said Dr. Stefan Drews, Governmental Director responsible for German Accelerator BMWK Attendees: Lee In-ho, Executive Vice Chairman, Korea International Trade Association (KITA) Jorn Beissert, Deputy Ambassador, German Embassy Dr. Stefan Drews, Governmental Director, German Accelerator BMWK Claus J. Karthe Karthe , CEO, Start2 Group Asia This MOU is a critical milestone, setting the stage for closer collaboration and greater synergy between the Korean and German startup ecosystems. For more details, read the full article: https://lnkd.in/euFP6m6k