We are keen to work with start-ups in the in the pre-seed and seed stage with a strong high-tech focus. Specific technologies of interest see in the following. However, if you are working on a technology-based business that is not included in this list, don't hesitate to apply! We are looking forward to seeing creative and groundbreaking solutions in all technology fields.
Our program is completely free and we do not take any equity!
Intense review and development of your business model
Weekly 1:1 sessions with the XPRENEURS program team
Ongoing exchanges with other founders participating in the program
Matched personal companion supporting your journey
Individual mentorship during and after the XPRENEURS program
Access to our industry partners and VCs
Bi-weekly founder insights provided by experienced entrepreneurs
Insights on Sales, Marketing, Operations, Finance, Team etc.
Learn by doing approach
Intensive pitch and presentation training
Making your business understandable for anyone – easy as 123
Getting you prepared for the Demo Day where you will meet with potential customers and investors
You asked, we answered! In this video session, Venture Consultant Leo Martínez answered all your questions concerning our incubation program.
Lisa Liu, Co-Founder and CEO of Qkera of Batch #15, added the start-up perspective on what XPRENEURS has to offer.
XPRENEURS offers three tracks that are specifically targeted at different groups and provide more support. Find out if one of our tracks within our program is suitable for you.
Our Built Environment Track is powered by Nemetschek and supported by BEFIVE and TechFounders.
In the coming years, the built environment sector will undergo the most fundamental transformation of its existence. This offers innovative start-ups immense potential to become a driver of the change process. Building bridges between the “old” and “new” players is therefore a key success factor.
At the XPRENEURS Built Environment Track, we are dedicated to fostering innovation and transforming the construction and sustainability sectors. We invite groundbreaking startups to join our accelerator program and collaborate with us to shape the future of the built environment. If your startup is pushing the boundaries of technology and creating innovative solutions in construction, sustainability, or related fields, apply now! We are seeking startups that are driving innovation in the following areas:
We specifically encourage start-ups working on the following potential emerging technologies:
We are looking for startups developing platforms or data layers that enable comprehensive data integration beyond traditional BIM:
Startups focusing on solving interoperability challenges in the AEC/O industry are crucial for creating a more connected and efficient workflow:
We seek innovative startups developing AI-driven tools for architectural design, enhancing the creativity and efficiency of architects:
Powerful incubation services to the start-ups by XPRENEURS
Excellent access to relevant industry experts, mentors, potential customers and investors will be insured by BEFIVE(UnternehmerTUM's Built Environment Initiative, which works with well known established companies along the entire value chain)
Exchange of experiences with like-minded built environment start-ups
Our XLab Track is designed to help entrepreneurial scientists in their transition from lab to market
XLab is a track within our XPRENEURS incubation program exclusively targeted at scientists across universities and research organizations willing to commercialize high-tech, complete their team and accelerate this process to take the leap towards entrepreneurship. XLab offers more flexibility through virtual modules, lower intensity than the main XPRENEURS track but for a longer period of time (5 months instead of 3).
Our XLab CleanTech Track supports science-based start-ups that develop solutions to protect the environment
Powered by Vector Stiftung, our new Track within XLab aims at supporting entrepreneurial scientists whose start-up project addresses challenges in the environmental sector and enhances sustainability in any of our focus areas, e.g. in the domains of Construction/Built Environment, Clean Energy, Food and Agriculture or Materials.
A clear problem - solution fit addressing a relatively well sized market (e.g.: our epigenetic analysis software can identify nutritional deficiencies related to aging, thus helping young adult population change diets to lower their aging rate)
Team of minimum 2 people with complementary skills
Ideally close to a minimum viable product that has received feedback from first potential customers (depending on the technology field, un-tested prototypes will not fit, for example)
In addition for the XLab CleanTech Track:
Business model addresses a major challenge in the environmental sector
Spin-offs from universities or research organizations in the area of Baden-Württemberg, e.g. from KIT, are specifically encouraged to apply, but the track is open to all geographies.
