September 30
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
© Bert WillerCollaborate with Corporates & SMEs
Develop and test your solution
You can find our current Corporate Partners and Pilot Project focus fields below
© Bert WillerReceive €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
Tailored Coaching and Mentoring
Tackle your roadblocks
By seasoned serial entrepreneurs, tech experts, business angels, venture capitalists, and experienced industry professionals
© Walter WehnerConnect with International Investors
Build relationships that matter
Connect with TechFounders and UnternehmerTUM's investor network partners.
© Maximilian PrechtelPitch 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.
Big Dutchman
Since 1938, Big Dutchman International GmbH has developed and distributed feeding systems and barn equipment for poultry and pig farming, while also expanding into insect breeding and greenhouse construction. The company is known for designing and implementing modern, sustainable, and eco-friendly solutions. With around 3,200 employees, Big Dutchman operates in over 100 countries worldwide.
Co-Create with Big Dutchman: Advanced Air Filtration Solutions for Agricultural Environments
Big Dutchman is seeking innovative start-ups to collaborate on solutions that enhance air quality in agricultural environments, specifically in barns and poultry farms. The focus is on reducing odors that affect neighbouring communities, aiming to improve both environmental conditions and the quality of life for residents.
Project Goal: To develop solutions that effectively filter or eliminate odors from large exhaust airflows without relying on chemical or biological scrubbers. We're looking for cutting-edge technologies that can handle high air exchange rates while enhancing air quality.
Big Dutchman is specifically interested in start-ups working on:
Plasma, Mechanical, or other Advanced Odor Filtration Systems
Odor Modification and Envelopment
Innovative Ventilation Systems
Innovative Technologies for Air Quality Management
Exhaust Air Purification with Heat Recovery
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
- Oct - NovemberOct - November
Selection Process
Pre-discussions with potential candidates
Pitch events with TechFounders & Corporate Partners
- DecemberDecember
Decision & Announcement
Communication of decision to the applicants
- Jan - Feb 2025Jan - 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.
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