Applications open for Bridge-to-Market Program (Germany)

The program focuses primarily on product and market validations as well as evaluating the technical feasibility of scientific AI models and data. In addition, other reviews, such as legal validations in terms of data protection, are also conceivable.

Benefits

• During the program, teams are supported by startup coaches from Science & Startups in reviewing the existing ideas, approaches and results for their product and market viability.
• In addition, they offer access to a network of AI experts and provide the teams with valuable workshops on AI and market strategy.

Funding Information

• Participants will receive financial and content support. As part of Bridge-to-Market you will have access to workshops, events to foster networking, and receive financial support for 6 months in terms of monthly scholarships per founder (a maximum of 3 founders are supported) and up to 10,000 EUR per team to be used for material resources and services for validation purposes.
  • The amount of monthly scholarships depends on the experience and level of education of the founder:
  • PhDs and graduates with three or more years of full-time professional experience receive 3,000 euros gross per month.
  • Graduates with less than three years of professional experience receive 2,500 euros gross per month.
  • Technical employees receive 2,000 euros gross per month.
  • Students (doctoral students and master’s/bachelor’s degree students) can apply for the student grant of 1,000 euros gross per month for 20h/week in the program.
• In addition, similar to exist, child bonus of up to 150 euros per month per child is granted.
• Teams may also decide to allocate more than 10,000 EUR to purchase materials and services for validation purposes.

Eligibility Criteria

• Anyone with (or close to) an academic degree who has an innovative idea to develop an artificial intelligence-related product or business.
• Ideal for those who wish to further develop their idea in terms of market and/or technology validation (for instance, possible Bridge-to-Market activities include conducting market research and developing a prototype).
• Preference is given to science-based start-ups (research-based teams) and eligible teams according to EXIST program regulations. There should also be a clear focus on the SDGs.

Selection Criteria

• They select early-stage teams with not yet incorporated startups that propose innovative and promising AI-based solutions.
• AI technologies must play a central role in the core product, while target markets must demonstrate broad potential for future business growth.
• Founders should possess a complementary skill set essential to advance the project to the next level.

Application Criteria

• There is a two-stage application process.
• First, experienced reviewers check whether the project described in the application form appears promising in terms of a startup and whether AI is sufficiently important for the business model.
• If the project outline is convincing, the applying team is invited to pitch to present the project in a second step. An independent jury decides on the acceptance into the program.

For more information, visit Κ.Ι.Ε.Ζ.