Accelerator
Acquire the tools to validate your business model, gain traction, and achieve investor-readiness within 12 weeks.
introduction
Valid, Execute, Grow
We are here to give ambitious founder personalities the support they need. This not only means financial support for living expenses and housing costs but also regular check-ins, and coaching sessions with our experts and mentors.
You are a participant in the Campus Founders ‘Incubator’ or ‘Accelerator’ program.
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Target group
Early-stage startups with one technical co-founder and one business co-founder, or single founders with high potential.
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Setup
The program offers a "Business Track" to refine strategies and optimize operations. The "Well-Being Track" focuses on conscious leadership and sustainable self-management.
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duration
13.April - 03.July 2026
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application deadline
Mid January - End February
Benefits of joining Accelerator
By the end of AI Start, you won’t just have a concept: you will have a validated prototype, the knowledge to implement AI effectively, and the confidence to take the next step.
Your journey doesn’t end here. This is only the beginning!
Advanced Business Workshops
Business knowledge is readily available online, and we understand that. That's why our experts tailor the content to suit the practical needs of our startup in the cohort. It's not the typical workshop setup, instead, picture a small, focused cohort guided by an industry expert, ensuring an intimate and hands-on learning experience. Business topics covered include achieving product-market fit, product development, customer discovery, marketing, fundraising, and sales for startups.
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First-Class Mentors
Access a diverse group of experienced mentors who bring industry-specific knowledge. These mentors offer extensive expertise, invaluable guidance and constructive feedback on your journey as a founder.
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Be one of the first Cohorts to get accelerated in GRAVITY
Spanning eight levels and 7,000 square meters Gravity — as the name suggests — is set to become Europe’s center of gravity for innovation and entrepreneurship, where ideas take shape, partnerships form, and businesses move forward.
Enjoy 24/7 access and top-tier amenities designed to spark creativity and productivity, all conveniently located in the city center. More than just a workspace, it’s your launchpad for growth.
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Heilbronn: Europe’s Booming Tech Hub
Our network isn’t just a number, it’s highly engaged and business-focused. From sharing insights to opening doors and exploring real opportunities, we have built this network to help you grow faster, make smarter decisions, and build meaningful connections, in the region and beyond.
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Wellbeing for Founders Who Wants to Last
Startups are a marathon, not a sprint, and YOU are your startup’s most important asset. That’s why our wellbeing track helps you build the internal clarity, resilience, and presence needed to lead for the long haul.
Through a science-based, founder-centered retreat series, you’ll gain practical tools from psychology, neuroscience, and embodied practices, all tailored for the real emotional rollercoaster of startup life.
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Strategic Milestone Coaching
Work closely with our experienced startup managers to outline milestones from the very start of the accelerator. Benefit from regular check-ins where startup managers provide continuous guidance, support, and assessments of progress.
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Scholarship: We Fund Your Focus
We don´t want you stuck in survival mode! We want you FOCUSED on building. Thta´s why, as part of the Accelerator, you´re eligible for up to €18,000 scholarship [€1,500/month for 12 months], giving you the financial stability to fully commit to your startup. The scholarship is milestone-based and aligned with your entrepreneurial goals, so you stay focused, driven, and supported every step of your way.
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Apply and Accelerate
Seize the opportunity to supercharge your startup’s growth with the right resources, people, and direction.
Application Process
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Application Deadline
01.03.2026
Pitch Invitation
Early March
Notification of Acceptance
Early March
Program Start
13.04.2026
Program Timeline
Follow the journey from onboarding to prototype — see how the four weeks are structured and what happens when.
Week 1-2
Week 1-2
Kick-Off & Goal Setting
- Welcome to Campus Founders & Ecosystem
- Funding Opportunities & Resources
- Set 12-week Milestones with Startup Managers
- Well-Being Track Focus: Tools for Focus, Calm, and Clarity
Week 3-7
Week 3-7
Customer & Business Readiness
- Better understand your customer & user research and techniques
- Business Plan and Pitch Deck Prompting
- Pitching for startups
Week 8-12
Week 8-12
Funding Readiness
- Deal Structuring & Legal
- Dynamics of Venture Capital & Business Angels
- Negotiating with investors
- Pitching Mastery: Story-Lining & Story-Telling
- Well-Being Track Focus: Creativity, Emotional Release & Presence
Impressions
The integration of emotional well‑being with practical startup execution was what set this accelerator apart. It was more than just business growth—it nurtured my resilience as a founder and enabled real progress in who I am and what we could achieve.
This experience didn’t just sharpen our startup. It reshaped my belief in myself. Turning “Impossible” into “I’m possible” wasn’t just a slogan—it became my reality. Thank you, Campus Founders, for empowering founders to grow with vision, heart, and grit.
