Incubator
Learn how to build products, validate business ideas to gain clarity. Get accelerator ready!
introduction
Build, Learn, Iterate
Incubator is a program offering early stage founders confidence and clarity through essential startup education and mentorship.
We understand the ups and downs of building a startup. That’s why we created a powerful 5-month program designed to turn your idea from concept to a thriving reality. We leverage our extensive experience and expertise to empower early-stage founders like you.
In the Incubator you will learn to refine concepts, gain the confidence and clarity to make the business idea solid, increase its potential for success, unlock crucial market insights, and develop a clear roadmap. This roadmap will guide your startup journey, equipping you with the strategic direction and practical steps needed to achieve your milestones.
By being part of the Incubator you will join and immerse yourself in our vibrant community of over 200 startups. Foster valuable connections, learn from experienced founders and unlock your full potential.
This is more than just an incubator; it’s your launchpad to new entrepreneurial heights.
-
1
Target group
Early stage startups [pre-funding or idea stage]
-
2
Setup
Learn how to validate ideas, unlock market potential, craft your first MVP through variety of workshops, access to a mentor pool, regular coaching and peer to peer learning.
-
3
duration
Full time 5-month program in Heilbronn starting November 2026
Benefits of joining Incubator
Full-Time Focus on Your Startup
Work uninterrupted on building your venture throughout the program.
Access to our Campus Lab and full-time program allows you to dedicate your energy exclusively to your venture, within a productive and encouraging environment
See Less
Safe Space for Testing & Iteration
Build, learn, and iterate without fear of failure.
Get guidance to de-risk business ideas. Test ideas, gather feedback, and refine your product rapidly in a supportive environment that encourages experimentation.
See Less
Peer-to-Peer Learning & Exchange
Collaborate in 10+ working sessions with other founders facing similar challenges.
Build relationships, exchange ideas, and find creative solutions together in a safe, supportive environment.
See Less
Vibrant Founder & Innovator Community
Join a dynamic community designed to help you network, collaborate, and grow with like-minded innovators.
See Less
Growth Beyond the Program
Ongoing support through follow-up programs and our alumni network.
After the Incubator, continue growing with our follow-up programs and access to the Campus Founders community and resources.
See Less
Practical Knowledge
15+ Expert-Led Workshops
15 workshops with experts at Campus Founders on-site in Heilbronn
• Coaching sessions for your team with experienced coaches
See Less
Opportunity to Secure Founder Scholarship
We offer a scholarship program for high potential founder personalities. The aim of the scholarship is to provide financial support to founders earlier in their entrepreneurial journey. As a participant in our Incubator program, you are qualified to apply for our Founder Scholarship.
For more information on the requirements and to apply for the founder scholarship please Click here
See Less
Start your Founder Journey
Apply now to join the Incubator and turn your early-stage idea into a thriving venture — with the guidance, tools, and community to back you.
Application Process
Need more information?
- Application start: 10th of August 2026
- Application deadline: 30th of September 2026
Send Application
Apply for the Incubator by filling out the application form.
Meet and Greet Session
Get more information about the program during our onboarding session.
Application Evaluation
After you have successfully submitted your application we will evaluate it.
Notification
You will receive the final decision from us regarding your participation in the Incubator as soon as possible.
Program Timeline
Follow the journey from onboarding to prototype — see how the four weeks are structured and what happens when.
MONTH 1
MONTH 1
Onboarding to the program
Get onboarded, explore the ecosystem, and complete your user research.
MONTH 2
MONTH 2
Craft your startup foundation
MONTH 3
MONTH 3
Test and present your solution
MONTH 4
MONTH 4
Test and present your solution
Step outside. Test your idea, attend events, and get ready for investor pitch.
MONTH 5
MONTH 5
Take off to the new chapter
Wrap it all up. Demo Day and the first steps of your next chapter
Impressions
"Our partnership has transformed the way we approach education, enabling us to provide innovative solutions that benefit our students and faculty alike."
Dr. Emily Smith
Dean, University of Innovation
"Our partnership has transformed the way we approach education, enabling us to provide innovative solutions that benefit our students and faculty alike."
Dr. Emily Smith
Dean, University of Innovation
"Our partnership has transformed the way we approach education, enabling us to provide innovative solutions that benefit our students and faculty alike."
Dr. Emily Smith
Dean, University of Innovation
"Our partnership has transformed the way we approach education, enabling us to provide innovative solutions that benefit our students and faculty alike."
Dr. Emily Smith
Dean, University of Innovation
"Our partnership has transformed the way we approach education, enabling us to provide innovative solutions that benefit our students and faculty alike."
Dr. Emily Smith
Dean, University of Innovation
"Our partnership has transformed the way we approach education, enabling us to provide innovative solutions that benefit our students and faculty alike."
Dr. Emily Smith
Dean, University of Innovation
Partners
Kickstart your Startup Journey
Learn how to build products, validate business ideas to gain clarity. Get accelerator ready!
