We empower the strongest tech startups in the pre-seed and seed stage on their way from MVP to market entry.

UnternehmerTUM Accelerator by UnternehmerTUM is Europe’s leading deep tech B2B accelerator - home of Europe’s boldest innovators.

GET NOTIFIED ABOUT THE NEXT APPLICATION ROUND
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You bring the vision.
We accelerate your journey.

Fuel your startup journey from idea to impact with the team’s entrepreneurial expertise and huge network.

We work side by side with you to sharpen your business model, find your first customers, and connect you with leading investors.

Only the most visionary, ambitious, and high-potential founders make it in. Since 2017, we’ve fast-tracked over 300 tech teams from across Europe in our UnternehmerTUM Accelerator program - building breakthrough solutions and securing over €3.3 billion in funding along the way.

Get notified about the next application round

Now it's your turn! If you're a visionary deep tech founder ready to raise your next round, land your first customers, and scale fast - we’re here to get you there.

Timeline Batch #20:

  • Applications are now closed for Batch #20
  • Program Batch #20: September 3, 2026 - December 10, 2026

Timeline Batch #21:

  • Application Phase: December 2026 - January 2027
  • Program Batch #21: March 2027 - June 2027

Unlock growth with Europe’s most powerful startup network

EXPERT SUPPORT THAT MOVES YOU FORWARD

  • Tap into a powerful alumni network with 1300+ founders and industry experts that have been there and have done that.

  • 80+ hours of expert-led sessions and workshops tailored to your needs on go-to-market, B2B sales, fundraising, IP & team.

  • 1:1 growth coaching to tackle your biggest challenges.

FUNDING THAT FUELS YOUR GROWTH

  • Exclusive access to 250+ VCs, including pre-seed & seed investors and active business angels offering mentorship & capital.

  • Regular pitch and networking events to get in front of the right people.

  • Support in accessing public funding through partnerships with other European startup programs.

  • Up to €250 K investment opportunity for top teams via UnternehmerTUM Funding for Innovators

INTRODUCTIONS THAT OPEN DOORS TO YOU FIRST CUSTOMERS

  • Hands-on support to find your first paying customers.

  • Access to 300+ global corporate partners (e.g., Siemens, BMW, Airbus, family offices).

  • Direct access to a growing network of early adopters & B2B clients.

INNOVATION NEEDS A HOME - HERE'S YOURS

  • Modern office space at the heart of Europe’s #1 Startup Hub UnternehmerTUM, recognized by Financial Times and Statista.

  • Access to prototyping tools and hardware infrastructure, with perks valued >$600K (e.g., Google Cloud, Stripe).

  • Tailored expert and peer learning sessions.

... and all that is equity free!

Unlike many other accelerators we have a founders-first approach without taking equity, allowing founders to retain full ownership and control of their companies.

Our coaching approach: Startup acceleration 2.0

We understand that startups need more than just guidance. We don't just support startups - we become their Chief Growth Officers for three intensive months.

Our experienced venture consultants work hands-on with founders to build traction, validate business models, and accelerate growth.

Startups need more than advice. They need strategic execution partners who push them forward and keep them focused. That’s why we’ve redefined acceleration, shifting from a passive (pull) model to a proactive (push) approach that delivers real results.

How we accelerate growth

  • High-engagement, high-growth – If a team is all-in, we match their energy with deep-dive coaching & accountability.

  • KPI-driven progression – We set clear milestones to keep the startups focused.

  • Embedded acceleration – We execute alongside founders, helping them scale with the right strategy, network, and funding approach - connecting them with the right partners

  • A perfect funnel – Systematic selection, structured coaching, and strong partnerships ensure that our ventures make it to the top.

Emphasizing cutting-edge technologies

We are keen to work with outstanding pre-seed and seed-stage startups with a strong deep-tech focus. Our current areas of particular interest include Battery Technologies, Quantum Technologies, Deep Tech AI, Legal Tech, Agrifood, Automatic Disassembly & Circularity, Gaming Technologies, as well as science-driven spinoffs.

However, if you are building a technology-based business that isn’t listed here, don’t hesitate to apply! We are excited to discover creative and groundbreaking solutions across all technology domains.

