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.
Applications for Batch 6 coming March 2027 – Stay tuned!
Grant Support
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Monthly Support
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Lab Infrastructure
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Month Program
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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.
Who is this for
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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
Included
Daily iteration with professional SLA, SLS, and FDM technology from Prusa Research, Formlabs, and Markforged.
3D Printing Lab
Included
Direct integration with 247TailorSteel, Ferrum Lasercut, Makerverse, and wh Münzprüfer.
Manufacturing Partners
Included
Full custom PCB lab by Würth Elektronik for board design and assembly, TRL 1 to TRL 4.
Advanced Electronics
Included
On-site access to industrial materials – zero procurement delays for wood, metal, and plastic.
Strategic Supply Chain
Included
5-axis CNC milling and high-end laser cutting for aluminum, brass, and stainless steel.
Precision Machining
Included
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
Runway Architects
Leadership & Security
Industrial Sparring
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.
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Runway Architects
Runway Architects via nxtmilestone
Financial survival is as critical as technical feasibility. We help you maximize non-dilutive capital and extend your runway.
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Leadership & Security
Leadership & Security via Techniker Krankenkasse
Scaling a technology requires scaling a team safely. We ensure you and your team are compliant and protected.
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Industrial Sparring
Industrial Sparring with Veterans
Technical mentoring from veterans to bridge the critical gap between lab concept and industrial pilot.
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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
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Our 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?
Yes. The program is funded by the Berlin Senate and the European Social Fund. We are here to support your company, not to own a piece of it.
What does the grant support cover?
Up to €200,000 per company: €2,500 per month per founder in cash, plus €28,600 in in-kind support per founder covering lab access, materials, workshops, and services.
How many startups are accepted per batch?
Up to Five. Intentionally small so every team gets real attention, not a seat in a room.
Does the program run in English?
Yes. MotionLab.Berlin is an international community and all program activities are conducted 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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. The program is funded by the Berlin Senate and the European Social Fund. We are here to support your company, not to own a piece of it.Up to €200,000 per company: €2,500 per month per founder in cash, plus €28,600 in in-kind support per founder covering lab access, materials, workshops, and services.Up to Five. Intentionally small so every team gets real attention, not a seat in a room.Yes. MotionLab.Berlin is an international community and all program activities are conducted in English.
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.
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
MotionLab.Berlin is Germany’s premier Innovation Hub & Makerspace – an ecosystem for Hardtech, art, creativity, and entrepreneurship.