FAQs
Find answers to your most pressing questions about the Incubator program.
Does the program cost me anything?
Participation in the program is free of charge. You just have to convince us of your motivation as a team, commitment and idea.
Can I join the program alone or do I need a team?
Teamwork makes a dream work. We are convinced that teams create great benefits and give you the needed space to focus on building your product.
Alternatively, it is also possible that you apply as a single founder (solopreneur). Finding the perfect co-founder can be a challenge, but we’re here to help. While we can’t guarantee a match in this current program, we thoroughly assess each applicant to identify strong potential fits.
If your profile doesn’t align perfectly for this batch, we’ll still keep you in our talent pool and consider you for future opportunities, including upcoming program batch and potential connections within our network.
In which stage should my idea or startup be to participate in the program?
Our program is designed for aspiring founders and early-stage startups working on an idea with an extensive problem understanding. We need to see that you have put in some initial work trying to validate your idea and gain market insights. It will also show us that you are dedicated.
What will be the language of the program?
The main program language will be in English. Nevertheless individual coaching sessions can also be conducted in German for German-speaking teams.
How much time should I invest into the Incubator per week?
While we have two dedicated full-time presence days in Heilbronn each week, managing other commitments outside of these sessions remains an individual decision for each team. We encourage open communication with your coaches and mentors to ensure a manageable workload that aligns with your personal and team priorities.
The program is designed to be flexible and adapt to your individual schedule. We understand that dedication to your startup extends beyond the Incubator and involves your team’s commitment and hard work.
Is physical presence in Heilbronn required throughout the program, or can I participate remotely?
While we encourage participants to be based in the Heilbronn area to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant startup ecosystem and leverage the benefits of in-person interaction, we don’t strictly require physical residence in Heilbronn throughout the program.
However, it’s important to note that our program incorporates mandatory presence days at the Campus Lab in Heilbronn. During these designated days, active participation and collaboration on-site are crucial for effective learning, team building, and networking opportunities.
Remote participation is not currently available for these specific days.
What type of startup ideas are typically a good fit to the program?
We believe that passionate founders with strong ideas deserve support, regardless of the field or industry they operate in. Our program is designed to empower early-stage founders across all sectors, providing the tools and resources needed to turn their concepts into thriving businesses.
We’re excited to see innovative ideas from diverse fields and support founders who are tackling challenges and creating value in different areas. What matters most to us is your dedication, vision, and potential for growth.
If you have a well-defined problem, a passionate team, and a strong desire to make a difference, we encourage you to apply, regardless of your specific industry focus. We are confident that our program can provide valuable guidance and support to help you launch and scale your venture successfully.
Can I work on my startup at Campus Founders Space GRAVITY?
Absolutely! We encourage you to work on your startup at Campus Founders. GRAVITY is designed to be your hub for innovation and collaboration during the Incubator and in our follow-up programs.
We believe that the best startups are built through collaboration and community. By joining a Campus Founders program, you’ll be surrounded by the resources and support network you need to turn your startup dream into a reality.
And who knows, could be that your next coffee break at our community kitchen could lead to a connection with a pilot customer, venture manager or a dedicated user of your service.
Can Campus Founders support me in applying for Exist*?
EXIST grants represent a valuable opportunity. We have a strong network of academic partners (universities) authorized to submit EXIST applications, and that have a proven track record of guiding teams through successful applications.
*EXIST is a prestigious German government grant program specifically designed to support promising early-stage startups with high-growth potential. By leveraging our expertise and connections, we can significantly increase your chances of securing this valuable funding.
Can we get access to companies and business angels (Investors) through Campus Founders?
At Campus Founders, we understand the importance of building strong connections within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. That’s why we provide a platform for our program participants with a strong network of founders, experts, midsized companies and investors opening doors to valuable connections for your startup.
Is there any scholarship opportunity?
We’re excited to announce a new scholarship for participants in our incubator and accelerator programs! This scholarship is designed to support promising founders and ideas by helping to cover founders’ living costs. The scholarship can be granted for up to 12 months, depending on participation in our programs and the achievement of jointly defined milestones.
Once you’re accepted into the incubator/accelerator program, we’ll send you a link to apply for the scholarship. As we examine every application in detail, please make sure to apply as soon as possible. Also note that the application process for the scholarship is separate and you do not automatically qualify for it.
We’ll be launching more information about the scholarship on the Campus Founders website in a few days.
In case you have specific questions about the scholarship option, please don’t hesitate and contact founderscholarship@campusfounders.de
Not the right
offering for you?
Explore our other programs and offerings
Incubator
AI Start
Corporate Campus Challenge
Venture Studio
Leadership Talent Academy
Accelerator
Corporate Partnerships
Press and Media Center
Careers
Heilbronn Startup Ecosystem
Research Partnerships
Investor Partnerships