Hardtech Innovation Accelerator
From Lab to Market
Berlin's only 100% hardtech-focused accelerator gives founders building physical technology products the infrastructure, support, and funding they actually need – without taking a single percent of equity. From first prototype to investor-ready company, in nine months.
BATCH 6 APPLications OPEN APRIL 2027
Grant Support
Monthly Support
Lab Infrastructure
Month Program
Equity taken
Is this for you?
Whether you are working in bio/medtech, climate tech, mobility, or robotics – if your technology has a physical dimension, this is where you build it.
Not sure if you're a fit? Book a quick call with our team to explore whether the accelerator is right for you.
Who is this for
Domain
Advanced Manufacturing
Domain
Advanced Materials
Domain
Embedded Systems, IoT
Domain
Quantum & Photonics
Domain
Energy Systems
Domain
Industrial Hardware
Stage
You're moving from lab-bench idea to early prototype.
Location
Based in Berlin or willing to relocate – join us at our hardtech hub in the heart of Europe's deep tech scene.
Mindset
Entrepreneurial and ready to drive transformative technology to market. Founder mentality from day one.
Prototyping & Development
Most accelerators cannot help you when your real risks are engineering feasibility, component integration, and proving your technology works. We are built for exactly this.
Pillar I – On-Site Infrastructure
Daily iteration with professional SLA, SLS, and FDM technology from Prusa Research, Formlabs, and Markforged.
3D Printing Lab
Direct integration with 247TailorSteel, Ferrum Lasercut, Makerverse, and wh Münzprüfer.
Manufacturing Partners
Full custom PCB lab by Würth Elektronik for board design and assembly, TRL 1 to TRL 4.
Advanced Electronics
On-site access to industrial materials – zero procurement delays for wood, metal, and plastic.
Strategic Supply Chain
5-axis CNC milling and high-end laser cutting for aluminum, brass, and stainless steel.
Precision Machining
Industrial Design and engineering support from our ecosystem partners Pilotfish and WINT Design Lab.
Engineering & Design
Founding Services
At the earliest stage, your legal, financial, and leadership foundations matter as much as your technology. We make sure they are solid.
Pillar II – Expert-led support
IP Shield
IP Shield and Legal Support via HEUKING
Hardtech is defined by its defensibility. We provide direct access to top-tier patent attorneys to ensure your innovations are protected.
Patent Landscaping –
Competitive audit in your domain
Legal Terms –
Founding and investment consultation
Financing &
Global Visibility
We provide the non-dilutive capital and the high-stakes platform you need to close your next institutional round.
Pillar III – Funding & Connections
60+ Hardware VCs
Get direct intros to hardware-focused VCs and family offices worldwide – we bridge the gap to your seed round.
Global Access
Market entry support and soft-landing packages for US, Asian, and European industrial hubs.
Demo Day
Our flagship event in Berlin. Present your validated technology to 400+ industrial leaders and VCs.
The 'Hardtech Innovation Accelerator' is funded by the European Union
(European Social Fund Plus) and the State of Berlin.
LET'S TALK
Next Batch
5 spots. 9 months. 0% equity.
Applications open April 2027. Not sure if you're a fit? Let's talk before you apply.
Book a Fit CheckOur Partners
Backed by Industry Leaders
Prototyping Partners
Founding Partners
Founding Affiliate
Strategic Investor Network
The Hardtech Cycle
Nine months. Three phases. One clear path from idea to investor-ready prototype.
Your 9-Month Journey
Months 1 – 3
Feasibility & Discovery
Resolve core engineering and market unknowns. Lay the strategic and IP groundwork.
Milestone – Product-Market-Fit
01
Months 4 – 6
Works-Like Prototype
Integrate components into a working assembly and prove technology. Start building your story.
Milestone – Engineering Validation
02
Months 7 – 9
Investor Readiness
Refining design for manufacturability (DFM). Preparing for regulatory certifications and supply chain scale.
Milestone – Pitch Ready
03
FAQ
Your Questions
What is the Hardtech Innovation Accelerator?
A 9-month, full-time accelerator based at MotionLab.Berlin for founders building physical technology products. We provide lab infrastructure, founding support, IP protection, and investor access – with no equity taken.
Who can apply?
Founders building hardware products in Robotics & Automation, Advanced Materials, IoT & Embedded Systems, Quantum & Photonics, Energy Systems, Industrial Hardware, or adjacent fields. You should be at lab-bench idea to early prototype stage, and based in or willing to relocate to Berlin.
How do I apply?
Applying is straightforward. Start by submitting your application online – tell us about your tech and the physical challenge you’re solving. From there, we move into an interview: a technical deep-dive into your prototype and roadmap.
If it’s a match, you join us for the next Batch.
You really take 0% equity?
What does the grant support cover?
How many startups are accepted per batch?
Does the program run in English?
What if my prototype is very early?
That is fine. We work with founders from lab-bench concept through to investor-ready prototype. You do not need to have everything figured out before applying.
Can I apply as a solo founder?
Yes, though we encourage at least a two-person founding team where possible. Strong technical depth is more important than team size.
What Alumni say
Voice
Hardtech Innovation Accelerator
"IP support was the most valuable part. We filed three key patents before Demo Day with their legal team's help."
Silvain Toromanoff
Founder & CTO, Neocarbon
Voice
Hardtech Innovation Accelerator
"Zero equity and 120k grant gave us the runway to focus solely on the technical validation that VCs were demanding."
Szilvia Turi
Founder & CEO, Redvivum Tech
Voice
Hardtech Innovation Accelerator
"The lab access changed our iteration speed by 4 ×. We went from CAD designs to physical stress tests in hours, not weeks."
Finn von Westernhagen
Founder & CEO, Red Arrow Tech
MotionLab.Berlin is Germany’s premier Innovation Hub & Makerspace – an ecosystem for Hardtech, art, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
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