Start up xhibition batch 11

Domain expertise and cross-field support

Aerospace

Agri Tech / Food Tech

AI

Battery

Bio Tech / Clean Energy

Fin Tech

Gaming

Health Tech

Legal Tech

Mobility

Quantum

Robotics

Sustainability / Impact

Urban Tech

Not in there

You can still apply :)

Within our program, we provide startups with comprehensive support, equipping them with the essential tools, valuable insights, and the agility required to unlock their full potential. By fostering an environment that encourages innovation, adaptability, and strategic thinking, we significantly enhance their chances of achieving early success. Moreover, our support goes beyond immediate milestones, focusing on building a solid foundation for long-term sustainability, growth, and continued impact in the market.

We provide support in collaboration with domain experts in different areas, such as:

Agrifood tech

Groundbreaking innovations shaping the future of food and agriculture.

Focus areas:

New ingredients and alternative proteins

1. Biotech Ingredients (Fermentation & Enzymes)

2. Next-Generation Proteins & Fats (Mycelium, Plants, Microorganisms)

3. Functional & Clean Ingredients (Health & Performance)

4. Sustainable Ingredient Replacements (Cocoa, Palm, Sugar)

Sponsored by Dr. Oetker, WACKER and PHW.

New packaging

Sponsored by Dr. Oetker, WACKER and PHW.

battery tech

Innovations shaping the future of energy storage and electrification.


Focus areas:

Next-generation materials, cell manufacturing, and circular battery solutions.

In collaboration with TUM and the Battery Startup Incubator (BASTI).

Clean Tech

Entrepreneurial scientists whose startup addresses challenges in the environmental sector and enhances sustainability.


Focus areas:

Domains of Construction/Built Environment, Clean Energy, Food and Agriculture or Materials.

Supported by Vector Stiftung.

Gaming tech

Most relevant innovation fields across the gaming ecosystem.


Focus areas:

From content areas like Game Studios, Mobile and UGC to technology domains such as AI, infrastructure, consumer platforms, AR/VR and Web3.

Powered by Burda Principal Investments.

Legal Tech

Innovations to revolutionize the legal profession.

In collaboration with Legal Tech Colab and the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice.

Science Spin-offs

Entrepreneurial scientists in their transition from lab to market.

Exclusively targeted at scientists across universities and research organizations commercializing high-tech, complete their team and accelerate this process to take the leap towards entrepreneurship.

Quantum tech

Innovations shaping the future of quantum technologies.


Focus areas:

Quantum computing, sensing, and enabling technologies driving the next era of high-performance systems.

Supported by Munich Quantum Valley in cooperation with TUM.

If you have more open questions or need more details, our FAQ section below is packed with helpful answers to the most common questions. But if you don’t find what you’re looking for, don’t worry - we're here to help! Reach out to us directly via accelerator@unternehmertum.de and we'll make sure you get the answers you need.

Founders’ insights. Discover what founders say about our program

We pride ourselves on fostering a close connection with our alumni startups, creating a vibrant community that extends beyond the program's duration. Our alumni remain engaged through networking events, mentorship opportunities, and collaborative projects, ensuring that they continue to benefit from shared experiences and insights.

Gyri Reiersen

tanso

We are extremely grateful for the broad support and the opportunities from the UnternehmerTUM network. The team has always been very proactive in helping the startups in their particular stages and the active exchange with mentors, companies, and other startups have facilitated great synergies.

Gyri Reiersen – Co-Founder & CPO at tanso // Batch #10

Dr. Lennart Bock

Proxima Fusion

UnternehmerTUM was a valuable experience for us at Proxima Fusion. The accelerator program has provided us with the necessary resources and connections at the right time, and helped us to accelerate our growth and success.

Dr. Lennart Bock – Head of Operations at Proxima Fusion // Batch #13

Milagros Romano 800x800

Vexxel

What stood out most was the openness and founder-first mindset. Beyond workshops, the program created a trusted space where challenges could be shared honestly — and that support matters when things get tough.

Mili Romano, Co-Founder & CEO at Vexxel // Batch #18

Quantum Diamonds

QuantumDiamonds

We benefited from connections to industrial partners. The UnternehmerTUM ecosystem is simply amazing – it would take years to build such a network outside of the program.

