

STARTUP ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
MOTIONLAB.BERLIN
HARDTECH INNOVATION
HARDTECH INNOVATION PROGRAM
WHAT IT IS ABOUT
We cannot be certain what kind of changes hardtech innovation holds for us in the future. But they will keep changing our lives. For far too long we have ignored the consequences of rising CO2-emissions, scarcity of resources, energy inefficiency, marine littering and so much more. Yet, we still have the opportunity to make up for past mistakes.
The development of viable hardtech solutions is key to combating climate change and to facilitating the transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy. Even so, founding a hardtech startup is often still seen as undesirable due to a lack of funding or adequate space to develop prototypes.









At MotionLab.Berlin we pursue a mission! We want to encourage young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality. Sounds exciting? Then scroll down and learn more about our accelerator program Hardtech Innovation! Join the program, develop your ideas and build your own prototype with us.
The Hardtech Innovation program is funded by the European Union and the federal state of Berlin within the framework of the European Social Fund.
KEY DATES & CRITERIA
Key Dates
Application phase:
15. August –
15. September 2022
Extended: Apply till 21. September 2022 – 6 more days to apply!
Selection phase
15. September – 1. October 2022
Batch 2 announcement:
4. October 2022
Program start:
1. November 2022 (running 6 months)
Program criteria
We welcome all hardtech startups that:
- Enhance material reuse & recyclability
- Contribute to the circular economy: Built to last, zero waste, product after life
- Implement reverse logistics and democratize the use of reusable packaging
- Further develop bio based & biodegradable materials : bioplastics, bio composites, etc.
- Improve digital manufacturing: digital twin, parametric design, non-destructive testing, predictive maintenance, new means of manufacturing
If you have an idea but it doesn’t fall into one of these categories, don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll be curious to see what innovative solution you have.







PROGRAM TIMELINE & MODULS


PROGRAM PERKS
WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY?
-
6-month accelerator & 6-months follow-on support
Receive 6 month direct support and access to the entire MotionLab.Berlin ecosystem, workshops, coaches and mentors & the support of an additional 6 month alumni membership to ensure your onward growth -
Financial Support
2000€ / month cash support and valuable in-kind support which includes access to the MotionLab.Berlin campus, office, machinery and support -
Access to partners & networks
Full access to Europe's biggest hardtech network and ecosystem -
Individually tailored mentorship
Hardware and business coaching with industry experts
-
Access to services & resources
Full access to high-end prototyping machinery & BIG corporate services which includes support in: grant applications; IP:patent, trademark and copyright applications; certification; technical redaction -
Workshops & masterclasses
Access to subject specific knowledge in a learning by doing environment through professional workshops and masterclasses -
Visibility & marketing
Receive strategic marketing support and be visible in our online marketing channels -
Community & coworking space
Be part of our inspiring hardtech community and work in an individually tailored program office
For MotionLab.Berlin diversity matters! Individuals from all ages and nationalities are highly welcome. It’s close to our hearts to support women in tech industries.
REQUIREMENTS
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We are looking for startups, which:
- Find themselves at an early stage and preseed
- Are incorporated for no longer than three months
- Pursue a sustainable approach to their work
- Want to create a positive impact on society
- Are founded by a team of at least two individuals
Team individuals should:
- Be registered in Berlin or planning to move here within the six months time
- Be fully committed to their startup and our program
- Not have received any public grants yet (for example EXIST or Berlin Startup Stipendium)
HARDTECH INNOVATION
MEET BATCH 2
HARDTECH INNOVATION
OUR BATCH 2
LIMEN is developing mood enhancing perfumes and a smart fragrance diffuser, that fills your room with the right fragrance in the right moment to improve your mood and quality of life.
“Know what your van interior is made of.” Materialogic builds van interior kits and turn-key solutions for a healthier & more sustainable lifestyle.
Red Arrow Tec is developing a new kind of jet engine for cargo drones and air taxis, that is much lighter and less complex.
Coresleep are working on early diagnosis of sleep problems. A.I. solution that turns your sleep statistics into actionable data.
Wingrow creates a vertical farm for your window board that grows microgreens in a week with a set up time of 1 minute.
InPeaces strives to enable you to create personalized fashion with customizable sewing sets and a sewing-by-numbers system.

Clippits is a simple but effective durable plastic clip that will fit a range of different cable diameters and can be applied to the cable quickly with just one hand
NeoCarbon strives for a planet where CO2 emissions from industries such as aviation or agriculture has become a relic of the past
Mister Balcony makes solar energy accessible for people who live in apartments. No tech and DIY background is needed
Caliring is a combination of a gymnastics ring and a push up handle to get a portable and multiuse Training device to use anywhere for all hanging exercises and pressing exercises on the floor
PROGRAM NEWS
STARTUPS, UPDATES & PAST BATCHES
News and blog posts about past batches, latest updates, startups, developments, events and much more!
OUR HARDTECH STARTUP PROGRAMS
ARE SUPPORTED BY




OUR HARDTECH STARTUP PROGRAMS
ARE SUPPORTED BY




ANY QUESTIONS?
FAQ'S
The program takes place at the MotionLab.Berlin campus in Berlin Treptow.
- You are expected to live in and register your residency in Berlin for the duration of the program
- Your start-up has to be early stage and preseed
- You should not have received any public grants yet (EXIST or Berlin Startup Stipendium)
- Your company should not be registered for more than three months prior to the application date (not registered companies are eligible for access to the program
- If your company is incorporated, the date of incorporation cannot be older than 3 months upon application
- You should be willing to commit to full-time employment for six months
- You are not allowed to be enrolled as a university student for the duration of the program
You can apply via our application portal, from the 15th of August 2022 onwards.
After the application deadline our jury is going to decide who will be invited to the second round of interviews. On October 3, 2022, we will announce five teams who will join us for the Batch 2 program as of November 1, 2022.
Our jury compiled of MotionLab.Berlin experts and advisors will evaluate the applicants based on:
- founder-market-fit
- feasibility of technology
- feasibility of business model approach
- team composition
- likelihood to successfully have a sustainable and or social impact
Full commitment, punctuality and clear communication. But most importantly: Enjoying being part of the community at MotionLab.Berlin
The program will end with a Demo Day where you can pitch your projects in front of Investors, the hardware ecosystem and our community. At the end of the program, you will be part of MotionLab.Berlin alumni network which allows for future benefitting from our ecosystem
All workshops will be held in English. It is therefore required that you and your team have a sound command of the English language. Speaking German is a benefit.
We do not take equity. We invest 2000€/month cash and valuable in-kind support which includes access to the MotionLab.Berlin campus, progran office, machines and labs as well as regular knowledge and support from the MotionLab.Berlin business and hardware coaches, engineers and mentors.