From a Start-up to a Scale-up
Apply now to test your ideas in a real-world corporate environment

5 month

Pilot Project or PoC with a Corporate Partner

3 month

Start-up Bootcamp

BRDY9273

Ready, Set, Grow

TechFounders is a premium B2B startup accelerator by UnternehmerTUM, a no.1 Innovation hub in Europe. As a matchmaker between corporates and start-ups, we constantly seek innovative start-ups ready to test and develop their solutions with industry-leading companies. 

We offer a unique program specialized in realising your start-up's full potential by developing and testing your solution hands-on with established businesses through a paid pilot project or a proof-of-concept (PoC). Ideally, these collaborations can evolve into long-term partnerships or customer relationships for your start-up!

The Key Program Benefits

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Collaborate with Corporates & SMEs

Develop and test your solution

You can find our current Corporate Partners and Pilot Project focus fields below
BRDY0142© Bert Willer

Receive €25,000

Equity-free funding

We offer a project budget of €25k, without taking any equity or charges in return, for start-ups selected for a pilot projects
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Tailored Coaching and Mentoring

Tackle your roadblocks

By seasoned serial entrepreneurs, tech experts, business angels, venture capitalists, and experienced industry professionals
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Connect with International Investors

Build relationships that matter

Connect with TechFounders and UnternehmerTUM's investor network partners.
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Pitch at Start-up Demo Day

Spotlight is yours

Present your company in front of number of investors, business angels, and business representatives

What kind of start-ups are we looking for?

Target Geographics

Globally

We accept applications from all around the world

Target Stages

Seed/Series A

“Late” early stage companies that have at least a working prototype

Exceptional Team

True Gamechangers

We are looking for people who are driven and curious with a big vision

Batch #21 Corporate Partners & Pilot Project Focus Fields

Discover the specific industry sectors and innovation areas our corporate partners are actively seeking for start-up pilot projects. 

Don't see a match? No worries! Check out the 'Apply as a Wildcard' section below to learn how you can still join our next batch.

DATEV eG

DATEV eG is a software developer and IT service provider for tax consultants, auditors, and attorneys, as well as their clients. In addition to our members, our clients include companies, municipalities and institutions. The cooperative’s range of products and services encompasses the fields of accounting, personnel management, business consulting, taxes, enterprise resource planning (ERP), IT services, IT security, and training and consultancy.

More about DATEV eG
Datev

Co-Create with DATEV eG: 
Immersive Data Visualization

DATEV eG is looking for pioneering teams to collaborate on developing immersive and interactive visualizations of corporate financial data. 

Project Goal: to enhance traditional data presentation methods by making them more engaging and intuitive by leveraging immersive Extended Reality (XR) technologies.

DATEV eG is looking for start-ups developing in the fields of:

  • Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR)

  • Extended Reality (XR) or Mixed Reality (MR)

  • Spatial Computing

Application Process

Our next batch runs from January to June 2025. 

The pilot projects will start in alignment with your start-up's corporate partner.

The program Bootcamp starts at the end of February and is divided into 2 on-site sprints in Munich and online sessions. Each on-site sprint lasts 3-4 days and offers intensive training and coaching sessions tailored to your needs in addition to mentor meetings, pitch nights, and networking events. 

  • September 30
    September 30

    Application Phase Closes

  • Oct - November
    Oct - November

    Selection Process

    Pre-discussions with potential candidates

    Pitch events with TechFounders & Corporate Partners

  • December
    December

    Decision & Announcement

    Communication of decision to the applicants

  • Jan - Feb 2025
    Jan - Feb 2025

    Project & Program Kick-off

    Start-up Bootcamp will kick off in February and take place on-site in Munich, Germany. The pilot projects with corporate partners start depending on the collaboration.

No Relevant Pilot Project Opportunities Right Now for You? Apply as a Wildcard

We reserve additional wildcard spots for our exclusive program to support technological development and sustainable economic growth globally. 

We are here to back start-ups crafting revolutionary solutions in our Focus Fields - but we encourage you to apply even if your pioneering innovation falls outside these categories. 

APPLY HERE as a Wildcard

Wildcard spots include all of our usual benefits, such as:

  • intensive coaching and mentoring

  • access to potential partners and investors within our vast network

  • spot to pitch at the Start-up Demo Day by UnternehmerTUM