Kevin Berghoff, Co-Founder & CEO at QuantumDiamonds & Fleming Bruckmaier, Co-Founder & CTO at QuantumDiamonds // Batch #12

High-profile investor network

Our extensive network of 250+ Venture Capital Partners, Family Offices and Corporate VCs plays a crucial role in pushing our startups forward. With over 60% of our startups securing funding, they have collectively raised more than €3.3 billion in venture capital.

Vc 10x Group
Vc Acton Capital Partners
Vc alstin capital
Vc Atlantic Labs
Vc Auxxo
Vc Bayern Kapital
Bm i ventures
Vc btov
Vc burda principal investments
Vc Capnamic
Vc cherry ventures
Vc coparion
Vc Earlybird
Vc Freigeist
Vc Hightech Gruenderfonds
Vc hv capital
Vc Join Capital
Vc Lakestar
Vc matterwave ventures
MIG capital
Vc nauta capital
Nemetschek future technologies
Vc picus
Vc project a
Vc Speedinvest
Vc Target Partners
UnternehmerTUM Funding for Innovators
Vc UVC Partners
Vc via ID
Vc Vsquared Ventures
Vc worldfund
Vc 468 capital

World-class mentor network

We connect you with a network of 1300+ founders and industry experts dedicated to helping our startups thrive. Our mentors are accomplished entrepreneurs and industry experts who have built and scaled successful ventures themselves. Their hands-on experience, deep market insights, and extensive networks offer invaluable guidance and inspiration. Whether you're refining your business model, strategizing for growth, or tackling complex challenges, our mentors provide personalized support to empower your journey.

Iris Loew Friedrich

Iris Löw-Friedrich

Chief Medical Officer, Supervisory Board

Bernd Hetterscheidt 7 AP9246 a

Bernd Hetterscheidt

CTO, Beirat, Business Angel

Dorothea Wenzel

Dorothea Wenzel

Independent Board Member, former Executive (Fresenius)

1749619136769

Florian Bente

Senior Supply Chain Manager, Agile & Team Coach

1626026105334

Dr.-Ing. Frank Möbius

Former Head of R&D High Voltage Batteries (BMW)

Dr Andreas Gocke

Dr. Andreas Gocke

Managing Director & Senior Partner Boston Consulting Group

Founders backing founders: The UnternehmerTUM Accelerator Founders Board

We believe that success is best when shared. That's why we’re inviting founders to become part of our Founders Board and give back to the next generation of game-changers. This is how we foster a strong, interconnected ecosystem - where alumni give back, founders grow faster, and our accelerator continues to thrive.

WHAT'S IN FOR OUR STARTUPS

  • Expert guidance - Seasoned founders as sparring partners for scaling, fundraising & market entry.

  • Next-level networking - Access to a powerful ecosystem of investors, corporates & industry leaders.

  • Trusted advisory - Hands-on mentoring & strategic insights to navigate the startup journey.

WHAT'S IN FOR OUR ALUMNI

  • Shape the next generation - Inspire, advise & elevate high-potential startups.

  • Strengthen the ecosystem - Stay connected, expand networks & contribute to UnternehmerTUM’s impact.

  • Be an advocate - Represent UnternehmerTUM Accelerator in the startup community & beyond.

Meet the Founders Board of Batch #20

These outstanding founders operating as sparring partners, mentors, and strategic advisors for Batch #20. This is how we engage with alumni, strengthen UnternehmerTUM’s ecosystem, and create real impact for the next generation of founders.

Ready to inspire, mentor, and shape the future of entrepreneurship?

Reach out to us
FB

Frederic Bösel

Founding Member of Black Forest Labs

Headshot

Sofia Nunes

Co-Founder of Mambu

Thomas Grubler

Thomas Grübler

Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of OroraTech, CEO of OroraTech US

