That was OUR DEMO DAY 2024

A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION & SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY

That was a night to remember! So let us take a look back and dive into the highlights of our Demo Day 2024 at MotionLab.Berlin, where innovation and sustainable technology took center stage.

That was a night to remember! So let us take a look back and dive into the highlights of our Demo Day 2024 at MotionLab.Berlin, where innovation and sustainable technology took center stage.

Last Friday 31 May, MotionLab.Berlin welcomed hundreds of people into the Alt-Treptow hub for our largest annual celebration, the Hardtech Innovation Demo Day. An night full of highlights, innovation and sustainable technology!

From investor speed dating to exciting pitches, networking opportunities and a captivating awards ceremony, discover how Demo Day 2024 fostered connections, celebrated successes and highlighted the innovative developments of our Hardtech Innovation startups that will revolutionize our path to a sustainable, carbon-net-zero future. Join us as we recount the lively atmosphere, pioneering technologies and inspiring stories that made Demo Day 2024 an unforgettable experience.

THE JOURNEY TO DEMO DAY

This is how our accelerator program provides comprehensive support to early-stage startups committed to sustainable technology and climate innovation.

Demo Day marks the finish line for the forward-thinking climate tech startups in our Hardtech Innovation Accelerator program. This seven-month program supports early-stage hardware startups committed to shaping a greener future through sustainable technology and innovation. Participants receive comprehensive support, resources, tools, and mentorship dedicated to accelerating their sustainable initiatives and product development.

“By offering access to diverse prototyping methods, including 3D printing and laser cutting, the program enables startups to iterate quickly and refine their products efficiently. Additionally, we create an environment where startups can thrive by providing them with business support, mentorship, and a robust hardware network,” says Mariann Egressy, Head of Accelerator and Ecosystem.

This holistic support system not only aids in prototype development of innovative sustainable technology solutions but also guides startups through funding processes, ensuring they have the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed in the competitive hardware market.

“Supporting hardtech and climate tech startups is vital for achieving our climate goals. Transforming production methods to be more sustainable is essential, and this cannot be accomplished with software solutions alone. These startups are at the forefront of developing innovative technologies that can revolutionize how we produce and consume resources. By backing these startups, we support technological advancements that can significantly reduce environmental impact and drive progress toward a more sustainable future,” says Mariann.

Are you an early-stage startup, or do you have an idea for an innovative climate tech solution? Register your interest to be part of the next accelerator batch.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Each year, Demo Day evolves and grows, and this year was no exception. Hundreds of people attended to experience an action-packed evening featuring an exhibition of over 30 startups, artists, and designers from the MotionLab.Berlin community.

One of the event highlights was investor speed dating, fostering rapid and meaningful connections between startups and potential investors including Crossbie, IBB Ventures, Brandenburg Capital, HTGF, bmp, Sansar Ventures, Edelweiss Innovation, and some business angels. Startup teams had the opportunity to pitch their innovative and sustainable technology solutions in quick, focused sessions, receiving immediate feedback and assessing investor interest. The energy in the room was palpable, with enthusiastic exchanges and a clear drive towards forging productive partnerships in the hardtech space.

The stage program included pitches from our Hardtech Innovation teams, a keynote from Bernd Brunke, and an award ceremony. Following this, guests networked over food and drinks while exploring the exhibitions further. To complete the celebration, a full line-up of DJs from our community kept people dancing until dawn, with a special midnight aerial performance from the talented Fifi Fantome.

Thanks to our generous sponsors, we awarded €10,000 to Hoop Solar, the most promising startup chosen by the jury, and a second prize worth €3,500 to MAD, the audience favorite of the night.

THE STARTUPS & THEIR SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION

A big congratulations to the 8 forward-thinking startups from Batch #3, who have been working hard over the last month to develop their unique, innovative and sustainable technology solutions further:

Hoop Solar: Developing a semi-transparent solar covering for plastic greenhouses, which. enables growers to produce clean energy while supporting plant growth.
Voltvogel: Leading the charge in decarbonizing electric vehicle charging with autonomous, AI-controlled stations that come directly to your car.
NanoMatter: Offering unprecedented access to ultra-thin semiconductor layers, facilitating more efficient computer chip production for researchers and companies.
Redivivum: Transforming industrial waste management for the textile sector with smart and digital sorting solutions.
MAD: Leading the climbing industry to sustainability through circularity and bio-based materials.
SPAIA: Addressing the critical decline in insect populations with accessible, affordable and sustainable technology to monitor insect behavior globally in real-time.
Luft: Decarbonizing low-temperature heat with large-scale renewable heating systems that are cheaper than gas.
OTO Mobility: Building convertible electric cabin scooters for daily urban mobility needs of young families and small businesses, with a focus on design, affordability and convenience.

Get inspired and find out all about the teams, their innovative solutions and their journeys in our program by checking out our blog. Click here for the various blog articles.

THE DEMO DAY SPONSORS

In addition to the fantastic batch 3 startups and all our guests who made this evening something very special, we would especially like to thank our great sponsors!

NexPCB accelerates IoT innovations globally, excelling in prototype and pilot runs. Their services cover Innovation Consulting, Engineering Acceleration, Production Delivery, and Product Lifecycle Management.
Comprising economic development organizations from Berlin and Brandenburg, automotive industry partners, and cutting-edge research, ReTraNetz-BB aids regional transformation efforts through networking, empowerment, and knowledge-sharing.
Berliner Sparkasse offers comprehensive financial services tailored to customer needs, including retail banking, corporate financing, and real estate financing.
Berlin.Industrial.Group. (B.I.G.) is a coalition of tech companies in Berlin-Marzahn, supporting hardtech startups from idea to market, which includes technical consulting, prototyping, manufacturing, and access to an Industrial Tech Accelerator via a MotionLab.Berlin partnership.
NTT Advanced Technology Corp, part of NTT Group, a leading Japanese telecom company, develops products and services based on cutting-edge technologies from NTT R&D centers, including fiber optics, photonics, nano technologies, and equipment protection materials. Acting as a gateway, they facilitate the entry of global advanced technologies and services into the Japanese market.
Led by Berlin Partner, a robust consortium is formed to safeguard and advance the vital economic sector of vehicle and supplier industry. The Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) backs this initiative.

OUR HARDTECH INNOVATION PROGRAM

IS SUPPORTED BY

THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY

But this isn’t just a recap article; it’s an invitation. If you have a vision for a sustainable future and an innovative solution, this is your chance. The application phase for the next batch of our Hardtech Innovation Accelerator is coming up in August. Just imagine yourself standing on that stage next year, sharing your groundbreaking idea and developed product with a large and diverse audience. Join our Hardtech Innovation waiting list, be one of the first to receive all information on the application and let’s shape the future of sustainable technology together.

The Hardtech Innovation Program is backed by the European Union (ESF+) and the Berlin State. Find out more about the program here.