Flexible integration of program with other obligations
Demand-based support for the gradual transition from science to business (e.g for IP & strategy, customers & funding)
Exchange with other entrepreneurial scientists across research organizations
Focus on matchmaking: mentors, investors, co-founders & talent pools
Making venturing programs more accessible and relevant for scientists
Exchanging experiences and using synergies to create more spin-off success stories
Building strong & diverse teams that combine tech and business expertise and are embedded in a powerful ecosystem
| Week | Events | Curriculum |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Offsite & Kick-off | Calibration Sessions |
| Week 2 | Stand-up Breakfast | Investor Readiness & Negotiation |
| Week 3 | Poker Night | Business Modelling |
| Week 4 | ||
| Week 5 | ||
| Week 6 | XCONNECT Mentors & Alumni | Pitch Training & Revision |
| Week 7 | Stand-up Breakfast | Legal Topics for Fundraising |
| Week 8 | Afterwork Dinner | IP Strategy |
| Week 9 | Hiring & Team Building | |
| Week 10 | ||
| Week 11 | XCONNECT Investors & Business Angels | Marketing & Branding Strategy |
| Week 12 | Stand-up Breakfast | B2B Sales Strategies |
| Week 13 | Business Angels Stammtisch | Product Development (Alumni Insights) |
| Week 14 | Personal Development (Resilience for Founders) | |
| Week 15 | Demo Day | |
| Week 16 | Batch Closing |
How do we apply to the XPRENEURS program?
Applications open twice per year.
Make sure you don't miss the application phase by signing up here for a notification email!
How does the selection process work?
First, we check if your application fulfills the minimum selection criteria for the XPRENEURS program. Then we will rate the different aspects of your application (e.g. product/service, team, or business model). The best 40-45 start-ups will be invited to pitch in front of the team. Finally, we will select 20-30 start-ups to participate in our program.
What are the eligibility criteria for start-ups to participate in the XPRENEURS program?
We generally accept start-ups from a wide range of fields. As minimum criteria, we require that your business model is based on a technological innovation, and that you already have a committed founder team with at least one full-time founder (no single founder). You do not need to have an incorporated company yet, but with a strong intent to fund a company. The field of our interest is mostly in the B2B market but on occasion, we also take in teams in the B2C/B2G market if its a strong team.
What materials do we need for the application to XPRENEURS?
We ask you for some information on the basic cornerstones of your business (e.g. your team, product/service, business model, market). In addition, we also ask you to submit a short informal video introducing your team (max. 2 minutes). Please also upload your up-to-date pitch deck (max. 15 slides).
When will the application phase for XPRENEURS Batch #17 start?
The application phase for Batch #17 runs from December 10, 2024 until January 20, 2025. The program will take place from March 3, 2025 until end of May, 2025 / beginning of June, 2025.
Make sure you don't miss it by signing up here for an email notification!
When will we know if our start-up is selected for XPRENEURS Batch #17?
Selection pitches will take place in the beginning of February 2025. We will send out acceptance and rejection messages by mid February 2025.
Is it possible to participate in the program part-time?
To really get all the benefits out of XPRENEURS, it’s required that all of your founder team members commit full-time to your start-up project during the 3-months period of the program. You should be willing and able to engage meaningfully with us in coaching, mentoring and workshop formats throughout the program duration. We know you’re busy building your start-up, so don’t worry - our program is intense, but customized to focus on what you need at the moment to be successful!
What are the benefits of the XPRENEURS program?
At XPRENEURS Incubator, your start-up benefits from coachings, workshops, 1:1 sessions with your mentor, our huge network of investor and industry contacts, free office space, access to perks valued >$380K such as Microsoft Services, AWS Credits, Google Cloud, Stripe, MixPanel and Hubspot and the resources of the UnternehmerTUM community in general! All of this is free of charge for you! We also take no equity. Read more about the benefits of our incubation program and learn what our alumni start-ups say here.
What topics and events does the XPRENEURS program cover?
See our example curriculum above.
What's the timeline for the XPRENEURS program?
The program duration is 3 months from Kickoff to our Ultimate Demo Day. The program starts twice per year, in March and in September.
Will our start-up get free office space?
Yes, all teams get access to free office space in the co-working area of the brand new Munich Urban Colab (or Garching if you prefer).
Will we get funding as part of the XPRENEURS Incubator program?
Many of our start-ups find an investor through our contacts and our Demo Day event. There is also the opportunity to get UnternehmerTUM Funding for Innovators Prototyping Grants in a total amount of €1,000 to €5,000 per grant. However, XPRENEURS does not give out grants or invest in start-ups.
When will the application phase for XPRENEURS Batch #17 start?
The application phase for Batch #17 runs from December 10, 2024 until January 20, 2025. The program will take place from March 3, 2025 until end of May, 2025 / beginning of June, 2025.
Make sure you don't miss it by signing up here for an email notification!