The integration of emotional well‑being with practical startup execution was what set this accelerator apart. It was more than just business growth—it nurtured my resilience as a founder and enabled real progress in who I am and what we could achieve.
This experience didn’t just sharpen our startup. It reshaped my belief in myself. Turning “Impossible” into “I’m possible” wasn’t just a slogan—it became my reality. Thank you, Campus Founders, for empowering founders to grow with vision, heart, and grit.
The integration of emotional well‑being with practical startup execution was what set this accelerator apart. It was more than just business growth—it nurtured my resilience as a founder and enabled real progress in who I am and what we could achieve.
This experience didn’t just sharpen our startup. It reshaped my belief in myself. Turning “Impossible” into “I’m possible” wasn’t just a slogan—it became my reality. Thank you, Campus Founders, for empowering founders to grow with vision, heart, and grit.
Ready to Propel Your Business Journey?
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FAQs
Find the answer to your question about the Accelerator program
Does the program cost me anything?
Participation in the program is free of charge. You just have to convince us of your motivation and commitment.
I am a single founder. Can I still apply to your program?
Many successful startups consist of at least two founders who can cover the technical and business fundamentals. However, if you have a special talent and are convinced that you have what it takes to build and run your own business, we are willing to make an exception for you. Get in touch with us, and we will try to find a solution for you.
I have a full-time job or I am studying. Is your program right for me?
What we expect from our founders is full commitment to the program and building their startup. If you are working full-time or in the midst of your studies, it will be difficult to keep up with the fast pace of the program. We require that at least one of your co-founders is fully dedicated to the business, ideally all of them.
In what stage should my idea or startup be to participate in the program?
You should be beyond the idea and prototype stage — with at least the first iteration of your product built. We're looking for early-stage startups that have some initial traction and are now focused on validating, growing, and getting investor- ready.
May I participate in any other startup programs / accelerators / incubators in parallel?
Text: As our curriculum is fast-paced and challenging, we expect you to focus solely on the Accelerator program full-time.
Do I have to be in Heilbronn for the duration of the program?
Yes, this is one of our requirements. To get the most out of the program, physical attendance is highly preferred. If you do not live in Heilbronn or the surrounding area, we encourage you to apply for the Founder Scholarship to support your transition to Heilbronn during the program.
How many teams will you select for the program?
We will be selecting up to 10 teams.
What criteria do you use to determine what teams you select?
Our selection criteria revolve around the problem you are trying to solve, the innovativeness of your idea and your competition, the size of the market you are addressing, the scalability of the idea, and your business model. Additionally, we will evaluate whether your team includes both a technical and a business co-founder and has the potential to build a successful business. Finally, we will assess whether you are a good fit for the program and the community.
How does the accelerator decide who is accepted to the program?
After the application deadline, a diverse team of evaluators will carefully review all submissions. Shortlisted teams will be invited to pitch, and ultimately, up to 10 teams will be selected for the program. Successful applicants will be notified by email.
If I don’t get selected this year, can I apply again?
Yes, absolutely! If you're not selected for this batch, don't worry. Keep refining your idea, stay determined, and feel free to apply again in the future batches. Persistence pays off! Best of luck!
How does a typical day look like during the Accelerator Program?
The program calendar will be filled with various components ranging from workshops, lectures, pitch practice and opportunities to connect with your program peers. If you are spending the day at the Campus Lab, we also expect many community members to drop into Campus Founders Lab at various times throughout the day, giving you opportunity to expand your network. There will also be a ton of community events going on. In general, though, you'll be working on your product each day, just like all the other founders in the program.
I have another question about the application process or the program, where can i get help?
We will be running a number of community events and Q&A sessions before the start of the batch. You may join us there to have your questions answered, so keep an eye on our upcoming events. Alternatively, reach out to samer@campusfounders.de for assistance.
Is there any scholarship opportunity?
We're excited to announce the Founder scholarship for participants in our accelerator and incubator 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.
In case you have specific questions about the scholarship option, please don't hesitate and contact Etienne@campusfounders.de.
What language is the Accelerator Program conducted in?
The official language of the program is English. All workshops, meetups, and communications are conducted entirely in English. This also allows us to bring together a diverse community of founders, mentors, and experts from across the globe, creating a truly international and collaborative environment.
Will we have enough time to focus on our startup and actually work on it?
Yes! The program is flexible by design. While there are some mandatory events (kick-off week, weekly check-ins, milestone-setting, and Demo Day), most workshops and events are on demand. You decide what's most relevant for your startup. We're here to support, not overload your calendar.
Team
Meet the Campus Founders Team
Meet the passionate minds behind Accelerator program
Samer Nabha
Program Manager Accelerator
Lisa Kohl
Program Coordinator
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