DE

Incubator

Learn how to build products, validate business ideas to gain clarity. Get accelerator ready!

Incubator

Build, Learn, Iterate

Build, Learn, Iterate

Incubator is a program that gives early-stage founders the confidence and clarity to build with purpose, through essential startup education and hands-on 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 draw on our extensive experience and expertise to empower early-stage founders like you.

In the Incubator, you'll learn to refine your concept, gain the confidence and clarity to strengthen your business idea, and boost its potential for success. You'll unlock crucial market insights and develop a clear roadmap that guides your startup journey and equips you with the strategic direction and practical steps needed to hit your milestones.

As part of the Incubator, you'll immerse yourself in our vibrant community of over 200 startups, build valuable connections, learn from experienced founders, and unlock your full potential.

Because it is more than just an incubator. It's your launchpad to new entrepreneurial heights.

  • Target Group

    Early stage startups [pre-funding or idea stage]

  • 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.

  • Duration

    Full time 5-month program in Heilbronn starting May 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

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.

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.

Vibrant Founder & Innovator Community

Join a dynamic community designed to help you network, collaborate, and grow with like-minded innovators.

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.

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

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

Application Process

STEP 1

Send Application

Apply for the Incubator by filling out the application form.

STEP 2

Meet-and-Greet-Session

Get more information about the program during our onboarding sessions

STEP 3

Application Evaluation

After you have successfully submitted your application we will evaluate it.

STEP 4

Notification

You will receive the final decision from us regarding your participation in the Incubator as soon as possible.

Program Timeline

MONTH 1

MONTH 1

Onboarding to the Programm

Get onboarded, explore the ecosystem, and complete your user research.

MONTH 2

MONTH 2

Craft your startup foundation

Plan your startup roadmap, sync with your team, and start building your MVP.

MONTH 3

MONTH 3

Test and present your solution

Go full speed. Present your progress at Mid-Term and refine your direction.

MONTH 4

MONTH 4

Take off to the new chapter

Wrap it all up. Demo Day and the first steps of your next chapter

Impressions

Partners

Main video

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about the Incubator program.

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 batches 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?

Absolutely! We encourage you to work on your startup at Campus Founders. The Campus Lab 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.

In case you have specific questions about the scholarship option, please don't hesitate and contact johannes@campusfounders.de.

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