Application Guide

The xG-Incubator program, supported by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) as part of the StartUpConnect initiative, aims to foster innovation and increase the number of startups in the telecommunications sector.

We are hosting a quarterly webinar on How to Successfully Apply to StartUpConnect which offers helpful guidance on your application journey.

Application Process

The application process consists of six key steps:

  1. Proposal Submission

    We encourage you to contact us well in advance of the application deadline for guidance and support.

    For details on what to include in your proposal, email info@xg-incubator.com to request the application template (maximum 10 pages), which is available in German. In your message, please include (a) a brief summary of who you are, (b) what you aim to achieve, and (c) how your project advances the development of telecommunications technologies.

    You can also book a 30-minute call with our Incubator Manager Felix Willems to go over any open questions.

  2. Review

    Your proposal will be evaluated by the xG-Incubator as well as an external jury of experts.

  3. Pitching

    If your proposal is promising, you will be invited to pitch your idea to the expert panel.

  4. BMFTR Application

    If successful, you will need to submit an application to the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) via the "easy-Online" electronic application system. This application includes a 10-page project outline and a review by the xG-Incubator team. We will provide support throughout this process.

  5. BMFTR Evaluation

    The project management organization and BMFTR team will assess your submission.

  6. Funding Process

    After a positive evaluation you will be invited to complete the formal funding application process.

For more details, visit: StartUpConnect.

FAQs

  • Support is provided to teams at universities and research institutions interested in founding (Funding Phase 1) as well as non-listed small technology-oriented companies, whose registration in the commercial register dates back no more than five years (Funding Phase 2).

    Teams that have participated in the StartUpSecure program are not eligible to join StartUpConnect.

  • Who can apply to the xG-Incubator?

    • The xG-Incubator, as part of the StartUpConnect initiative funded by the German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), supports founders, research teams, and early-stage start-ups working on next-generation telecommunication technologies.

    Are applicants from outside the EU/EEA eligible?

    • Applicants must have a registered office, place of business, or research facility in Germany by the time the grant is paid out.

    Where can project results be used or commercialised?

    • The results of funded projects may only be used or commercialised within Germany, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.

  • Q3 2026:

    • August 17, 2026 (Proposal Submission)

    • September 16, 2026 (Jury Pitches)

    • September 30, 2026 (BMFTR Application)

    Q4 2026:

    • October 19, 2026 (Webinar)

    • November 9, 2026 (Proposal Submission)

    • December 9, 2026 (Jury Pitches)

    • December 31, 2026 (BMFTR Application)

    2027

    • Dates coming soon.

  • Individual research projects and, in exceptional cases, joint projects that aim to quickly transfer research results in telecommunication technologies into application are supported.

    The focus is on the research, development, and evaluation of demonstrators involving specific application scenarios.

    • You can receive up to €800,000 for a 12-month period. During this phase, your team will receive support for the technical evaluation of your startup idea, as well as the development of a demonstrator or proof of concept (PoC).

    • We will also work with you to develop business models and market entry strategies.

    • Once a successful demonstrator is developed, the evaluation phase concludes, and you can move on to the next stage (the incubation program). If you already have a functioning demonstrator, you can apply directly for Phase 2.

  • Companies in Phase 2 can receive up to €800,000 for a period of up to 24 months. (Eligible expenses include research and development, demonstrator construction, external communication, patenting, rent, equipment, consumables, and more. Management-related expenses, however, are not covered by the funding.)

    Phase 2 offers a structured incubation process with a focus on market readiness, business model validation, and securing follow-up financing. The incubation process is divided into three phases:

    • Validation Phase: The goal is to obtain market feedback (from potential customers) on your planned technology and business model. Based on this, you will refine your minimum viable product (MVP).

    • Investor Readiness Phase: The objective is to help you develop a financing strategy and prepare for engaging with investors. This phase includes pitch training, pitch deck development, and more.

    • Access2Finance and Access2Business Phase: During this final phase, we aim to help you secure follow-up financing and acquire your first pilot customers.

  • 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.

  • Please write the 10-page proposal in German, as the application to the BMFTR (Step 4 of the application process) must be submitted in German. The pitch (Step 3), however, may be conducted in English.

  • We use the KTH Innovation Readiness Level™ as a visual tool to evaluate a startup’s current status and track its development over time. The model evaluates six key dimensions: Customer, Technology, Business Model, Intellectual Property Rights, Team, and Funding.

    When considering an application, we encourage you to use the tool to get a better sense of where you are on your journey.

    Learn more about KTH Innovation Readiness Level™ »