UnternehmerTUM Accelerator
example curriculum

Start ups
WeekEventsCurriculum
Week 1

Offsite & Kick-off

Calibration Sessions
Week 2

Stand-up Breakfast

Investor Readiness & Negotiation
Week 3

Afterwork Drink

Business Modelling
Week 4B2B Sales
Week 5High-Performance Culture
Week 6

XCONNECT Mentor Matchmaking

Pitch Training & Revision
Week 7

Stand-up Breakfast

Legal Topics for Fundraising
Week 8

Afterwork Dinner

IP Strategy
Week 9Hiring & Team Building
Week 10Technical Office Hours
Week 11

XCONNECT Investors, Corporates, Alumni & Business Angels

Marketing & Branding Strategy
Week 12

Stand-up Breakfast

Financial Advice
Week 13

Business Angels Den

Product Development
Week 14Personal Development (Resilience for Founders)
Week 15

Demo Day

Scaling Operations
Week 16

Batch Closing

Equity Story

Timeline Batch #20

Timeline Graphics Template pptx 1

We are constantly striving to increase diversity in our teams

45%

international teams

50%

are teams with female founders

This is how we support female founders

Women in Germany found startups less frequently and often get stuck in the first stages of founding. This is something we want to change. With the UnternehmerTUM Female Founders Office Hours initiative, we support female founders through these early stages:

  • With the help of high-quality feedback and
  • mentoring from top level experts in various areas.

We are supported in this mission by strong partners such as UVC, Women Start-up, and AUXXO who offer office hours alongside UnternehmerTUM Accelerator. Are you a female founder and need support?

Book your session now

We encourage diversity

Female founders

FAQ

How to apply

  • Applications are currently open. Apply here to be part of Batch #20!

  • Only the most visionary, ambitious, and high-potential founders make it in. First, we check if your application fulfills the minimum selection criteria for the UnternehmerTUM Accelerator program. Then we will rate the different aspects of your application (e.g. product/service, team, or business model). The best 40-45 startups will be invited to pitch in front of the team. Finally, we will select 20-30 start-ups to participate in our program.

  • We generally accept startups from a wide range of fields. As minimum criteria, we require that your business model is based on a technological innovation, and that you already have a committed founder team with at least one full-time founder (no single founder). You do not need to have an incorporated company yet, but with a strong intent to fund a company. The field of our interest is mostly in the B2B market but on occasion, we also take in teams in the B2C/B2G market if its a strong team.

  • We ask you for some information on the basic cornerstones of your business (e.g. your team, product/service, business model, market). In addition, we also ask you to submit a short informal video introducing your team (max. 2 minutes). Please also upload your up-to-date pitch deck (max. 15 slides).

  • Timeline Batch #20:

    • Applications are now closed for Batch #20
    • Program Batch #20: September 3, 2026 - December 10, 2026

    Timeline Batch #21:

    • Applications Phase: December 2026 - January 2027
    • Program Batch #21: March 2027 - June 2027

  • Selection pitches will take place August 3-7, 2026. We will send out acceptance and rejection messages on August 7-11, 2026.

About the program

  • To really get all the benefits out of UnternehmerTUM Accelerator, it’s required that all of your founder team members commit full-time to your start-up project during the 3-months period of the program. You should be willing and able to engage meaningfully with us in coaching, mentoring and workshop formats throughout the program duration. We know you’re busy building your start-up, so don’t worry - our program is intense, but customized to focus on what you need at the moment to be successful!

  • We work side by side with you to sharpen your business model, find your first customers, and connect you with leading investors. All backed by Europe’s #1 innovation hub UnternehermTUM - we’re here to accelerate your journey from idea to impact.

  • See our example curriculum above.

  • The program duration is 3 months from Kickoff to our Ultimate Demo Day. The program starts twice per year, in March and in September.

    Timeline Batch #20:

    • Application Phase: June 10, 2026 - July 7, 2026
    • Program Batch #20: September 3, 2026 - December 10, 2026

  • Yes, all teams get access to free office space in the co-working area of the brand new Munich Urban Colab (or Garching if you prefer).

  • Many of our startups find an investor through our contacts and our Demo Day event. There is also the opportunity to get up to €5000 investment for top teams via UnternehmerTUM Funding for Innovators. However, we do not give out grants or invest in startups.

  • Timeline Batch #20:

    • Applications are now closed for Batch #20
    • Program Batch #20: September 3, 2026 - December 10, 2026

    Timeline Batch #21:

    • Applications Phase: December 2026 - January 2027
    • Program Batch #21: March 2027 - June 2027

Any questions about our program?
Leave Wiebke a message

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Wiebke Janssen

Program Manager

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