A 12-week Deep Tech journey into real industry projects.
TECH TALENT PROGRAM BERLIN
Tech Talent Program Berlin is a free 12-week Deep Tech program for students in Berlin, Brandenburg and now Dresden. You start with a two-week bootcamp where you learn the essentials of prototyping, design thinking, and teamwork. After that, you spend ten weeks working in a cross-disciplinary team on a real industry challenge from the SME or startup – InfraTec GmbH, Theben AG, DiaMonTech AG, Ucaneo Biotech GmbH or alcemy GmbH)— building, testing, and refining a prototype that matters.
Throughout the program you gain hands-on experience, mentoring, and access to MotionLab.Berlin’s machines and community. You’ll learn how innovation works in practice, discover your strengths in a real project setting, and build a portfolio piece that shows you can deliver. The program ends with Graduation Day, where you present your results to companies, experts, and the wider hardtech ecosystem — often opening doors to internships, theses, or your first full-time role.
WHY YOU CAN'T MISS IT
Do vs Get
What you’ll do
Build a real industry prototype with a cross-disciplinary team in the Tech Talent Program Berlin.
- Work in a hand-selected team for 12 weeks on one challenge (2-week bootcamp + 10-week challenge)
- Hands-on workshops: 3D printing, electronics, AI/ML, IoT, agile & PM
- Weekly mentoring and stand-ups with industry practitioners
- Build, destroy, learn and succeed in a real world and present at Graduation Day
- Collaborate with top students from Berlin, Brandenburg and Dresden universities
What you will get
Concrete benefits that move your career forward in the tech industry.
- Full makerspace access to MotionLab.Berlin labs & equipment
- Mentor duo (Tech + Business) dedicated to your team and there for your personal growth
- Invitations to events, trade shows & curated networking
- Certificate and a portfolio project that proves you can ship
- Direct pathways to internships, theses & first jobs at amazing tech companies
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
KEY DATES & PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Key Dates – Next Batch
Early Bird Access SignUp:
Now until 04.01.26
Application phase:
05.01.2026 – 08.02.2026
Scholarship Announcement
23.02.26
Program duration:
09.03.26 – 28.05.26
Tech Talent Alumni:
Forever 🙂
Tech Talent Program Overview (12 weeks)
Weeks 1–2 — Bootcamp
Hands-on workshops in 3D printing, prototyping & IoT tools; teamwork, agile project management, and communication skills to set your team up for success.
Weeks 3–12 — Industry project
Work in a team (~5) on a real innovation case from partners like InfraTec, Theben, DiaMonTech or more (stay tuned and sign up for early bird access list). Weekly challenge meetings, bi-weekly mentoring, and free tickets to selected fairs/events help you ship a working prototype under real conditions.
Graduation Day — Present & level up
Pitch your results to industry partners and the community, earn your certificate, and join the alumni network.
WE HAVE ASKED OUR TALENTS
WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY
LEARN FROM A WIDE RANGE OF
TECH CHALLENGES AND APPLY NOW
Diverse expertise, combining both theory and practical experience, along with forward-thinking and a drive for innovation, have always been at the core of quality education. With this in mind, our Tech Talent Program emphasizes direct learning from industry experts, offering firsthand knowledge and hands-on experience. After completing the program, you’ll be equipped with the skills and confidence to continue developing your potential as a promising young professional in IoT prototyping and similar fields.
Merijn Sanders
- Expert in user needs definition, product design & engineering, value added simulations (CFD, FEA)
- With a diverse and extensive background, he has made substantial contributions across a broad spectrum of industries
Jana Mendelski
- Expert in design thinking, agile methods, organisational process moderation & startup coaching
- Certified Design Thinking coach and facilitator at HPI Potsdam, teacher at the Design Faculty at University of Arts Berlin & founder of compositive.bio.
Daniel Shor
- Expert in design, research, mechanical engineering & emotionality and touch experiences
- MSc in Product Design Engineering & BSc in Mechanical Engineering
THESE ARE THE
TECH CHALLENGES BATCH #8
Each team works on one real industry challenge and graduates with an official certificate by the Federal Ministry of Economics (de:hub – Deep Tech Hub). Here’s what you could build together with one of our challenge givers:
AI-Enhanced Fire Detection
Hosted by InfraTech GmbH
The Challenge:
- How can we use artificial inteliigence and machine learning to make fire detection smarter and safer?
What you’ll work on
- Design and integrate thermal and visual cameras; build the data pipeline
- Cut false alarms from exhaust, sun reflections, and artificial lighting
- Train and optimize models for real-time, on-device performance
- Demo reliability with live accuracy benchmarks
Smart Movement Detection
Hosted by Theben AG
The Challenge:
- How can sensor and camera integration redefine the future of smart building automation?
What you’ll work on
- Build the mechanical casing and integrate cameras/sensor
- Process real-time detection data; ensure KNX/DALI standards compliance
- Create a repeatable test setup and validation plan
- Hand over a lab-ready functional prototype to make it scalable
Automated Test Station
Hosted by DiaMonTech AG
The Challenge:
- How can we automate testing to make non-invasive glucose measurement more reliable and scalable?
What you’ll work on
- Design and build an automated test station for reliable, scalable checks
- Assemble and test 50–70 units; convert PCBs into functional devices
- Automate manual steps (flow-cell, pump, measurement scripts)
- Deliver reproducible protocols and a results dashboard
Immersive Direct Air Capture Pavilion
Hosted by Ucaneo Biotech GmbH
The Challenge:
- How can climate technology be translated into an engaging, tangible space for all visitors?
