Tech Talent Program
Deep Tech Journey
By the end of this program, you will have solved a real industry problem, built a working prototype, and stepped into a community of engineers, founders, and makers. Free for students in Berlin, Brandenburg, and Dresden – and designed to open doors, not just fill a CV.
12 weeks. Real projects. Your next career move. Join us now!
Week Program
Free
No cost for your
Workshops
Personal Mentors
Students per Team
Is this for you?
Who we are looking for
No simulations. No textbook cases. In the Tech Talent Program, you join a hand-picked team of five students and spend 12 weeks solving a real challenge for a real company. You get access to MotionLab.Berlin's labs, a dedicated mentor duo, and a community of founders, engineers, and makers. The program ends with Graduation Day, where you present your work to the industry, and often walk away with your next opportunity.
We are looking for ...
students who want to build, not just study. Curious, hands-on, and ready to work in a team on something real.
Not sure you fit?
Apply anyway! We care more about attitude than perfect credentials. If you are curious and ready to build, we want to hear from you.
Stage
Bachelor's student (4th semester or above), Master's, or PhD student
Location
Currently enrolled at a university in Berlin, Brandenburg, or Dresden
Background
Studying STEM, computer science, economics, architecture, or design
Mindset
Ready to commit fully for 12 weeks and driven to solve real problems alongside real teams
Challenge Givers
Companies our students have built for.
Pick your Challenge
Each team works on one real innovation case from a partner company. These are not toy problems. You will build, test, and ship a working prototype under real conditions.
Real Industry Challenges
AI / Safety Tech
How can AI and machine learning make fire detection smarter and safer?
Smart Building
How can sensor and camera integration redefine smart building automation?
Health Tech
How can we automate testing to make non-invasive glucose measurement more reliable and scalable?
Climate Tech
How can climate technology become a tangible, engaging experience for visitors of all backgrounds?
Sustainable Construction
How do IoT systems, sensors, and data behave on concrete trucks under tough real-world conditions?
Are you a scale-up or corporate? Host a Tech Challenge with MotionLab.Berlin.
What you will do
Program Schedule
Bootcamp
Hands-on workshops in 3D printing, prototyping, IoT, and agile teamwork. You hit the ground running and leave ready to build.
Industry Challenge
Work in a team of five on your chosen challenge. Weekly check-ins with your company coach, bi-weekly mentoring, and free tickets to selected industry events.
Graduation Day
Present your prototype to industry partners, earn your certificate, and join the alumni network. Career Doors open here.
Early Bird Access
Sign up now to be the first in line
Application Phase
Application opens September 2026
Announcement
Notified ~ 2 weeks after close
Program Duration
12 weeks, starting October 2026
Program End
Present your work and earn your certificate at Graduation Day
What you get
Benefits
Full Makerspace Access
3D printers, laser cutters, electronics labs, CNC machines, and coworking spaces. All free for the duration of the program.
Mentor Duo
One tech mentor, one business mentor. Dedicated to your team. There every week, not just when it's convenient.
Workshops
30+ sessions covering 3D printing, AI/ML, IoT, electronics, agile, design thinking, and more. Led by people who build real products.
Events & Industry Access
Free tickets to MotionLab.Berlin events, selected trade shows, and industry conferences. Get into rooms that matter.
Certificate & Portfolio Project
A real project you built and showcased. Plus a certificate that shows you can deliver under real conditions, not just in theory.
Career Pathways
Direct connections to internships, thesis opportunities, and first jobs at partner companies and the wider MotionLab.Berlin ecosystem.
Apply now
Universities
FAQ
Your Questions
What is the Tech Talent Program?
A free 12-week deep tech program for students in Berlin, Brandenburg, and Dresden. You work in a team of five on a real industry challenge from a Scale-Up or SME, with access to MotionLab.Berlin’s labs, mentors, and workshops throughout.
Who can apply?
How do I apply?
Choose the challenge that fits your interests and submit your application through the form. If your profile is a match, we’ll invite you for a short interview to talk through your skills, motivation, and availability.
Once confirmed, you’re in – show up, build, and get started.
Can non-EU or exchange students apply?
Is the program really free?
Yes. There is no cost to participate. You get full lab access, workshops, mentoring, and event tickets at no charge.
Where does it take place?
Primarily at MotionLab.Berlin’s Campus Alt-Treptow in Berlin. Some challenges may involve visits to partner company locations.
What language is the program in?
How much time do I need per week?
I have exams or a part-time job. Can I still join?
It depends on the overlap. We recommend being honest in your application about your availability. We look for full commitment during the program.
What will I actually build?
A working prototype addressing a real challenge from one of our partner companies. Past teams have built AI detection systems, smart sensor prototypes, automated test stations, and more.
How does the application and selection work?
Can I apply with friends?
Do I get a certificate or ECTS credits?
What about IP and NDAs?
Are materials and machine training included?
Yes. All materials needed for your challenge and access to machine training are covered.
Do I get mentors and career support?
What happens after Graduation Day?
You join the alumni network and talent pool. Many participants go on to internships, thesis projects, or full-time roles at partner companies or ecosystem startups.
What Alumni say
Voice
Tech Talent Program
"MotionLab.Berlin did not just teach me tech – it taught me to thrive in the storm."
Mandeep Karn
Participant Batch #7
Voice
Tech Talent Program
"The program not only allowed me to apply the skills I gained during my studies but also introduced me to the vibrant MotionLab.Berlin community and Berlin’s dynamic startup ecosystem."
Ahmed Omar
Participant Batch #7
Voice
Tech Talent Program
"A huge thank you to Fridtjof Gustavs and the entire MotionLab.Berlin team for organizing this program and providing such an amazing workspace and resources for collaboration. This experience has been unforgettable!"
Sona Vardanyan
Participant Batch #7
MotionLab.Berlin is Germany’s premier Innovation Hub & Makerspace – an ecosystem for Hardtech, art, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
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