FUNDING

up to 800.000 EUR

WORKSHOPS

Connect with experts and industry leaders, develop businesss cases within ComTech

INFRASTRUCTURE

State-of-the-art labs and testbeds, Open RAN and Core, High Performance Computing Cluster, etc.

About

  • Berlin's lively start-up scene and the diversity of scientific institutions offer an ideal environment for technological innovations.

    The xG-Incubator represents the interface between fundamental scientific research and the start-up scene in the field of wireless communication technologies. One of the essential core elements of the xG-Incubator is the close connection to the 6G Research and Innovation Cluster (6G-RIC).

    Through the xG-Incubator founding teams and start-ups will have access to 6G-RIC demonstrators and infrastructure (integration laboratories, indoor and outdoor test fields) to test and evaluate prototypical technology components, services and innovative applications together with 6G-RIC researchers.

    Let's shape the future of wireless communication technologies together.

  • We curate groundbreaking start-up ideas and unite diverse, interdisciplinary teams. To advance the future, we leverage the power of the 6G-RIC integration lab for hands-on prototyping, rigorous testing and careful evaluation.

    Our incubator is a structured ecosystem designed to support early-stage start-ups in implementing their ideas. We connect aspiring entrepreneurs with technical experts, experienced industry mentors and dedicated startup coaches who provide invaluable insight and support.

    We help with business model development, financial planning and the art of creating compelling pitch decks for investors. We are here to ensure you have the knowledge and strategy to succeed in the competitive environment.

    Step into the spotlight with our platform that showcases your progress. From dynamic showrooms to exciting networking events, insightful impulse panels and internal and external team presentations, we offer you the opportunity to shine.

  • The xG-Incubator offers two different programs for founding teams and young start-ups:

    In the evaluation program (max. 12 months), the teams are supported in the technical evaluation of the start-up idea and the development of a demonstration or proof-of-concept (PoC) as part of a sample application. The teams are also supported in the development of business models and market entry strategies. If there is a successfully implemented demonstrator, the first program is considered successfully completed and the team can move on to the next stage (the incubation program), in which the ideas are further developed, and the start-up is prepared for market entry. If there is already a functioning demonstrator, founding teams or start-up companies can start the incubation program directly.

    In the incubation program (max. 24 months), the teams are supported as part of a structured incubation process with a focus on market readiness and business model validation as well as securing follow-up financing. The aim of this program is the technical further development of the start-up idea to market and financial maturity. The incubation process is divided into three phases:

    • Validation phase: The aim of the validation phase is to obtain feedback from the market (potential customers) on the planned technology and business model and, on this basis, to adjust the business model and plan the minimum viable product (MVP).

    • Investor readiness phase: The aim of the investor readiness phase is to develop a financing strategy and prepare the teams for addressing investors (including pitch training; designing pitch decks)

    • Access2Finance and Access2Business Phase: The aim of this phase is to secure follow-up financing and acquire the first pilot customers.

  • Highlights:

    • Funding per project:

    • Up to 800 TEUR in the evaluation program (not founded yet)

    • Up to 800 TEUR in the incubation program (founded but max. 5 years old)

    • Funding type: grant based on expenses (up to 100%)

    Details of the funding program can be found here: StartUpConnect.

News

xG event calendar

All starts with an idea.

As ideas are born and grow in exchange with peers and experts from different fields, we are happy to inform you about events related to xG and ComTech, as well as the events hosted by our partners.

Fore more events by the Science & Startups Academy please follow the link.


See you around!

Events

FAQ

  • Support is provided for founding interested parties at universities and non-university research institutions (Funding Phase I) as well as non-listed small technology-oriented companies, whose registration in the commercial register dates back no more than five years (Funding Phase II).

  • Individual research projects and, in exceptional cases, joint projects that aim to quickly transfer research results in communication technologies into application are supported. The focus is on the research, development, and evaluation of demonstrators involving specific application scenarios.

  • Funding can be requested for two phases:
    • Funding Phase 1 is applied for by a university/non-university research institution and serves to validate research results.
    12 months
    Up to 800,000 EUR


    • Funding Phase 2 is applied for by the already founded company and serves to research application areas and develop demonstrators, thus enabling a timely transfer into application.
    Up to 24 months
    Up to 800,000 EUR
    Eligible expenses include, for example, research and development, construction of demonstrators, external communication, patenting, rent, equipment, consumables, etc.
    Expenses for management activities within the company are not eligible.

  • No, starting a company during the funding phases is not intended. You can found your company after Funding Phase 1. Optionally, the founding can also occur during an optional EXIST Research Transfer programm following Funding Phase 1. With the start of Funding Phase 2, the founding must be completed.

  • The xG-Incubator conducts a selection process and assists with the application.

    Please first present your project idea in a two-page document and send it by email to the xG-Incubator. Internal and external experts from the various fields will screen your project. Promising projects will be invited to pitch their idea to an expert jury. If you could convince us, you will be asked to submit an application via the "easy-Online" electronic application system. The application includes a 10-page project outline (including work planning) and a review by the xG-Incubator. Formal funding applications follow after a positive evaluation of the sketches by the project management organization/the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

    Further details can be found here: StartUpConnect.

    We are looking forward to your email.

  • Your application to the xG-Incubator should be concise, spanning 2, max. 3 pages, and should address the following key points:


    • Project/Startup Name and Mission Statement:
    Briefly describe what your startup aims to achieve in the field of telecommunications, focusing on future telecomunication (e.g. 5G and 6G) technologies.


    • Team:
    Provide details, including the names and roles and qualifications of key team members. You may also identify missing expertise. We can help with finding team members.


    • Company information:
    If already legally founded, provide details (e.g. founding date, location, number of employees, details on ownership and managing directors)


    • Problem Statement:
    Identify and explain the specific problem that your startup/business idea/technology aims to address.


    • Proposed Solution:
    Outline your innovative solution or technology and how it leverages 5G/6G capabilities to solve the identified problem.


    • Unique Value Proposition:
    Highlight what makes your solution stand out from existing technologies and competitors.


    • Technical Description:
    Provide a short technical overview of your technology, product or service, including any unique features.


    • Development Stage:
    Specify the current stage of your technology/product development.


    • Intellectual Property:
    Describe any patents if existing and/or planned.


    • Target Market:
    Define the specific market or customer segments you are targeting. If known, name possible customers. Try also to estimate the market volume and share you can address with your product.

    • Competitive Analysis:
    List direct and indirect competitors, highlighting your competitive advantages.


    • Revenue Streams:
    Explain how your startup will make money, detailing the primary revenue models (e.g., subscription, sales, licensing).


    • Partnerships (if known):
    List any strategic partnerships that enhance your business proposition or market reach.

    • Short-Term Goals:
    Outline your objectives for the next 12 months, including technical and business development.

    • Financial Needs:
    Specify the amount of funding you are seeking and how it will be used to achieve your goals.


    • Which offers of the xG-incubator do you plan to use?
    E.g. office space, lab infrarstructur, Coaching, etc.

  • You may write your two-page summary in either English or German, based on your preference.

Partners

Team

We are an interdisciplinary team of technical experts, experienced start-up mentors and high-profile financial experts. 

Start-ups

Contact

Ready to turn your innovative ideas into reality?  
Please contact us at

info@xg-incubator.com