What you’ll work on
- Contribute to the design and realization of a visitor pavilion that delivers a clear “wow” effect.
- Design interactive installations that make Ucaneo’s Direct Air Capture technology easy to understand.
- Create modular, easy-to-fabricate elements that ensure smooth on-site assembly.
- Build a modern, engaging space that mirrors Ucaneo's culture for visitors of all backgrounds.
Want the full deep-dive into all 5 challenges?
Download the brochure with complete challenge descriptions, company info, and expectations.
Startup or corporate? Want to host a Tech Challenge with MotionLab.Berlin? Reach out now: info@motionlab.berlin – Corporate application for Batch #9 – September 2026 are open.
Immersive Direct Air Capture Pavilion
Hosted by Ucaneo Biotech GmbH
The Challenge:
- How can climate technology be translated into an engaging, tangible space for all visitors?
What you’ll work on
- Contribute to the design and realization of a visitor pavilion that delivers a clear “wow” effect.
- Design interactive installations that make Ucaneo’s Direct Air Capture technology easy to understand.
- Create modular, easy-to-fabricate elements that ensure smooth on-site assembly.
- Build a modern, engaging space that mirrors Ucaneo's culture for visitors of all backgrounds.
Want the full deep-dive into all 5 challenges?
Download the brochure with complete challenge descriptions, company info, and expectations.
• Build: thermal + RGB camera prototype with data pipeline
• Goal: reduce false alarms; real-time on-device detection
• Skills: AI/ML, computer vision, Python, optics/EE
• Deliverable: live demo with accuracy metrics
• Build: mechanical casing + camera/sensor integration + test setup
• Goal: KNX/DALI-ready movement detection
• Skills: CAD/ME, embedded C/Python, electrical engineering, IoT
• Deliverable: lab-ready functional prototype
• Build: automated test bench (jigs, scripts, measurement workflow)
• Scale: assemble and test 50–70 units with reproducible protocols
• Skills: EE/ME, lab automation, Python
• Deliverable: results dashboard + documentation
• New partner challenges announced soon
• Join the Early-Bird List for first access
• Shortlisted applicants can pre-select teams
• Follow MotionLab.Berlin on LinkedIn for updates
THE TECH TALENT PROGRAM
IS SUPPORTED BY
ANY QUESTIONS?
TECH TALENT PROGRAM FAQS
- The Tech Talent Program Berlin is a free 12-week Deep Tech student program in Berlin & Brandenburg. You start with a 2-week bootcamp and then spend 10 weeks building a real industry prototype with mentors, access to MotionLab.Berlin’s makerspace, and 50+ workshop hours.
Applications open 05 Jan 2026 and close 08 Feb 2026. Apply here.
(Key dates: Early-bird until 04 Jan 2026 • Program 09 Mar–28 May 2026.)
Bachelor’s (≥ 4th semester recommended), Master’s, and PhD students enrolled at universities in Germany —from CS/AI/IoT/EE/ME to design and business. High motivation to learn by building is a must.
Plan ~10–12 hours/week during the project phase. The bootcamp weeks are more intensive. Expect weekly team stand-ups, mentoring, and hands-on work.
Yes. The core program, workshops, and makerspace access are fee-free thanks to our partners. Some special components or travel (if needed for testing/events) may be arranged with partners and will be clarified per challenge.
A working prototype with your team (~5). Example challenges include AI-enhanced fire detection (InfraTec), smart movement detection (Theben), and an automated test station (DiaMonTech). You present the results at Graduation Day. During the program you will use our machinery and makerspace and you will learn how to use everything in our workshops.
Yes—each team gets a mentor duo (Tech + Business), plus industry coaches. You’ll join a talent & alumni pool and often convert your project into internships, theses, or your first role.
Primarily onsite at MotionLab.Berlin (makerspace & labs & coworking). Some mentoring or sessions may run hybrid/online, but prototyping is hands-on and onsite. You will also get the chance to work/visit the offices from our Tech Challenge Partners.
English is the working language. German is a plus for some partner interactions but not required unless a challenge explicitly states it.
We will have 2 rounds. the first round is a simple application where you fill out general information about yourself. In the second round you will have to tell us about your skills, motivation, and availability. We assess fit, diversity of teams, and commitment. Most important for us, tell us what you want to learn.
Apply individually and note teammates you’d like to work with. Final team formation is curated to balance skills and diversity.
You receive a certificate (MotionLab.Berlin • de:hub • partners). ECTS depends on your university; we can provide documentation for faculty approval.
IP arrangements vary by challenge and are agreed with the partner before you start. Non-confidential work can be shown in your portfolio; if an NDA applies, we’ll clarify what you can share.
Yes—safety & machine trainings are included. Core materials are covered for the prototype scope; any special components are coordinated with the partner.
Yes, many students do. Be open about busy weeks; plan ahead with your team. Consistent attendance, especially bootcamp + weekly stand-ups, is expected.
If you’re enrolled at a Berlin/Brandenburg university for the program period and can attend onsite, you’re welcome. Visa/residency questions depend on your status—please check with your university.
You’ll join our alumni & scouting pool, keep connections to partners, and can access follow-up events, internships, and thesis opportunities.
Anyone can host a Tech Challenge, and we are now accepting requests for Batch #9 in September 2026. Please email info@motionlab.berlin.
